On the press day of IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, the prestigious “Stars of the Year” awards for 2025 were presented. These significant 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, honor outstanding achievements and innovations in the transport and logistics industry.
Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), expressed her enthusiasm about the event: “IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 impressively demonstrates how the commercial vehicle sector is advancing towards climate neutrality through innovative technologies and forward-looking concepts. The ‘Stars of the Year’ awards not only honor the best products and innovations but also inspire the entire industry to further pursue their visions for the future.”
“The commercial vehicle industry is facing several challenges at the same time. The transition to software-defined vehicles requires completely new approaches to vehicle development. This goes hand in hand with successfully adapting new business models, like subscription-based features. Meanwhile, transitioning to sustainable propulsion systems poses a particular challenge for heavy vehicles,” explained Sebastian Tschödrich, Global Client Partner for Automotive Sector at Capgemini, at the IAA Stars of the Year Awards ceremony. “The industry needs leaders like those honored today who successfully drive the transformation with courageous ideas, foresight and decisiveness. We congratulate them!”
Jury Comments and Winners
Winners of the “Stars of the Year” Awards 2024
This year’s winners of the “Stars of the Year” awards were recognized for their outstanding innovations and achievements in the transport and logistics sector:
International Bus of the Year 2025: Solaris impressed the jury with its outstanding performance and its progress in the field of hydrogen.
International Van of the Year 2025: Renault Master. The model impresses with innovative technologies, striking design improvements, and an important step for the area of sustainable mobility.
International Truck of the Year 2025: The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 was honoured for the performance of 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.
Truck Innovation Award 2025: This special recognition was given to MAN’s hTGX for diesel-like performance and driveability delivered by MAN’s 16.8-litre H4576 in-line six spark-ignition hydrogen engine.
International Trailer Award 2025:
KATEGORY „BODY“:
- Place: Schmitz Cargobull: Electric refrigerated semi-trailer S.KOe COOL
- Place: D-TEC: D-TEC Flexliner FL-3-S-Coil
- Place: TMT International: TMT Scrigno Intermodal
KATEGORY „CHASSIS“
- Place: Kässbohrer: Kässbohrer 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider
- Place: Schmitz Cargobull: S.CS MEGA DB
- Place: Krone: Automatic coupling system
KATEGORY „COMPONENTS“
- Place: Fliegl: Türfeststeller „D-Lock“
- Place: Kögel: Ferry Flex Guard / Ferry Swing Guard
- Place: Lamilux: LAMILUX SUNSATION
KATEGORY „CONCEPT“
- Place: Kögel: Kögel Cool Liteshell
- Place: Schmitz Cargobull: Curtainsider S.CS X-TOUGH with EcoFIX-Body
- Place: OKT Trailer: Aerostep
KATEGORY „ENVIRONMENT“
- Place: Thermo King: A-500e Spectrum AxlePower
- Place: Kiesling: Power House
- Place: Hestal (F.Hesterberg & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG): Aerodynamic End Beam
KATEGORY „SAFETY“
- Place: SDG modular technology: Foldable and telescopic underrun protection(TKU)
- Place: Aspöck: RADC 2.0
- Place: Schmitz Cargobull: Safety equipment according to TAPA standards
KATEGORY „SMART TRAILER“
- Place: Krone: SmartAssistant
- Place: Kraker: K-Force Moving Smart
- Place: BPW: iC Plus
The Jury President of the International Truck of the Year, Gianenrico Griffini, stated: “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. 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”.
Jarlath Sweeney, Jury President of the International Van of the Year, added: “Congratulations to Renault on creating a striking new van range for today and tomorrow. Its distinctive sleek aerodynamic design lines will appeal to many, while its modular platform facilitates all drivetrains from ICE, Electric and Hydrogen. Masterful!”
Philipp Bönders, Chairman of the Jury of the International Trailer Award, remarked: “I am pleased that so many guests from the commercial vehicle industry found their way to Hall 18 this evening. The event was a complete success – exactly the right setting for this important industry award.”
Tom Terjsen, Chairman of the Jury of the International Bus of the Year, commented: “When the Solaris Urbino 12 Electric won Bus of the Year 2017, it was because of its unique design, practical interior and environmentally friendly powertrain. It was also the first time an electric bus was named Bus of the Year. 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. The fact that Solaris has chosen to invest so heavily in this is a matter of great respect. They have also managed to construct a bus that meets future requirements both when it comes to passenger capacity, driver safety, a good workplace and, not least, a sustainable and environmentally friendly powertrain.”