Battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains headline showcase

New eActros Lowliner makes public debut

Hydrogen-powered NextGenH2 Truck revealed

Next-generation diesel powertrain 'Powerliner' introduced

Daimler Truck presents a range of next-generation transport solutions at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. [Provided by Star Truck Korea]
Daimler Truck presents a range of next-generation transport solutions at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. [Provided by Star Truck Korea]

Star Truck Korea, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz trucks in South Korea, announced Tuesday that Daimler Truck is presenting next-generation transport solutions at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, marking the 130th anniversary of the truck's invention. The showcase spans battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains, high-efficiency diesel technology, advanced safety systems and digital services.

Daimler Truck has driven commercial vehicle innovation for 130 years since Gottlieb Daimler invented the world's first truck in 1896. At this year's IAA, the company is presenting a broad range of technologies — from solutions that improve efficiency and safety in today's transport operations to next-generation platforms for carbon-neutral freight — to outline its vision for the future of the industry.

"Since Gottlieb Daimler invented the truck 130 years ago, we have advanced the transport industry through relentless innovation and an unwavering focus on our customers," Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström said. "At IAA Transportation, we will show how we are putting our ambition to be the leading truck and bus company into action — through innovative products, technologies and services that support our customers' success."

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a heavy-duty long-haul electric truck, has logged more than 160 million kilometers in real-world customer operations across Europe since its market launch in late 2024. In the first half of 2026, Mercedes-Benz Trucks held approximately 38 percent of the European mid- and heavy-duty local zero-emission truck market.

The new eActros Lowliner, designed for high-volume long-haul logistics, is making its public debut at this year's IAA. It is built on the electric drive axle, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology and 800-volt electrical architecture proven in the eActros 600. The eActros 600 Lowliner offers a range of approximately 500 kilometers under full load, and the new model will be available to order in EU30 and select international markets from the third quarter of 2026. Mass production is set to begin in the second quarter of 2027 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth.

Also making its public debut is the next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell truck, the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck. Running on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, it offers a range of more than 1,000 kilometers on a single fill. Daimler Truck plans to deploy an initial production run of around 100 vehicles in real customer operations starting in late 2026. The existing GenH2 Truck has already covered approximately 600,000 kilometers through customer testing.

Also on display is the next-generation diesel powertrain Powerliner, which integrates the engine, transmission and axle into a single unified system to improve fuel efficiency, output, torque and driving performance. Through new combustion technology, an optimized turbocharger, a next-generation transmission and a low-rpm powertrain strategy, the Powerliner delivers fuel savings of up to 4 percent.

Daimler Truck is also introducing next-generation safety assistance systems aimed at protecting drivers and other road users. The new Active Cross Traffic Assist supports drivers when a collision risk with crossing vehicles or two-wheelers is detected, while Active Sideguard Assist 3 monitors hazards during turning maneuvers on both sides of the vehicle and can apply automatic braking when necessary.

The company is also expanding its digital services to improve overall fleet efficiency. A new Fleetboard product suite will provide vehicle and fleet status monitoring, data analytics, charging management and vehicle diagnostics, while the My TruckPoint Store will allow customers to access and manage a range of digital services online.

"This year's IAA Transportation, marking the 130th anniversary of the truck, is a stage where Mercedes-Benz Trucks demonstrates both the history of technological innovation it has built over 130 years and its vision for the future of transport," said Star Truck Korea CEO Dong Geun-tae. "Star Truck Korea will continue to bring the global technological capabilities and product competitiveness of Mercedes-Benz Trucks to the domestic market, grounded in the efficiency, safety and reliability that our customers value most."

Meanwhile, Star Truck Korea has been broadening its customer outreach through a range of marketing activities, including a recent two-day test-drive event called "New Arocs Dump 1 Night 2 Days," which gave customers the chance to drive the new dump truck on both on- and off-road terrain.


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