Munich's IAA motor show has everything but cars
For the first time, Munich is hosting the International Motor Show, but it's not a motor show anymore. Sure, there are a few four-wheelers to see, many of them electric. But most exhibits have one thing: pedals.
Two-wheelers everywhere you look
Two of the nine halls at the Munich exhibition grounds are completely reserved for manufacturers of bicycles. In fact, there are more bicycle manufacturers exhibiting at the IAA than carmakers. You'd be forgiven for thinking you're at Eurobike, the world's largest bicycle trade show, which was previously held in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance and will move to Frankfurt in 2022.
Test track for mountain bikers
In the past, IAA has used mountainous test tracks for off-road SUVs on open-air sites. That's different now, too. This time, Mercedes-Benz and other exhibitors have set up courses for mountain bikers.
More than an e-scooter
Swiss startup Micro Mobility Systems is trying its hand at a tiny car called the Microlino — a two-seater that's supposed to charge as fast as a smartphone. There's also a tricycle called Microletta. The two front wheels are meant to provide more safety, and the battery can be removed and recharged indoors.
The pick-up truck goes green
Cargo bikes are the next big thing. Germany's Green Party even wants to offer a €1,000 ($1,182) subsidy to encourage people to purchase them. This model from the Cologne-based company A-N.T. GmbH is a heavy-duty e-cargo bike that can be ordered in many variations.
Muscle power meets battery power
The manufacturer of this vehicle is called Akkurad, German for "battery bike." The all-wheel-drive system from the company based in southwestern Germany relies on muscle power for the front axle while two wheel hub motors help on the rear axle. The GaloppE PEP is a platform for many different applications. Even Apple CarPlay is on board.
Last-mile delivery
When the delivery person gets stuck in traffic again ... that's when vehicles like this could come in handy. Here the manufacturer is Mubea from the Sauerland region in west Germany. A major supplier to carmakers, the company is having to adapt to many changes in the industry. The Urban_M shows one way this change could succeed.
From the base up
The automotive supplier Hirschvogel, a medium-sized company from southern Bavaria, is also facing a rapidly transforming automotive industry. The company has a background in welding technology and has now joined forces with partners to develop mobility concepts for the future. The result is this system called AXIMO, a micromobile platform with an abundance of possible applications.
With the push of a button
Roding Automobile in Bavaria usually builds prototypes for major automakers. Right now, however, they are working on this "City Transformer" for a startup from Israel. It's a foldable electric microcar that can shorten the distance between the wheels when needed — for example, if the parking space is really narrow.
The driverless bus
Autonomous minibuses are already being tested in Hamburg. This one is being developed jointly by Mobileye (an Intel subsidiary), mobility provider Transdev and transport systems specialist Lohr Gruppe from France. Named iCristal, this shuttle bus can transport up to 16 passengers and is scheduled to go into regular operation from 2023.
Flying cars
Their engineers have put "blood, sweat and tears" into this project, called Liberty, the Dutch company PAL-V says. Powered by conventional premium gasoline, the car is also supposed to be able to fly. The only problem: a foldable vehicle like this needs quite a few permits before it's allowed to drive or take off. Until then, the first flight has been postponed.