Even though climate change is as apparent as it is, the global automotive industry is still divided on which direction to take for automotive propulsion in the future. Europe is still contemplating if electric-only is the correct approach, or being technology-neutral will be the right way forward. Meanwhile, North American countries are still pursuing continued use of gasoline and diesel.
To discuss these conflicts, and to arrive at a consensus, global automotive representatives will be meeting in Vienna for the 47th International Vienna Motor Symposium between April 22-24, 2026. The symposium will feature approximately 100 presentations from scientists, developers, and suppliers, with representatives from more than 20 countries, including Brazil, China, Germany, France, India, Italy, Japan, Canada, Korea, USA, UK and Turkey.
- Tata Motors to present its 1.5 Hyperion petrol engine at the symposium
- Audi, Mercedes, VW and Toyota will showcase next-generation hybrid tech
- Symposium to also focus on future hydrogen combustion tech and AI-driven software
The symposium will focus on key areas of innovation such as efficient hybrids, battery electric vehicles, components such as wheel hub motors in series production, and exciting high-performance hybrids with even V8 or V12 base engines.
Carmakers at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2026
There will be several carmakers making their presence felt at the Vienna Motor Symposium with their latest technologies, including our homegrown Tata Motors. The company will be showcasing its new 1.5-litre four-cylinder Hyperion petrol engine that recently debuted on the Sierra, Harrier and Safari. Audi will be unveiling a new hybridised V6 TDI engine, while Mercedes-Benz will be present an evolution of its inline six-cylinder diesel engine, the OM 656 Evo.
Furthermore, Austrian technology group AVL, in collaboration with Chinese car manufacturer Chery, will unveil a new hybrid petrol engine that is said to have achieved 48 percent thermal efficiency (most gasolines engines have around 30 percent thermal efficiency). Volkswagen and Toyota will also be showcasing their next-generation hybrid technology, while BMW will announce details of its ‘GEN6’ battery-electric drive.
The symposium will also address the future of high-performance cars, with Porsche, Lamborghini and Mahle in attendance. Porsche will showcase its hybridised, bi-turbo 6-cylinder boxer engine from the new 911 Turbo S, while Lamborghini will present the hybrid powertrain from the Temerario GT3 super sports car. There will also be Mahle presenting a new V12 hybrid powertrain for hypercar applications.
Lastly, US manufacturer Cummins and China’s FAW Group will be showcasing new hydrogen combustion engines for heavy duty applications and commercial vehicles.
What else is happening at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2026?
The event will presentations from four prominent figures in the global automotive space. Prof. Stefan Pischinger, chairman of the board of engineering company FEV, will present on ‘The future of drive systems against the backdrop of CO2 fleet targets’. Matthias Zink, Schaeffler Executive Board member, will complement this with a talk on Europe’s specific challenges. Ruiping Wang, Aurobay Technologies CEO, will present the global perspective of a major hybrid engine and transmission supplier. Lastly, representing all truck manufacturers, Niklas Klingenberg, CEO of the TRATON Group (Scania, MAN and VW), will speak about the ‘Future of powertrains in a changing global environment’.
There will also be Philippe Krief, Alpine-Renault CEO, talking about how to build a ‘genuine electric sports car,’ and Geoffrey Bouqout, Chief Technical Officer at Audi, talking on ‘AI as the driving force behind transformation in the automotive industry’.
Registrations for visiting the 47th Vienna Motor Symposium are currently ongoing.
