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Hanover hosts IAA Commercial Vehicle show

The Iveco truck that runs on LNG. (Image source: Kestell Duxbury)

African Review visited Hanover for the 66th annual IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2016

With world leading brands such as Volkswagen, Continental, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Hyundai and Michelin attending the event, all eyes were on the latest innovations in the HGV world. 

There was an expansion of LNG technology ranged vehicles as LIQVIS and Volvo and others unveiled new products to drive the alternative fuel technology. In addition, urban safety was another topic discussed at the show, as ZF and WABCO look to increase the safety of HGVs, their drivers, other road users and pedestrian's safety.

At the show, many suppliers were very interested in the African markets. With known potential in the market, particularly for those brands that only operate in Europe currently, the interest is high. However, there are some drawbacks. For many, it is a lack of capacity to be able to supply to a region of that size and potential scale, particularly in single market small or medium sized businesses with few employees. The other drawback, for some, is the fact that the market has different needs to the European markets. But for most, Africa is where business wants and needs to be. 

For MAN, one of the world leaders in HGVs, the unveiling of the CLA range is one that should excite the African market. They focused on two central areas to improve their range for the African market. The first is how to improve cost-effectiveness and the second is how to increase the efficiency across the fleet. Both are important in the African market. They have also introduced a new tyre size which is more readily available as well as making the chassis stronger to carry overweighing loads and improved the engines ability to use dirtier fuels in tougher conditions. Norbert Schwer, manager for MAN group in Africa and Middle East spoke to us on the exciting new assembly plant in Addis Abba, Ethiopia. "People want to work and have pride in their work. We are excited to keep expanding into Africa."

The IAA 2016 show covered many products, innovations and market insights which are of interest to the African market, and African Review shall cover many of these over the coming weeks, with exclusive access to interviews with dealers, product releases and new press material insights.

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Evolving concept of energy security must address energy demand, system flexibility, technology access and infrastructure development, says IRENA. (Image source: IRENA)

World Bank & African Development Bank partner to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, leveraging public-private investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At WFES, Gotion High-tech will showcase its latest products and leading green energy solutions at its booth. (Image source: Gotion High-tech)

The new Perkins 5012 is a full-authority electronic engine optimised and purpose-built for power generation applications. (Image source: Perkins)

SSAB will begin deliveries of the new products in 2026.

The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hyphen is developing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, most advanced and only fully-vertical integrated green hydrogen project. (Image source: Hyphen)

According to Liebherr, the Used Equipment Marketplace is extremely user-friendly. (Image source: Liebherr)

Electricity storage will be pivotal in unlocking renewable projects and meeting energy demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State. (Image source: Africa Data Centres)

A Cat PM310 Cold Planer in action. (Image source: Caterpillar)

A larger stockholding of WEG products facilitates ready access for customers. (Image source: WEG Africa)

African nations have turned to the concept of power pools to address the continent's energy deficit and foster regional cooperation. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)

Dietmar Siersdorfer is expanding his role as Middle East managing director at Siemens Energy to include Africa. (Image source: Siemens Energy)

The Msikaba Bridge has anchor blocks 17 m wide which contain around 21,000 tons of concrete. (Image source: Sanral)