The NUFAM in Karlsruhe will once again open its doors from September 25 to 28, 2025. On the grounds of Messe Karlsruhe, the European commercial vehicle industry gathers to present new products, technical developments, and systemic solutions. The fair is considered a significant platform for manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and users in the transport and logistics sector. The focus is on innovations in drivetrain technologies, digitization, telematics, and infrastructure.
Around 90,000 square meters of exhibition space are available this year. This underlines the ambition to combine technical breadth with practical demonstration. The exhibitors cover the entire spectrum of the commercial vehicle market – from light transporters to heavy trucks, as well as trailers, bodies, municipal vehicles, and industry-specific special equipment. Topics of the commercial vehicle aftermarket are also addressed.
New outdoor area offers additional presentation possibilities
With the so-called Peter-Gross-Bau area, NUFAM 2025 gains a substantial expansion. The newly developed open space is part of the trade fair concept for the first time and offers a fully developed infrastructure along with over 2,500 parking spaces. The area is designed for large-scale presentations and aims to provide both exhibitors and
visitors with improved access to live demonstrations in the outdoor area. The space will also be used by other events such as the trade fair "RecyclingAktiv & TiefbauLive" after NUFAM.
Hydrogen technology as a key topic
This year, a particular focus is on hydrogen propulsion. The Hydrogen Engine Alliance e.V. is organizing a special showcase on September 25 and 26, where about 30 exhibitors will present applications of hydrogen internal combustion engines for the commercial vehicle sector. The technology is described as practical but is still in a phase where questions about infrastructure and regulation are unresolved.
Daimler Truck, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, recently announced that its fuel cell trucks have been postponed to the early 2030s. The reason: the expansion of the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations is progressing more slowly than expected.
The organizers of NUFAM still see the hydrogen engine as part of a broader technology mix, which alongside battery-electric drives and fuel cells also includes CO₂-neutral internal combustion engines. In the context of the concurrent annual meeting of the alliance members, procurement, distribution, and legal frameworks at the European and national levels will be discussed.
Specialist program, demonstrations, and dialogue formats
The supporting program of NUFAM is aimed at both the professional audience and private visitors. It includes the following program points, among others:
- Expert forums on current industry topics such as telematics, charging infrastructure, and digital services (September 25–27)
- Truck Driver Forum with driver-related topics (September 28)
- Guided trade fair tours on the topic areas "Classic," "New Mobility," and "Municipal Solutions"
- Live demonstrations in the new outdoor area (Demo Park) as well as a Unimog course, demonstrating the vehicles' off-road capabilities
- NUFAM podcast live with industry representatives (September 27)
- Truck Challenge for professional drivers (September 27)
- Panel discussion with guests from business and politics (September 26)
- Rescue chain with emergency forces demonstrating their cooperation in an emergency (September 28)
- Activity areas for families, including a children’s Unimog course, a DEKRA driving simulator, and a goal wall shooting
Information offers and recruiting young talent
Another focus is on education. During the entire exhibition, the Central Association of Body and Vehicle Technology will provide information on training professions, entry requirements, and career perspectives in the commercial vehicle industry. The fair thus addresses not only decision-makers
but also young talents and future professionals.
The organizers expect high participation from companies from both home and abroad. NUFAM is accompanied by a comprehensive communication offer. In addition to the official website (www.nufam.de), digital channels such as the NUFAM podcast and the social media presences on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are available.
With the expansion through the new outdoor area and the content focus on forward-looking technologies, NUFAM is increasingly positioning itself as a central meeting point for the commercial vehicle industry in Europe in years without IAA TRANSPORTATION.
NUFAM 2025 – Key facts at a glance
- Event period: September 25 to 28, 2025
- Location: Messe Karlsruhe
- Area: around 90,000 m² of exhibition space including the new Peter-Gross-Bau area
- Type: Trade fair for the commercial vehicle industry
- Target groups: Manufacturers, suppliers, freight forwarders, fleet operators, municipalities, workshops, drivers, and technically interested individuals
- Focus areas:
