From Solaris to MAN, from Renault to Mercedes-Benz. Excellence has its rewards at the IAA Transportation 2024‘s “Stars of the Year” awards.
IAA Transportation’s “Stars of the Year” Should Inspire the Entire Industry to Further Pursue Their Visions
The “Stars of the Year” awards of the IAA Transportation 2024 were presented on the press day, 16 September 2024. These awards, including the International Bus of the Year, International Van of the Year, International Truck of the Year, the Truck Innovation Award, and the International Trailer Award, honour outstanding achievements and innovations in the transport and logistics industry.
Solaris has been named International Bus of the Year 2025, impressing the jury with its outstanding performance and progress in the field of hydrogen. “When Solaris presented an 18-metre hydrogen-powered articulated bus at this year’s Bus Euro Test, it caused great excitement. Hydrogen is probably one of the sustainable fuels that will grow fastest in public transport in the coming years,” said Tom Terjsen, the Chairman of the Jury of the International Bus of the Year.
Meanwhile, Renault Master was awarded the International Van of the Year 2025 thanks to its impressive technologies, design improvements, and sustainability. “Its distinctive sleek aerodynamic design lines will appeal to many, while its modular platform facilitates all drivetrains from ICE, Electric and Hydrogen. Masterful!” Jarlath Sweeney, Jury President of the International Van of the Year, commented.
The International Truck of the Year 2025 award went to the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 for its powertrain, which is based on two 400 kW electric motors on the electric axle and three LFP battery packs of 207 kWh each, enabling a range of more than 500 kilometres without recharging.
“Once again, the automotive industry showcased cutting-edge technology at the IAA Transportation. Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 from the outset as a battery-electric truck that can be used for a wide range of long-haul operations,” said the Jury President of the International Truck of the Year, Gianenrico Griffini.
For the Truck Innovation Award 2025, the award belongs to MAN hTGX. Its diesel-like performance and driveability, delivered by MAN‘s 16.8-litre H4576 in-line six spark-ignition hydrogen engine, secured the award for the German manufacturer.
“MAN‘s hTGX opens a new chapter in the decarbonisation of road transport in heavy-duty applications, such as in the construction sector, in challenging climatic conditions,” added Griffini.
Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), expressed her enthusiasm about the event. “The ‘Stars of the Year’ awards not only honour the best products and innovations but also inspire the entire industry to further pursue their visions for the future,” she said.
“The industry needs leaders like those honoured today who successfully drive the transformation with courageous ideas, foresight and decisiveness. We congratulate them!” added Sebastian Tschödrich, Global Client Partner for Automotive Sector at Capgemini.
Aside from trucks, buses, and vans, the IAA Transportation‘s “Stars of the Year” awards were also given to the trailer category, with the winner from each category as follows:
Body Category – Schmitz Cargobull: Electric refrigerated semi-trailer S.KOe COOL
Chassis Category – Kässbohrer: Kässbohrer 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider
Component Category – Fliegl: Türfeststeller “D-Lock”
Concept Category – Kögel: Kögel Cool Liteshell
Environment Category – Thermo King: A-500e Spectrum AxlePower
Safety Category – SDG modular technology: Foldable and telescopic underrun protection (TKU)
Smart Trailer Category – Krone: SmartAssistant
