The announced Bus Theme park at IAA Transportation 2024 has been cancelled

The newly planned bus theme park at IAA Transportation in Hannover has now been cancelled. Apparently, “bus manufacturers had not made sufficient bookings”, according to the organizing association VDA (quoted by German trade media omnibus.news), although a IAA spokeperson stated that “Despite the high interest and positive feedback from the industry, we have decided to instead offer flexible and innovative presentation opportunities to better meet the needs of our international exhibitors and visitors“.

German bus exhibitions: a crowdy landscape

It is undeniable that the bus sector has lost momentum in the context of the IAA in recent years (see our reporting from 2022 edition). Rather, many bus OEMs and providers have turned to InnoTrans, where the Bus Display in the Summer Garden has dedicated itself to the bus world (but it looks like the number of bus manufacturers taking part to the expo is not growing).

The new initiative by IAA, aimed at bus OEMs and bus customers, was announced in early 2024. The bus theme park should reflect various aspects of a city, IAA Transportation stated in a press note announcing the news, continuing so: “Visitors will have the opportunity to directly test solutions for the city of the future. Bus seating, parking and green spaces, as well as connectivity options through mobility hubs, are also in focus, as are test drives”.

Also, a central bus campus wasplanned as a consultation area. There, companies were supposed to receive best practice examples on diverse topics.

IAA Transportation: “We opted for flexible opportunites”

A IAA Transportation spokesperson said: “The IAA Transportation solidifies its position as the leading platform for logistics and transport, experiencing increased support and growing international participation from exhibitors this year. Currently, the demand for presentation spaces even exceeds that of the past two years. The halls utilized by IAA Transportation are nearly fully booked, and we continue to receive new inquiries from companies across all areas of the commercial vehicle and transport sector. Originally planned for 2024, a special Bus Area was set to showcase the latest developments and breakthroughs in electrification and sustainable mobility solutions. Despite the high interest and positive feedback from the industry, we have decided to instead offer flexible and innovative presentation opportunities to better meet the needs of our international exhibitors and visitors. This strategic decision enhances the visibility of the latest bus innovations and enables an even more integrated and dynamic presentation of all mobility solutions. Our flexibility and swift response to market demands distinguish us and ensure a platform that meets the highest international standards”.