Elmia Lastbil strengthens its role as a meeting place for the transport industry

After four intensive days, Elmia Lastbil 2026 has come to a close. More than 370 exhibitors gathered in Jönköping, where face-to-face meetings took centre stage and topics such as electrification, digitalisation and skills supply shaped this year’s fair.

During the fair, held from 19–22 August, news and innovations from across the transport industry were on display. Visitors had the opportunity to see products and solutions first-hand, compare different alternatives and meet the people behind them.

– Over these four days, we have seen an industry with strong confidence in the future and a clear drive to develop. The stands have been busy, a great deal of business has been done, and there have been many valuable conversations about the issues facing the industry. Being able to meet in person, see the solutions first-hand and discuss the specific needs of your own business still has tremendous value, says Björn Swenning, Exhibition Manager for Elmia Lastbil.

New conditions across the entire transport chain

Electrification, alternative fuels and new technologies are changing the conditions across the entire transport chain. At Elmia Lastbil, this development was evident among vehicle manufacturers, bodybuilders and suppliers alike, with the technology shift creating both new opportunities and changing requirements.

Volvo Trucks Sweden presented two world premieres, while Scania Sweden showcased solutions for a range of transport needs, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks Sweden held the Swedish premiere of an electric construction truck.

– The opportunity to present two world premieres at Elmia Lastbil demonstrates both Volvo’s innovative strength and the importance of the Swedish market. The Volvo 100 Year Edition celebrates our heritage, while the new Volvo FH Aero Electric rigid shows how electrification can meet the demands of truly heavy transport operations. Our customers and their needs are always at the heart of what we do as we drive the transition towards sustainable, safe and profitable transport, says Stefan Strand, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Sweden.

At Scania Sweden, the focus was also on transport economics and how the transition can be made profitable for customers.

– Elmia Lastbil really is the place where the entire industry comes together. We meet customers, bodybuilders, partners and colleagues from all over Sweden. For us, it is not just about showcasing products, but about discussing transport economics, sustainability and how we can work together to create profitable transport solutions for the future, says Frida Elmblad, Sales Director, Vehicle Market at Scania Sweden.

At Mercedes-Benz Trucks Sweden, meanwhile, it was clear how discussions around electrification have evolved as the technology has become a more established part of the market.

– It was interesting to see that electric trucks are no longer regarded as something unusual. Discussions are now about specific technologies in much the same way as with diesel trucks, and customers are knowledgeable. It was also great to see how open upper secondary school students are to new developments, says Tomas Gustavsson, Managing Director of Veho Import, general agent for Mercedes-Benz Trucks Sweden.

Changes in the international market were also visible on the exhibition floor. For the first time, a Chinese heavy-duty truck was represented at Elmia Lastbil – a concrete example of how new players are entering the European market.

Key industry issues took centre stage

The fair was inaugurated by Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, who emphasised the transport sector’s importance for jobs, growth and Swedish competitiveness, as well as the need for continued investment in transport infrastructure.

Several of the issues currently shaping the transport industry were addressed on the fair’s stages. The stage and seminar programme, organised together with the Swedish Association of Road Transport Companies, covered topics including transport policy, digitalisation, AI, financing and skills supply.

Light commercial vehicles at the fair for the first time

One of this year’s major new features was a dedicated area for light commercial vehicles and their bodybuilders, appearing at Elmia Lastbil for the first time. In collaboration with Mobility Sweden and the Swedish LCV Association, six vehicle importers and nine bodybuilders gathered to showcase vehicles and solutions for applications including urban distribution, service operations, trades and specialised transport.

– Light commercial vehicles are a central part of the Swedish transport sector, so it is very positive that they now have a clear presence at Elmia Lastbil. Together with the Swedish LCV Association, we have brought together vehicle manufacturers, importers and bodybuilders to showcase the breadth of solutions and the rapid development taking place within the segment. Bringing the entire transport chain together in one place creates valuable meetings and gives visitors a better understanding of the opportunities available for the transport solutions of the future, says Mazdak Haghanipour, Acting Technical Director at Mobility Sweden.

– We are delighted to look back on four eventful and rewarding days at Elmia Lastbil, which this year was expanded with a dedicated area for light commercial vehicles and their bodybuilders. Both our member companies and visitors felt that the initiative was a success. We hope to continue our strong collaboration with Mobility Sweden and Elmia ahead of future fairs and develop the concept even further, says Mats Öberg, Chairman of the Swedish LCV Association.

Skills supply in focus

During School Day, more than 3,000 transport students from upper secondary schools and adult education programmes across Sweden visited Elmia Lastbil. They had the opportunity to meet companies and industry professionals, experience the sector first-hand and discover the many career paths available within the transport and automotive industries.

For Lastfordonsgruppen, both technological development and future skills were important topics throughout the fair.

– Our focus at Elmia Lastbil was to demonstrate how innovation and collaboration are driving the transport industry’s transition forward. Our seminar on the e-trailer and our meetings with students during School Day show how important it is both to develop tomorrow’s solutions and to secure the skills needed for the future, says Carina Jakobsson, Chairman of Lastfordonsgruppen.

Professional pride and truck culture

Alongside business and key industry issues, the passion for trucks remains an important part of Elmia Lastbil. Around 40 vehicles representing different eras of transport history were gathered in the Veteran Hall, while Nordic Trophy once again showcased some of Europe’s most spectacular trucks.

On Friday, Nordic Trophy took over central Jönköping. Later that evening, a light show was held at Elmia for the first time, putting the trucks’ lighting designs and details in the spotlight.

Elmia Lastbil is organised together with Trailer Magazine, which is also behind Nordic Trophy.

– This year’s Elmia Lastbil really had everything, from light to heavy and from old to new. On the industry side, it was fantastic to see the major advances that have been made in the technology shift in just two years. On Saturday, it was also impressive to see the exceptionally high standard of the trucks in this year’s Nordic Trophy, the customised truck competition that Trailer started back in 1980. Nordic Trophy has become increasingly international, and this time 120 trucks from twelve countries took part in Jönköping, says Tomas Ek, Editor-in-Chief of Trailer Magazine.

– This year’s fair reflects a transport industry undergoing rapid development. Electrification, alternative fuels, digitalisation and skills supply have been recurring themes, while developments in the wider world are creating new demands. At a time like this, it becomes even more important for the industry to have a place where people can meet, exchange experiences and discuss the way forward, concludes Björn Swenning.

The next Elmia Lastbil will take place on 23–26 August 2028.

Elmia Lastbil 2026 in figures

Number of visits: 29,873
Number of exhibitors: 378
Number of countries represented: 15
Exhibition area: 75,000 m²
Number of transport students: 3,347