For its 18th edition, SOLUTRANS will be playing host to its large visitor audience at a time when the commercial vehicle industry and the economy in general are facing major challenges. The entire sector will come together in Lyon from 18 to 22 November. Over 90% of stand space at EUREXPO has already been already booked, 8 months ahead of the show.
Since 2015, SOLUTRANS has been consolidating its position as the Global Hub for Heavy and light commercial vehicles, evidenced by constant growth in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers. With nearly 65,000 visitors in 2023, the event has become one of Europe’s must-attend events. SOLUTRANS will furthermore break new ground in 2025, with an even stronger international positioning.
SOLUTRANS, the driving force behind a global market in motion
Widespread inflation, rising raw material costs, the political context and competition from afar are all weighing on the sector and creating a complex environment for businesses, particularly in the transport, logistics and mobility sectors. In this respect, and more than ever, exhibitors are fully aware that SOLUTRANS, as a major international exhibition, offers a prime platform where they can meet potential customers, investors and key players in the sector – in short, where they can activate new business opportunities.
In 2025, professionals from all over the world are set to show their support for SOLUTRANS: more than 1,100 exhibitors will be sharing the 100,000 sqm of Lyon-Eurexpo’s 6 halls. Large contingents from Türkiye, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Spain and Italy are expected. Given its international dimension, it is also the duty of SOLUTRANS to welcome a number of exhibitors from Asia, keen to share their concepts or their vision of the market with European players and customers. Without wishing to fuel controversy, the show is intended to reflect a global market in which China now has its place.
Decarbonisation: Helping the industry lead by example
As in previous years, SOLUTRANS will focus on the industry’s topical issues, to help exhibitors and visitors gain more insight into the challenges they face.
In 2025, the themes will focus on ways of making the industry an example of decarbonisation: the energy mix, regulatory changes in Europe, cybersecurity, hydrogen, infrastructure and artificial intelligence are the “megatrends” of SOLUTRANS 2025.
A programme of international talks will support these themes. It will open with a plenary session on Tuesday 18 November, during which the European Commission and its speakers will open a dialogue with industry professionals. The FFC will also be holding a headline talk for bodybuilders, fitters and equipment manufacturers, to discuss current and future regulatory challenges, including the topics of Vecto, Vecto Trailer, GSR II and the Weights and Dimensions Directive.
Talks to decipher the trends
Once again this year, SOLUTRANS will be offering an exceptional programme of talks and panel discussions, bringing together experts and professionals from the sector to exchange ideas, innovate and offer inspiration. The main events include:
- Hydrogen Symposium
Building a strong European hydrogen industry (with France Hydrogène)
The energy transition is forcing an overhaul of modes of transport, and heavy mobility is at the heart of this transformation. Numerous projects (manufacturers, infrastructure) already illustrate the integration of hydrogen in heavy mobility. The aim of this symposium is to bring together the main players in the hydrogen sector and draw up a blueprint for the Heavy Mobility H2 industry.
- Energy Transition talk
New energy, new uses: the new offerings
The heavy goods vehicle industry is evolving rapidly thanks to the development of renewable energies and green technologies. Several alternatives to traditional diesel propulsion are now available: electric, gas, hydrogen and biofuels. This conference will explore new energies from three perspectives: technological, practical and financial.
- CNR talk
The operating costs of road freight transport: 2025 review and 2026 outlook
The government-appointed national interest body Conseil National Routier mainly dedicates its work to carrying out economic studies and analyses on the road haulage market. Particular attention is paid to monitoring fluctuations in operating costs in this sector. The CNR will unveil its exclusive annual survey on road haulage operating costs for 2025.
- Experimental talk
Artificial Intelligence, already present in transport (with LAB’IA TRANSPORT)
Artificial Intelligence is transforming road transport by improving efficiency, safety and sustainability. One of the major roles of AI is to optimise logistics flows using sophisticated algorithms. However, these technologies are not yet deployed on a large scale due to technical, regulatory and ethical challenges. In this experimental talk, a live demonstration will show a test of delivery system managed by an AI.
- Sustainable Development talk
Retrofitting, regeneration, recycling: how to improve the value of a vehicle
Retrofitting, regeneration and recycling offer innovative and sustainable alternatives for extending truck life, reducing costs and contributing to a circular economy. By combining these approaches, transport operators can extend the profitability of their fleet, minimise their environmental impact and meet new market requirements.
- Urban logistics talk
Faced with traffic restrictions in ULEZs, the rise of e-commerce and growing demands for sustainability, urban logistics is undergoing a major transformation. This talk will explore strategies and technologies to optimise logistics in urban environments: fleet electrification, delivery pooling, local hubs, new modes of transport such as cargo bikes, etc.
- Cyber security talk
Securing data and fleets
In the digital age, managing fleets and sensitive data is becoming a major strategic challenge for transport and logistics companies. Thanks to predictive analysis, smart sensors and secure management platforms, companies can not only improve the safety of their vehicles and infrastructure but also meet growing requirements in terms of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
- Tyre talk
The challenges of eco-responsible tyres (with Syndicat du Pneu)
To meet regulatory requirements, and even anticipate them, the major tyre manufacturers have embarked on an extraordinary technological race to make tyres neutral by 2050. This round table, organised by the French tyre association, Syndicat du Pneu, will explore how tyres are becoming increasingly eco-responsible and less polluting in use.
