How can new technologies be translated into competitive vehicles more quickly? This question runs throughout the IZB Live Stage program. From October 27 to 29, the stage in the Connecting Area in Hall 3 will serve as a meeting place for trade visitors who wish to discuss technical developments and new forms of collaboration. In doing so, it reflects the theme of this year’s trade show: customer-oriented innovation through speed, quality, and partnership.
Karsten Schnake, Chief Procurement Officer for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and a member of the Extended Group Management Board of Volkswagen AG, will kick off the event with a strategic address on October 27, 2026, at 10:25 a.m. His keynote will focus on collaboration along the supply chain as a prerequisite for the next generation of mobility. Following this, the five Volkswagen Group Hubs will present their topics in reverse pitches. For suppliers, this shift in perspective offers an interesting starting point: What challenges is the Group facing—and where can their own expertise come into play?
The presentations and panel discussions at the VW Group Hubs cover a broad spectrum: connected vehicles, powertrains and batteries, sustainable interior and exterior design concepts, body and chassis, and AI in procurement. Their common focus is on solutions that are technically sound and economically viable.
Among the technological highlights on October 27 are presentations on the new powertrain for the ID. Polo and CUPRA Raval, as well as the future SSP platform. Also featured are digital development processes, virtual testing, and the role of engineering partnerships in the software-defined vehicle. For development managers, this raises a key question: How must technology and collaboration change so that projects can move forward more quickly?
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, artificial intelligence will take center stage. Meindert van den Beld of NXP Semiconductors will speak at 11:40 a.m. about trust in Physical AI. A subsequent panel discussion will address AI in vehicle development. Other presentations will address GigaCasting and AI-supported simulation. The selection of topics highlights just how closely software, development tools, and industrial manufacturing are now intertwined.
Sustainability also takes on a concrete technical dimension. Low-carbon aluminum, single-material concepts, and the use of recycled materials are on the agenda. Behind this lies a crucial challenge for suppliers: combining material cycles with design freedom, quality, and economic requirements.
A special program item will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, starting at 11:30 a.m.: In closing panel discussions, the Volkswagen hubs will revisit their challenges and focus on solutions. This brings us full circle back to the start of the trade show. For trade visitors, it is therefore worthwhile to specifically include the Livestage in their visit plans—as a place where technical insights can be combined with discussions about future collaboration.
View the complete program for the IZB Livestage
