InnoTrans 2014 Review: The Highlights

Review of the topics and highlights from InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin: Over the space of four days a total of 2758 exhibitors presented their technological innovations at the outdoor display, on its rail-track compounds and in its fully booked exhibition halls. Apart from rolling stock and attendant machinery and components the range covered by the fair included local and long-distance transport solutions, as well as tunnel construction technology. A record number of exhibitors and roughly 139,000 international trade visitors are proof that the InnoTrans was, as always, “on the right track”. For the first time in the fair’s history 145 vehicles were on display at the outdoor display, some being presented to the public with spectacular shows. Alstom in conjunction with Deutsche Bahn, for example, presented its new H3 Hybrid locomotive. Bombardier showed off its high speed Frecciarossa 1000 train together with Ansaldobreda and the Italian rail operator Trenitalia. British transport minister Patrick McLoughlin attended Siemens’s presentation of the new Desiro City Thameslink. Polish manufacturer PESA put on a spectacular show at the hand over of the first DB-Link train to Deutsche Bahn. The 10th anniversary InnoTrans set the tone as far as the important issues are concerned. Senior representatives from the rail sector focused on the main developments and gave insights into the market situation and the resultant opportunities for the industry and for society as a whole. The major players among the manufacturers and rail companies have long since benefited from the chances the InnoTrans offers and were – once more – able to secure contracts and cooperation agreements worth millions. As a showcase for innovations as well as a market place the InnoTrans trade fair is the undisputed top event, setting global standards for the industry - which is why the focus will once again be on Berlin from the 20th – 23d. of September 2016 when the 11th InnoTrans will open for business.