Technotrans 2026
From 14 to 16 October, the Nantes trade fair brought together commercial vehicle professionals to discuss equipment, services and the energy transition. Firmly established in western France, Technotrans is now reaching beyond its home territory. A local event addressing issues that concern the entire industry.
A regional trade fair can have national reach, and Technotrans demonstrated this with its 21st edition. Over three days at the Nantes Exhibition Centre, commercial vehicle and road transport professionals found a space to present their solutions, exchange experiences and prepare for future investments. In its initial review, the organiser reported that more than 150 exhibitors had taken part. This line-up demonstrates the Nantes event’s ability to bring people together.
Personally, this was my first time attending, and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of equipment and, above all, the diversity of the products on display. The presence of local dealers is naturally one of the event’s main pillars, with each showcasing a wide variety of trucks. For haulage companies in western France, meeting their commercial and technical contacts in person helps maintain relationships built throughout the year. And believe me, judging by the crowds in the aisles, this seems to be working. But the trade fair’s appeal extends beyond this circle. Equipment manufacturers, bodybuilders and national service providers also come to meet the users of their products. Nantes thus provides a meeting point between on-the-ground needs and an offering that extends well beyond regional borders.
Equipment Put to the Test of Everyday Operations
At Technotrans, vehicles remain at the heart of discussions. Among the tractor units, rigids, trailers, bodies and equipment on display, many have already been ordered by customers and are about to be delivered. This is a good way to appreciate the complexity of these builds and, above all, the expertise of specialist bodybuilders. This equipment must meet specific operational requirements, with constraints relating to payload, fuel consumption, availability and maintenance. For a haulage company, the value of a trade fair also lies in this opportunity to inspect equipment and discuss its use directly.
The current issue seems clear to everyone: the transition to electric vehicles raises questions, and it was one of the main themes of the 2026 edition. Every manufacturer presented its solutions, for both rigid trucks and tractor units. IVECO, Mercedes Trucks, Renault Trucks and DAF all showcased zero-emission solutions. Also worth noting was the first appearance of Lahaye’s S-eWay, a vehicle already in operation that we had encountered at the inauguration of the Voltix charging station in Vierzon.
The presence of VRAC PLUS also illustrates this practical, industry-focused approach. The bodybuilder had announced its participation with solutions designed for bulk transport and discussions about rigid truck, trailer and semi-trailer projects. Loading, unloading, ergonomics and safety were among the topics highlighted. These are all criteria that show how product developments only make full sense when they make work easier and improve operations.
The Energy Transition Becomes Part of Day-to-Day Operations
Decarbonisation played a central role in this edition’s programme, alongside new technologies and changes in the industry’s professions. Conferences, workshops and on-road electric vehicle tests were among the activities announced to support these discussions.
For businesses, the energy transition now requires practical solutions. Choosing a powertrain affects the vehicle, but also route planning, energy supply, depot facilities and training. Range must be assessed against actual routes, while charging time must be considered in relation to available vehicle downtime. In each of our tests, we try to highlight these factors, and the more we speak with users, the more obvious this becomes. Beyond the truck itself, the entire infrastructure required for this change must be considered. Electric mobility is not just a truck and a power socket; it involves much more than that.
This trade fair genuinely made it possible to bring several of these stakeholders together in one place. It helps people ask the right questions, compare proposals and assess the conditions required for an investment. During this period of transformation, dialogue between suppliers and operators is becoming essential to building projects suited to each business.
Services Take Centre Stage
Innovation also concerns the tools that support the truck. Transport management, fleet monitoring, route planning, driving data and digitalisation all contribute to day-to-day performance. The vehicle and the services surrounding it are now closely linked. The challenge is to turn this data into results: reducing unnecessary mileage, making better use of vehicles, anticipating difficulties and making teams’ work easier. For visitors, meeting service providers also makes it possible to assess ease of use and the support on offer.
An Event That Keeps People Connected
Held every two years, alternating with the major Solutrans trade fair in Lyon, Technotrans maintains regular contact between professionals and their suppliers. This complementarity is valuable in a sector where equipment, energy and services are evolving rapidly. The Nantes event therefore retains the advantages of its regional roots while extending its reach. With each edition, Technotrans is establishing itself as an essential date in the calendar: a human-scale trade fair connected to the concerns of a national industry.
Text: Fabien Calvet Photos: Fabien Calvet and Mohamed Belmokhtar
