New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-09-11
The global auto industry is pivoting from passenger concepts to commercial utility this week, with the IAA Transportation show in Hannover dominating headlines with electric truck debuts. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi’s official launch of the revived Pajero continues to generate buzz in Japan and Australia, while Polestar teases its new design language ahead of future model releases.
New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-09-11
Top developments
IAA Transportation 2026 Highlights Electric Commercial Fleets
The IAA Transportation show in Hannover (formerly IAA Nfz) is currently underway, shifting focus from passenger cars to heavy-duty electrification. German media highlights a surge in electric truck platforms, with manufacturers like DPX unveiling modular electric vehicles for municipal use, including the "AgriTruck" and "CityTruck" concepts. The event is also seeing strong participation from Chinese manufacturers entering the European commercial vehicle market with competitive electric vans and trucks.
Mitsubishi Pajero World Premiere and Production Timeline
Following its world premiere on September 2, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is moving toward production. Japanese outlet Best Car reports that the formal announcement of specifications and pricing is scheduled for October 29, 2026, with sales launching on December 17, 2026. Mitsubishi aims to produce and sell 10,000 units globally within the current fiscal year, positioning the vehicle as a high-volume flagship rather than a niche off-roader.
Polestar Confirms "Formula 2030" Concept for Future Models
Polestar has officially confirmed that its "Formula 2030" concept car, recently teased, previews the design direction for the next-generation Polestar 2 and Polestar 7. The concept marks the first design work led by new Chief Design Officer Philipp Römers, signaling a shift away from previous minimalist aesthetics toward a more dynamic, performance-oriented look. This move is critical for the brand as it pushes toward profitability with updated model lineups.
Mitsubishi Ralliart Pajero Concept Debuts but Won’t Be Built
In a related design story, Mitsubishi showcased a Ralliart-styled Pajero concept at recent events, reviving the iconic rally-inspired branding. However, executives have confirmed that this specific Ralliart version will not enter production, serving instead as a marketing tool to gauge interest in sportier trim levels or accessories.
Local view
Germany: Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung reports that the IAA Transportation 2026 is drawing approximately 1,700 exhibitors, with a specific focus on electric transporters tailored for tradespeople and small businesses. The coverage emphasizes practicality and payload capacity over luxury features.
Japan: Car Watch emphasizes that the new Pajero is being positioned as a "flagship" that balances off-road capability with on-road refinement, aiming to compete with premium SUVs rather than just rugged utilities. Autocar Japan notes that Mitsubishi is using the Pajero launch to potentially elevate its brand perception toward a more premium tier, similar to Lexus or Audi, by introducing higher-quality interiors and technology.
Context & numbers
- Pajero Production Target: Mitsubishi plans to produce and sell 10,000 units of the new Pajero globally within the fiscal year ending March 2027.
- IAA Attendance: The concurrent IFA Berlin tech show reported 240,000 visitors, reflecting broader consumer interest in mobility tech, though this is distinct from the automotive-focused IAA Transportation in Hannover.
- Chinese Presence: Chinese brands are increasingly dominant at European commercial vehicle shows, with companies like Chery’s DELIVAN brand presenting production-ready electric vans at IAA Transportation.
On the radar
- October 29, 2026: Official pricing and final spec announcement for the new Mitsubishi Pajero in Japan.
- December 17, 2026: Sales launch for the new Mitsubishi Pajero in key markets.
- Rumor Watch: Speculation continues regarding whether the Polestar Formula 2030 design language will influence the upcoming Polestar 4 facelift, though no official date has been released.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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