GAC Commercial Vehicle Makes Global Push at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 with Autonomous and Electric Technologies

GAC Commercial Vehicle Makes Global Push at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 with Autonomous and Electric Technologies

GAC Commercial Vehicle made its debut at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, held September 15-20 in Hannover, Germany, presenting its products, technologies and ecosystem partnerships under the theme "Delivering the Future Together." The biennial event, organized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), attracted more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 40 countries, with over 70 percent of participants coming from outside Germany.

The company showcased advances across its new-energy heavy and light commercial vehicle businesses, with particular emphasis on autonomous driving capabilities and efficient energy solutions. Jimmy Du, COO of GAC Commercial Vehicle, described the appearance as a key milestone in the company's globalization journey, noting that the company aims to take both its vehicle technologies and collaborative ecosystem to international markets.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Technology Integration

GAC Commercial Vehicle demonstrated its T9 truck platform with integrated technologies from two key partners. The company collaborated with Pony.ai, an autonomous driving technology firm founded in 2016 that began mass production of Level 4 robotaxi controllers in 2025, to showcase the T9 Robotruck. The vehicle combines Pony.ai's 4th Generation Autonomous Driving Technology with GAC's fully redundant drive-by-wire chassis, featuring nine LiDARs, three radars and 13 cameras. Hardware costs are 70 percent lower compared with the previous generation, while autonomous-driving transportation cost per ton-kilometer is approximately 30 percent lower.

The T9 Battery Swap EV Tractor incorporates technology from Aulton New Energy Automotive Technology, a battery-swapping operator that has been developing such systems since 2000 and ranks among China's leading providers alongside NIO. Aulton has formed partnerships with 14 major Chinese automakers including BAIC Group, FAW Group, SAIC Motor, Changan Automobile, Dongfeng Motor and GAC Group. The T9 features an electric drive axle with a 603 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering up to 475 km of range with combined energy consumption as low as 1.2 kWh/km. Aulton's system enables a full-vehicle battery swap in approximately three to five minutes, reducing downtime and improving vehicle utilization for fixed-route, high-frequency operations.

Foundation Built on Joint Venture Experience

GAC Commercial Vehicle draws on experience from the GAC Hino joint venture, which was established on November 28, 2007 as a 50:50 partnership between Guangzhou Automobile Group and Hino Motors, Ltd. In 2024, Hino Motors reduced its stake from 50 percent to 4.83 percent, with GAC Group acquiring majority ownership and transforming the company into GAC Commercial Vehicle. This foundation provides nearly two decades of commercial vehicle expertise in research and development, manufacturing and quality management.

The company reported sales growth of 205 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026. It is accelerating international expansion by leveraging GAC Group's sales and service network across 110 countries and regions.

MONTX Brand Targets Light Commercial Vehicle Market

GAC Commercial Vehicle unveiled MONTX, its new light commercial vehicle brand, with the P10 and V10 concept vehicles making their overseas debut. The MONTX P10 is positioned as an All-Domain Integrated Mobility Platform targeting explorers and outdoor professionals. It features four distributed drive motors, AI Camp Mode and Intelligent Trailering Assist for operations in extreme environments including remote exploration, field research and off-road expeditions.

The MONTX V10, described as The All-Domain Mobile Station, addresses needs of digital nomads, creators and travelers. Its modular interior, Dual-Drive Smart Cabin and off-grid self-sustaining capabilities enable transitions between work, rest, socializing and exploration.

MONTX introduced its All-Domain Adaptive Architecture (ADAA), built with Multi-Energy by Design, Body-on-Frame by Design and Adaptive Intelligence by Design principles. The architecture accommodates multiple energy types, vehicle forms and applications, improving development efficiency and adaptability across diverse global markets.

The brand also launched MONTX Makers, a global user co-creation initiative under the concept "Ideas In. Drive Out." The program allows users to contribute to product definition during early design and development phases, with participants eligible for MONTX Pioneer Co-Creator recognition, opportunities to attend global brand events and exclusive owner benefits.

The production SMILODON Pro pickup was also displayed, offering cargo capacity, ride comfort and multi-scenario adaptability for business and everyday use. The model is already available in Central and South America and the Middle East, with plans to expand to approximately 30 countries by the end of 2026.

GAC Commercial Vehicle stated it will continue strengthening its products through vehicle research and development and manufacturing while connecting global users and partners through its open ecosystem to advance international growth.