The 60th International Motor Show (IAA) Commercial Vehicles in Hanover was held in Hanover, Germany for eight days between September 23 (Thurs.) -30 (Thurs.), 2004. The venue, Hanover Exhibition Center, which is also where EXPO 2000 was held, is about a 15-minute train ride from the city center and the Exhibition Center train station is located outside the venue entrance. While the Show is on, express trains also stop at a station to the side of the venue, making this venue very convenient from the perspective of transportation. While the venue boasts 200,000 m² of space, the Show utilized about 160,000 m² (*1) (About 6 times that used by the commercial vehicles show in Tokyo).

A wide range of items, including commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, custom-designed vehicles, trailers, bodies and containers, parts and accessories, repair and maintenance goods and various equipment from 1,370 companies in 40 nations was on display. Exhibitors included automobile manufacturers such as Renault and Volvo, specialist manufacturers like MAN, and Iveco and Scania and other such major companies. While all exhibitors were busy promoting their own new products and technology, the focus tended to be on the environment and safety. DaimlerChrysler and Scania made new proposals relating to exhaust emissions regulations Euro4 and Euro5. New safety technology that keeps cars in their own lanes was also introduced. With about 90% of visitors being industry specialists (professional users) (*2) many exhibitors set up VIP lounge areas for business negotiations.

Special events planned by the organizer utilized outdoor space as well. One safety demonstration showed how ABS actually works on moving large trucks, while the Light Commercial Vehicle Test Drive enabled visitors to test-drive vehicles on public roads. Visitors got to see the latest that manufacturers had to offer, but there was also a Classic Commercials Vehicle Exhibition, providing visitors with a diverse experience.

According to the organizer there used to be six or seven international commercial vehicle shows in Europe, which included Turin and Paris, but now there is only Hanover and Amsterdam. The organizer also said that the emphasis tends to be on Hanover now, as buses are not exhibited at Amsterdam.

*1 Includes special exhibits
*2 Survey conducted by the organizer