“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 the extensive adaptation of new business models, such as subscription-based services. The transition to sustainable drive systems poses a particular challenge for heavy-duty vehicles. The industry needs leaders like those honoured today, who are successfully driving the transformation with bold ideas, foresight, and decisiveness. We congratulate them!” commented Sebastian Tschödrich, Global Client Partner for the Automotive Sector at Capgemini, at the IAA Stars of the Year Awards ceremony.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 was named International Truck of the Year 2025 at the ongoing Hanover Fair. In the 48-year history of the award, this is only the second time that an emission-free truck has won the prestigious title.
The electric truck from Mercedes earned 88 votes, winning over strong competition, including Volvo Trucks’ Aero range — available with both electric and conventional powertrains — and the Iveco S-Way electric tractor.
Journalists from the award jury, who participated in a European test of the eActros 600 this year covering more than 15,000 km, praised the vehicle’s innovative cab for its improved aerodynamics. The ProCabin has a protruding front end and smooth, curved surfaces designed to improve airflow by 9 per cent compared to the current model.
The jury also appreciated the eActros 600’s powertrain, which uses two 400 kW electric motors on the e-axle and three LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries, each with a capacity of 207 kWh. According to the journalists evaluating the truck, this configuration delivers smooth acceleration, supports three different driving modes, and provides a quiet, vibration-free ride.
Meanwhile, the truck’s substantial battery capacity — in excess of 600 kWh — allows a standard 40-tonne tractor-trailer combination to achieve a range of more than 500 km on a single charge.
“Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 as an electric truck from the outset. As a result, the manufacturer has brought to market a state-of-the-art BEV capable of a wide range of long-haul missions,” said Gianenrico Griffini, president of the jury, summarising the title decision for the Mercedes truck.
Van of the Year
The International Van of the Year 2025 was awarded to the Renault Master. According to the jury, the model impresses with its innovative technologies, striking design improvements, and an important step in the area of sustainable mobility.
Its ‘Aerovan’ design and new multi-energy platform position it as a new benchmark in the market, offering best-in-class performance in combustion, electric, or hydrogen versions.
“The Renault Master H2-Tech is the first hydrogen van to receive this distinction. This hydrogen version was developed thanks to the pioneering expertise of HYVIA, a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug,” explains the manufacturer.
Photo credits @ Renault Group
The hydrogen van will be launched in Europe by the end of 2025.
“The International Van of the Year judges were impressed with the new design and the level of innovation and technology developed in the new Master range, which features advanced aerodynamics, greater ease of use with improved performance, space, safety, and comfort. What’s more, the new multi-energy platform can accommodate diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains,” highlighted Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Van of the Year Award jury.
Truck Innovation Award
The Truck Innovation Award 2025 was awarded to the MAN hTGX, a truck praised for its diesel-like performance and drivability, achieved through a 16.8-litre in-line six-cylinder hydrogen-injection engine.
Photo credits @ MAN
Intelligent trailer
Krone, in turn, won the International Trailer Award 2025 in the ‘Smart Trailer’ category, beating Kraker and its K-Force Moving Smart and BPW with its iC Plus trailer.
“The Krone Smart Assistant was developed to noticeably simplify the daily lives of drivers while significantly increasing the efficiency of fleet operations,” explains the manufacturer.
Trailer status and important data can be accessed and reported digitally in real time — simply by scanning the QR code on the trailer, without the need to install additional apps. For this purpose, drivers can use a standard smartphone to record the status of the trailer, report damage or defects, and enable fleet managers to react quickly. Repairs are initiated immediately, avoiding unnecessary downtime.
“The Krone Smart Assistant acts as a digital operating system for the trailer and allows access to all important information at any time,” explains Ralf Faust, managing director of service at Krone Trailer.
Photo credits @ Krone
“We wanted to create a solution that provides maximum support for the driver, without training or complicated systems. Smart Assistant is intuitive, simple, and offers direct added value,” explains Krone.
Other categories
Below are the ‘Stars of the Year’ winners in other categories:
Semi-trailer category:
1st place: Schmitz Cargobull – electric refrigerated trailer S.KOe COOL
2nd place: D-TEC – D-TEC Flexliner FL-3-S-Coil
3rd place: TMT International – TMT Scrigno Intermodal
Chassis category:
1st place: Kässbohrer – Kässbohrer 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider
2nd place: Schmitz Cargobull – S.CS MEGA DB
3rd place: Krone – Automatic coupling system
Components category:
1st place: Fliegl – Door holder ‘D-Lock’
2nd place: Kögel – Ferry Flex Guard / Ferry Swing Guard
3rd place: Lamilux – Lamilux Sunsation
Concept category:
1st place: Kögel – Kögel Cool Liteshell
2nd place: Schmitz Cargobull – S.CS X-TOUGH curtainsider with EcoFIX body
3rd place: OKT Annunciator – Aerostep
Environment category:
1st place: Thermo King – A-500e Spectrum AxlePower
2nd place: Kiesling – Power House
3rd place: Hestal (F. Hesterberg & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG) – Aerodynamic end beam
Safety category:
1st place: SDG Modultechnik – folding and telescopic underride guard (TKU)
2nd place: Aspöck – RADC 2.0
3rd place: Schmitz Cargobull – TAPA-compliant safety equipment