- Infrastructure talk
Charging, the key challenge for electric vehicles
The future growth of electric vehicles depends directly on the charging infrastructure that accompanies them. While the technology of electric vans and trucks is evolving rapidly, charging station adaptation and development must follow suit to ensure a successful transition to zero-emission fleets. This talk will address the technical, economic and political issues involved in defining how industry players can build an integrated recharging ecosystem tailored to the needs of electric trucks.
- CSIAM talk
Making decarbonisation a lever for sovereignty and innovation in the HGV industry
Far from being a constraint, decarbonisation represents an opportunity for the European HGV industry to reinvent itself and innovate.
– By integrating new value chains (alternative energies, digitalisation, predictive maintenance)
– “Made in Europe”, with expertise in critical technologies (fleet management software, retrofitting, energy optimisation).
– Anticipation rather than passivity, by setting new standards in energy efficiency, intelligent infrastructure and autonomous fleets.
- Experience feedback talk
Understanding the rise of zero-emission trucks in Northern Europe
Zero-emission trucks are enjoying great success in Northern Europe (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands) thanks to strict regulations limiting diesel vehicles and promoting clean alternatives. Ultra-low-emission zones (ULEZ) and gradual bans on diesel are encouraging hauliers to switch to electric or hydrogen. In addition, subsidies and tax exemptions are making the investment in these vehicles more accessible to hauliers. In terms of infrastructure, Northern Europe has invested massively in high-power charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations, making it easier for electric and hydrogen trucks to operate day in and day out. Finally, the environmental and political commitment of the Nordic countries is accelerating this transition to more sustainable mobility.
The SOLUTRANS 2025 talks will be held in a new open agora designed to accommodate more than 150 people on the Place des Lumières, immediately adjacent to the exhibition entrance.
A tailor–made programme for the industry
LCV remarketing at the heart of SOLUTRANS 2025
An area entirely dedicated to LCV remarketing has been created. The Univers VUL Village, located in the heart of Hall 6, will bring together all the specialists in the sector: vehicle sourcing, logistics, financing, warranties, vehicle preparation and revamping, retrofitting… not forgetting the essential IT solutions (DMS, CRM, digital marketing, etc.).
At the centre of the Village, a networking area will offer a dynamic programme of talks, round tables, themed workshops and demonstrations.
Testing out vehicles, at the heart of the SOLUTRANS experience
Following its success in 2023, the cargo bike initiative will be repeated at SOLUTRANS in 2025. In the current energy transition environment, cargo bikes, which can transport heavy loads while emitting little or no carbon dioxide, fulfil a demand. The players in the sector, grouped together in a village in Hall 1, will be presenting and defending their solutions as delivery alternatives in urban areas, particularly for last-mile deliveries. Visitors will also be able to try out the cargo bikes, thanks to an outdoor track reproducing driving conditions.
Naturally, HGV manufacturers will continue to offer their latest heavy-duty vehicles for test driving on Europe’s longest road-testing track. Visitors can get behind the wheel of trucks of all powertrains, either on a flat area in the heart of the exhibition grounds, or on open roads, driving on a dedicated route around the show.
Promoting discussions… until even later
Exhibitors and professionals will have the chance to prolong the SOLUTRANS experience until 10pm on Thursday 20 November. This “night session” will also give all exhibitors the opportunity to organise social events and other activities for visitors. It will also be an opportunity for the FFC, which owns SOLUTRANS, to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Federation, but there may be other surprises in store!
Highlighting innovations in the sector
The I-nnovation AWARDS are back in 2025, with the promise of distinguishing the most innovative professionals in the Commercial Vehicle ecosystem. Bodybuilders, equipment suppliers, cargo bikes, service companies, etc. are all invited to enter. This year, the ceremony will be held at the Parilly racecourse, close to the Lyon Eurexpo exhibition centre. This is a nod to the origins of industrial bodywork, and more specifically to cartwrights and horse-drawn vehicles, as part of the FFC’s 180th anniversary celebrations. A special award will be presented to the Berliet Foundation for its unwavering commitment over the decades to safeguarding the heritage of heavy-duty vehicles.
SOLUTRANS: conviviality and an exceptional gala dinner
The renowned Gala Dinner will welcome over 1,400 guests on Wednesday 19 November. Entertainment will be provided by the Paradis Latin troupe and its choreographer Kamel Ouali. The show will combine singing, dancing and stage performances to highlight the evening’s major events, including the Industry Personality of the Year award, the 180th anniversary of the FFC and the Truck of the Year, Van of the Year and Pick-up Award presentations.
FFC 180th anniversary, the guiding theme
During the 5 days of the show, the FFC, owner and organiser of SOLUTRANS, will be keen to highlight its roots. Visitors will be able to discover the extraordinary heritage of the French coachbuilding industry since 1844, through presentations on its stand, dedicated sequences during the Gala Dinner, stage performances during the I-nnovation AWARDS and even a surprise during the show’s night session.
A souvenir from SOLUTRANS
SOLUTRANS 2025 is proud to announce the launch its merch shop! Located on the Place des Lumières, this store will reinforce the identity of the show, giving visitors the chance to go away with merchandise and other products designed just for them. This will help SOLUTRANS go viral, as these articles will remain visible after the event, making visitors the show’s ambassadors.
