The Japan Times - GAC presents autonomous trucks and MONTX concepts at Hannover show

GAC Commercial Vehicle announced its debut at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 in Hannover, Germany, presenting autonomous and battery-swapping heavy trucks alongside new light commercial vehicle concepts under its MONTX brand.

The announcement appeared in a company press release published by businessline on September 14 and datelined September 15. GAC used the theme Delivering the Future Together to describe its combination of vehicle technologies, partners and international expansion plans.

The company displayed solutions developed with autonomous-driving company Pony.ai and battery-swapping provider Aulton for its T9 truck. MONTX made its overseas debut with the P10 and V10 concepts, an All-Domain Adaptive Architecture and a programme inviting users to contribute to product development. The production SMILODON Pro pickup was also exhibited.

Chief operating officer Jimmy Du said the show marked a stage in GAC Commercial Vehicle’s international development. He said its plans involved taking both vehicles and its collaborative business ecosystem into global markets using GAC Group resources and international partnerships.

According to the company, its commercial vehicle operations draw on nearly two decades of research, manufacturing and quality-management experience through the GAC Hino joint venture. Sales increased 205% year on year in the first half of 2026. GAC Group’s sales and service network covers 110 countries and regions.

The T9 Robotruck combines Pony.ai’s fourth-generation autonomous-driving technology with GAC’s redundant drive-by-wire chassis. Its sensor package includes nine LiDAR units, three radars and 13 cameras. GAC said hardware costs were 70% below the previous generation and autonomous transport costs per tonne-kilometre were about 30% lower.

The company identified long-haul, dedicated-route and port operations as applications for the system. Its partnership model combines the vehicle, autonomous-driving capability and energy provision to speed deployment in commercial operations.

The T9 Battery Swap EV Tractor uses an electric drive axle and a 603-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery. GAC reported range of up to 475 kilometres and combined consumption as low as 1.2 kilowatt-hours per kilometre. Aulton’s equipment can replace a complete vehicle battery in approximately three to five minutes.

GAC said charging and swapping would serve different operating needs, with swapping particularly useful for frequent journeys on fixed routes because it reduces downtime.

The MONTX P10 concept targets outdoor professionals and explorers working in demanding environments. Features include four distributed drive motors, an AI Camp Mode and Intelligent Trailering Assist. GAC positioned it for activities such as remote exploration, field research and off-road expeditions.

The V10 concept is aimed at travellers, creators and digital nomads. It offers a modular interior, a Dual-Drive Smart Cabin and off-grid facilities, intended to accommodate work, rest, social activities and mobile living.

MONTX’s All-Domain Adaptive Architecture is designed to support several energy types, body forms and uses within one underlying architecture. The company described its principles as multiple-energy compatibility, body-on-frame construction and adaptive intelligence, intended to simplify development across different markets.

Through MONTX Makers, users can contribute their requirements early in product design. Participants may receive Pioneer Co-Creator recognition, invitations to international brand events and owner benefits.

The SMILODON Pro is already sold in Central and South America and the Middle East. GAC plans availability in around 30 countries by the end of 2026, positioning it for both commercial work and everyday use.

The performance figures and expansion plans were supplied by GAC in the release. Businessline identified the publication as company material prepared without involvement from its journalists.

GAC said the light commercial concepts were intended to combine adaptability, intelligence and a common design approach across different operating environments.

M.Saito--JT