InnoTrans 2010: A must-see for the world of rail transport technology

The world of rail transport technology is meeting from 21 to 24 September at an event in Berlin which is a must for this entire sector – InnoTrans 2010. More than 2,200 exhibitors and some 100,000 trade visitors from over 100 countries are expected at this trade fair, the leading event for the industry. The international nature of this trade fair has been one of its main characteristics for many years. Now over half of its exhibitors come from abroad, and in the Interiors sector of the fair the figure is as high as two thirds.

Companies and enterprises from every continent are taking part in InnoTrans 2010, either represented individually or on combined stands, of which there are 29 this year, the largest number ever. Brazil, Canada and the Chinese province of Jiangsu are attending with combined stands for the first time. Several countries have decided to be represented simultaneously in various different display areas. For example, Italy and Switzerland are showing the flag in three separate sections of the fair, while Finland, the United Kingdom and Spain have two combined stands each.

The involvement by foreign associations is much greater than in previous years too. Fifteen of the 30 such associations that have registered to attend are national industry associations, which are using InnoTrans to demonstrate the economic and commercial capabilities of their respective countries. They include ACRI (Czech Republic), AMETVS (Canada), Danish Railway Group, MAFEX (Spain), RIA (United Kingdom), Swerig (Sweden), SWISSRAIL, and from Asia, CRIDA (Taiwan), JORSA (Japan) and KORSIA (South Korea), as well as the German Railway Industry Association (VDB). The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and the Specialty Vehicles and Transportation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (AMETVS) from Canada are both making their debut at InnoTrans.

There has also been an increase in the number of international transport enterprises represented at InnoTrans. Along with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB (Austria), SBB (Switzerland) und SNCF (France), this year they also include Infrabel (Belgium), PKP (Poland) and Russian Railways. The majority of these transport companies are exhibiting in Hall 18, immediately adjacent to the North Entrance to the Exhibition Grounds.

Michaela Stöckli, General Manager of SWISSRAIL (Switzerland): “InnoTrans is without doubt the world’s leading trade fair for the rail industry. It is therefore a matter of course that the Swiss rail industry should be represented in Berlin to demonstrate its capabilities. Following the successes of the Swiss industry on various markets it is only logical that the number of exhibitors should continue to increase. Their expectations are correspondingly high and our exhibitors are expecting to meet a large number of international visitors of the highest quality, comprising rail experts and decision-makers. Trade visitors who come to our three stands can expect to obtain first class information from experts.”

Tim Gray, International Business Development Director of the Railway Industry Association (RIA) of the United Kingdom: “RIA has been a major participant at every InnoTrans since 2000 and we recognise the show as the premier railway technology event, providing an ideal marketing and communication platform for our members and other UK companies to show the excellence and innovation coming out of the UK railway supply industry. As a truly global show it enables us to promote equipment and services from British suppliers to a wide audience of international clients.  In total there are more than 80 British exhibitors this year at InnoTrans.”

Anne Turcotte, Director of Communication for the Specialty Vehicles and Transportation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (AMETVS) of Canada: The AMETVS, representing 350 manufacturing businesses in the province of Québec, participates in Innotrans to make the products and services of its members and industry known. There are a total of 23 companies on our stand, including specialists in floor coverings for mass transit, ergonomic seats and other seating solutions, as well as vehicle components.

Vicente Abare, President of the Association of the Brazilian Railway Industry (ABIFER): “The Brazilian railway industry is currently undergoing a phase of expansion, with the construction of new manufacturing plants and the increased production of locomotives, rolling stock and systems. It is in this context that Brazilian railway manufacturers and operators are attending InnoTrans for the first time. They are using the Brazilian combined stand to present their products and their requirements, encompassing both exports and imports, and the search for partnerships.”