Fenatran 2026 with a greater presence of Asian commercial vehicles
With 700 exhibiting brands, 13 commercial vehicle manufacturers, and full occupancy of São Paulo Expo, the trade show reinforces its position as the Southern Hemisphere's main road freight transport gathering. Marcos Villela Hochreiter, Publisher e Editor, www.frotanews.com.br provides an update of the event.
Less than a month before the opening of Fenatran 2026, the figures already confirm the growth of Latin America's largest road freight transport trade show. The event will fully occupy the 100 000 square meters of São Paulo Expo, bringing together 700 brands and recording a record 13 participating automakers, reflecting the accelerated transformation underway in the global commercial vehicle industry.
According to Thiago Braga Ferreira, executive manager of Fenatran, this year's edition portrays a period of strong market renewal, driven mainly by the arrival of new international manufacturers—especially Asian ones—and the increasing incorporation of digital technologies into road freight transport. According to the executive, the trade show has ceased to be merely a showcase for trucks and has come to represent a complete ecosystem of logistics solutions.
“Fenatran is the largest meeting point for road freight transport. When we look at this sector, we are talking about an environment that spans from the grain harvest to final delivery to the consumer. It is not just a truck show. It is a show for connectivity, technology, implements, services, and logistics,” he states.
Advancement of Asian Brands Changes the Sector's Landscape
One of the main hallmarks of Fenatran 2026 will be the expanded presence of Asian manufacturers, a movement that follows a trend also observed in Europe and the United States. Among the confirmed automakers are Volvo, DAF, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, Scania, Ford, Foton, BYD, JAC Motors, Sany, Sinotruk, and XCMG. According to Thiago Braga Ferreira, the expansion of these companies should not be interpreted as an exclusively Brazilian phenomenon.
“We are seeing new competitors entering the market, mainly from Asia, but this movement is happening globally. Brazil is part of this transformation because it is an extremely competitive and strategic market for the industry,” he highlights.
The executive also draws attention to the emergence of new partnerships between traditional manufacturers and Chinese groups. As an example, he cites initiatives focused on the urban distribution and last-mile segment, which is increasingly important for transport in large cities.
Last Mile Gains More Space
Changes in consumer patterns and the growth of e-commerce have also expanded the footprint of light vehicles within Fenatran. Vans, delivery vans, pickup trucks, and urban trucks have taken on a prominent role at the event by addressing distribution needs in major Brazilian urban centers.
“São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and other large cities require specific distribution solutions. Heavy trucks often cannot access certain areas. As a result, vehicles intended for last-mile delivery have been gaining growing relevance at the event,” observes the executive manager.
Growth Confirms International Relevance
The expansion of the trade show is also evident in the numbers. The previous edition brought together around 600 brands. In 2026, there will be approximately 700, distributed across a fully sold-out area. According to organizational data, Fenatran 2026 will feature 106 international brands, reinforcing its global profile and the growing internationalization of the road freight transport sector. Foreign participation will be led by China, accounting for 92 exhibitors—equivalent to 86.79% of total international brands.
The distribution of foreign companies confirms the strengthening of the Asian presence at the event. In addition to Chinese companies, the show will bring together exhibitors from Taiwan and Turkey, each with four participating brands. Sweden and the United States will be represented by two companies each, while Italy and Luxembourg will each have one participating brand, bringing the total to 106.
China = 92 Exhibitors, 86.79 %
Taiwan = 4 Exhibitors, 3.77 %
Türkiye = 4 Exhibitors, 3.77 %
Sweden = 2 Exhibitors, 1.89 %
United States = 2 Exhibitors, 1.89%
Italy, = 1 Exhibitor, 0.94%
Luxembourg = 1 Exhibitor, 0.94 %
According to Thiago Braga Ferreira, the predominance of Asian brands reflects a worldwide trend of reorganization in the commercial vehicle industry and its suppliers. The expectation is also for an increase in the flow of international visitors, something that is part of Fenatran's history. “We receive professionals from all over Latin America, as well as visitors from Europe, the United States, and China. That's why we maintain translation facilities to facilitate interaction between buyers and foreign manufacturers,” he explains.
Business Matchmaking Expands International Connections
Another key feature of the 2026 edition will be the strengthening of the official business matchmaking program promoted by RX. The program connects exhibitors and potential buyers through pre-scheduled meetings, increasing the commercial effectiveness of participating in the fair.
According to the executive, domestic and international companies can indicate which organizations they wish to meet during the event, and the organizers act as facilitators of these connections. “Fenatran is a networking environment. In just five days, we manage to bring together manufacturers, carriers, shippers, suppliers, and decision-makers from across the logistics chain.
“Brazil remains a laboratory for the global industry Brazil's territorial dimension continues to be one of the main attractions for global manufacturers. The country combines unique operational, climate, infrastructure, and logistics characteristics, making it an important testing ground for new technologies and products designed for freight transport.
“Historically, Fenatran welcomes key executives from multinationals precisely because Brazil is viewed as a strategic market for the development, validation, and launch of solutions,” says Thiago Braga Ferreira.
Connected Transport and Artificial Intelligence
Digital transformation also stands out as a central theme of the upcoming edition. Telematics, artificial intelligence, onboard connectivity, fleet management, and real-time monitoring are expected to occupy space comparable to traditional truck launches.
“The truck is no longer just a vehicle for transport. Today, it is a major connection hub for carriers and drivers. In just two years, there has been very significant evolution in this area,” he assesses.
Inclusion Gains Space
Beyond business, the organization maintains initiatives focused on inclusion. Since the 2024 edition, Fenatran has provided Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) translation services to assist hearing-impaired truck drivers and enhance accessibility at the event.
Female participation also continues to be one of the causes supported by the event. On November 12, another edition of the meeting of women in road freight transport will take place, held in partnership with Setcesp.
No Room to Grow Inside, Expansion Moves Outdoors
With all pavilions fully occupied, Fenatran's physical expansion has become a challenge. According to the executive manager, the trade show already uses 100 percent of the available capacity at São Paulo Expo, considered the largest exhibition center in Latin America for events of this scale.
Even so, the organizers managed to expand the outdoor area by approximately 300 square meters compared to the previous edition. This space gained added importance with the creation of the Fenatran Experience, an area that will bring together seven automakers for dynamic activities and product demonstrations.
“The outdoor area is no longer merely complementary. It has become a lively space with experiences, demonstrations, and the presence of both national and international companies,” he highlights.
