Deutsche Bahn, Zukunft Nahverkehr, IAA Conference and more

IAA MOBILITY and Zukunft Nahverkehr (ZNV), an initiative by Deutsche Bahn (DB) promoting public mobility, are deepening their collaboration. Following their initial partnership in 2023, DB will be represented at this year’s IAA MOBILITY in Munich for the first time with a major presence at Königsplatz. Under the shared message “Mobility Only Works Together,” both partners are sending a strong message in favor of future-ready mobility—built on close collaboration and the seamless integration of all modes of transport. 

This partnership marks an important step in bringing together diverse perspectives and user needs into one cohesive system. Rather than pitting different transportation options against each other, it promotes smart and future-oriented cooperation. As a globally significant mobility event, IAA MOBILITY focuses on the importance and ongoing evolution of individual mobility. Its societal importance is clear – confirmed by the latest IAA MOBILITY Trend Index from early July 2025, which found that 96% of people in Germany consider personal mobility a top priority in their everyday lives. 

From September 9 to 12, the IAA Conference will bring together more than 500 international speakers across five stages and over 200 sessions. Leading voices from politics, business, academia, tech, and the startup world will address the most pressing questions surrounding the future of mobility. 

The program focuses on key topics such as software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, charging infrastructure, urban mobility, and the circular economy. The full schedule is now available online: https://program.iaa-mobility.com/en/event-program/conference/schedule/ 

At this year’s IAA MOBILITY in Munich, MAHLE is presenting cutting-edge innovations under the theme “Efficiency³,” highlighting its three core strategic fields. Premiering at the show is a new range extender that delivers 85 kW of continuous output. It features a highly efficient high-voltage generator powered by a compact combustion engine. 

Also debuting as a world premiere: a next-generation thermal management module designed to keep powertrain and battery components at optimal operating temperatures under any climate—while ensuring maximum comfort in the cabin. 

Rounding out the trio is a European premiere: a bio-inspired radial blower for vehicle air conditioning that significantly improves efficiency while reducing noise levels. 

At IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Murata Automotive will unveil a broad portfolio of innovations designed to elevate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle connectivity, and quality assurance to the next level.

A standout among the exhibits is a tire monitoring system (TMS) that captures road and tire conditions in real time—enhancing driving stability and maintenance planning. The lineup also includes a newly developed ultrasonic cleaning device (USCD), which automatically keeps vehicle cameras and sensors free from dirt, water, and frost, even in harsh weather conditions.

Murata is also putting a spotlight on MEMS-based technologies: In collaboration with Hexagon, the company is presenting a precision headlight leveling and positioning system designed specifically for safety-critical functions in autonomous vehicles.

Rounding out the tech showcase are cutting-edge connectivity solutions, including live demonstrations of true vehicle-to-cloud communication—an essential component for future ADAS, infotainment, and over-the-air (OTA) capabilities.

Austrian startup etu is set to unveil a compact electric vehicle for urban transport. The two-wheeled vehicle features a fully enclosed cabin, can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph), and offers a city range of up to 400 km (249 mi). With this concept, etu positions itself as a space- and energy-efficient alternative in the growing micromobility segment. 

Uber is investing over $300 million in Lucid Motors, along with significant funding for Nuro, as part of its plan to launch a large-scale robotaxi fleet starting in 2026. More than 20,000 vehicles are expected to hit the road over the next six years. 

At the heart of the offering: Lucid’s luxurious Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous system, Nuro Driver™. These vehicles will be exclusively available on the Uber platform. Testing of early prototypes is already underway at Nuro’s proving ground in Las Vegas, with a major U.S. city set to serve as the launch market—either operated directly by Uber or in collaboration with local partners.