Technology Drives IAA Mobility 2025

Sustainable mobility can only be achieved through the integration of new innovative technologies. New software solutions, cloud platforms, AI-powered applications, and advanced sensor technologies play a central role in developing autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and digital business models. A total of 748 exhibitors from 37 countries, a record share of 57 percent international companies, more than 500 speakers, and over 350 world premieres and innovations were recently on hand during IAA Mobility in Germany to celebrate mobility and transportation innovations. 

“In times of dynamic economic and political challenges, our industry is demonstrating at IAA Mobility what it is capable of: with world premieres, innovative strength, and determination, companies are showing their performance and their commitment to actively shaping the future of climate-neutral and digital mobility,” said Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

Session highlights at the show included “Project Spotlight – Building Germany’s National Fast-Charging Network,” where Autobahn GmbH presented its ambitious plans to deploy a nationwide EV fast-charging network along the German highway system. The Electronica Automotive Conference explored the most pressing trends and challenges facing the automotive supply chain in a rapidly changing environment. The conference focused on electrification, hydrogen, fuel cell and hybrid drives, battery-electric propulsion, interior and exterior lighting, supply chain resilience, CO₂ neutrality, sustainability and recycling. The session “Safe, Fast, Innovative: Why the Future of Vehicle Software Is Open” featured automotive industry experts discussing a new initiative for cooperative software development aimed at faster product cycles, enhanced safety and an improved digital customer experience.

ZF Presents 8HP Evo Transmission

At the IAA 2025, ZF is presenting the further developed ‘8HP evo’ automatic transmission – a response to the global boom in hybrid drives. Based on the benchmark 8-speed transmission and equipped with numerous further developments, the 8HP evo is designed for a wide range of hybrid platforms and manufacturer requirements. ZF is thus creating the technological basis for the even more extensive electrification of future model generations.

The market for hybrid vehicles is booming. Driven primarily by rising demand in the US and the Asia-Pacific region, forecasts predict a global growth rate of around 10 percent by 2032. Vehicle manufacturers are responding to this stable trend and expanding their hybrid model range to meet different customer requirements. "Manufacturers today need fast, flexible and scalable solutions for a broad drive portfolio. The 8HP evo delivers exactly that and covers the full range. This combination is currently unique," said Mathias Miedreich, Member of the Executive Board and responsible for the Electrified Drive Technology Division. "Hybridization is not an interim solution, but part of the answer. The 8HP evo combines range, efficiency and flexibility. Our technology suits the diversity of the markets." 

The 8-speed automatic transmission is one of ZF's most successful products. Right from the start, the current generation was also designed for use in hybrid models in addition to conventional combustion drives in accordance with the modular principle. In the further development of the current 8HP evo, ZF is pushing the electrification and efficiency of the transmission even further. The 8HP evo uses fewer components than its direct predecessor. It is therefore lighter and less complex to assemble. 

All components must take account of the desire for greater electric range, which is why the further developments concern the electric motor, the power electronics and the mechanical components. Higher processor performance enables advanced software functions for customers. At the same time, the software structure has been changed so that manufacturers can now dock onto the transmission control software with little effort.

zf.com

Schaeffler Highlights Motion Technology

The exhibition area of the Schaeffler booth was designed around three focus topics: software expertise, efficient powertrain technologies and intelligent chassis and body solutions. At the center of the showcase, Schaeffler presented itself as a reliable partner for future vehicle architecture, with solutions and services on the way to software-defined vehicles. In addition, Schaeffler showcased a broad portfolio of modular components and integrated systems for all powertrain technologies – for fully electric vehicles, hybrids, and combustion engines. In addition, Schaeffler offered intelligent chassis and body solutions that optimize driving dynamics, safety, and ride comfort – geared towards the mobility solutions of the future.

Software defined solutions: Schaeffler is working on modern board networks and zone architectures that form the electronic backbone of tomorrow's mobility solutions. At IAA Schaeffler displayed a modern E/E platform and the associated software ecosystem – scalable, powerful, and service-oriented.

Electrified powertrain solutions: Schaeffler combines mechanical subsystems, electronics and intelligent software to create efficient, modular powertrain solutions. For example, from individual e-motor components and power electronics units to transmission and thermal management modules, to fully integrated e-axle systems.

Intelligent chassis & body solutions: The chassis and body portfolio ranges from steering systems for the front and rear axles to braking and damping systems to innovative sensor solutions for convenient vehicle access. Schaeffler increasingly offers intelligent solutions for the successful transformation of the industry towards safe, comfortable, and automated driving.

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3M Addresses Key Mobility and Automotive Trends 

3M showcased its latest innovations and material science solutions for the automotive industry - from manufacturing to aftermarket - under the theme of "What the automotive industry needs next, 3M is innovating now."

“At 3M, we are committed to driving the future of mobility by leveraging our deep expertise in material science and innovation. As the automotive industry evolves, we are focused on delivering solutions that not only meet the demands of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” stated Wendy Bauer, group president of 3M's Transportation and Electronics Business Group. “Our presence at IAA Mobility 2025 underscores our dedication to collaborating with industry leaders around the globe to create a more efficient and connected automotive ecosystem.”

3M's presence at IAA Mobility 2025 highlighted its commitment to addressing key industry trends, including: the mass adoption of electric vehicles, disruptive chassis manufacturing, recyclability, software-defined vehicles, interiors of the future, battery protection solutions, assembly simplification, human-machine interaction (HMI), comfort and personalization and component/vehicle lightweighting.

3m.com