On 16 May 2025, Kässbohrer announced the innovations it will showcase at the Transport Logistic 2025 trade fair in Munich, scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 June. Under the motto Enginuity, a fusion of engineering and ingenuity, the manufacturer will present a wide range of solutions from general cargo and bulk liquids to intermodal and heavy transport, all united by a single goal: to lead the transition towards sustainable logistics.
The new generation of container semi-trailers will take centre stage, with the Octagon-on series standing out. It features a newly developed octagonal central frame designed to eliminate the torsional deformations that have plagued extendable vehicles for over thirty years, often causing structural damage. This design, which won the Trailer Innovation Award in the chassis category, is now standard across all extendable chassis and ultra-light fixed gooseneck models. Results from in-house testing are clear: a simulated one-million-kilometre service life with optimised robustness, handling and load distribution. The vehicle on display in Munich is extendable in three sections – front, centre and rear – and is capable of transporting high-capacity containers from 20 to 45 feet, 45-foot swap bodies and cargo boxes up to 13,600 mm, ensuring stability and grip even in the most challenging configurations.
Among the highlights in the outdoor exhibition area, Kässbohrer will also present Europe’s lightest chassis for 20-foot tank containers. Built from high-strength S 700 MC steel and protected by a KTL coating for long-term durability, the new model weighs just 3,250 kg when empty. The project, named K.SHF T 20, has been designed for maximum versatility, allowing the transport of swap tank bodies up to 7.82 metres. Functionality is evident in every detail: easy rear access, aluminium side platforms, stainless steel drip trays and integrated hose compartments all contribute to smoother loading, unloading and securing operations.
But it is in the field of refrigerated transport that Kässbohrer takes a major technological leap with the launch of the new K.SRI E electric temperature-controlled semi-trailer. Thanks to a partnership with BPW and Thermo King, the vehicle features a fully electric power system that eliminates the need for fuel during operation of the refrigeration unit. This translates into annual savings of up to 4,000 litres of diesel and a CO₂ reduction of 10 tonnes, with efficiency 50% higher than current electric solutions on the market. Credit also goes to the insulation provided by GRP panels with a K-value of 0.31 and an air circulation system that ensures uniform cooling throughout the entire load compartment.
Vehicle electrification is part of a broader research and development strategy pursued by Kässbohrer on multiple fronts. A concrete example is the European ZEFES project, in which the company is developing an electric curtain-sider powered by an energy recovery axle designed by ZF. This vehicle, currently undergoing testing after its unveiling in September 2024, is intended to support both traditional and fully electric tractors, enabling seamless integration into daily logistics operations. These developments and more will be discussed during the K-Expert Talk “Towards Zero Emissions: Electrification Update”, scheduled for 3 June 2025 at the Kässbohrer stand, with the participation of the main stakeholders from the ZEFES project.
