InnoTrans 2022: Focus on sustainable mobility

• 250 world innovations from international exhibitors

• 124 vehicles on 3,500 metres of rail track

• 14 buses on the Bus Display

• New Mobility+ platform on supplementary mobility services

• 21 Career Award winners at the event

• InnoTrans Plus online portal provides new opportunities for virtual networking

At last, InnoTrans is opening its doors for the thirteenth time. From 20 to 23 September 2022 at the leading international trade fair for transport technology, new products from 2,834 exhibitors representing 56 countries await trade visitors in each of the 42 display halls and on the outdoor display area.

The trade fair had to be postponed twice. After four years, this is the first time the industry is meeting in person again. “Nothing comes close to meeting in person, seeing old friends again and making new contacts on the stands and at the many specialist events that accompany the trade fair. No video presentation, regardless of how well made, can replace seeing, hearing, smelling and even testing products at the event“, said Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin, who together with EU Commissioner Adina Vălean and Federal Transport Minister Dr. Volker Wissing will open InnoTrans 2022 on 20 September 2022.

EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean sees the transition to new forms of mobility as a pan-European task. “In the years to come rail transport will be the focus of European transport policy, and InnoTrans, the leading international trade fair for transport technology, provides a valuable insight into how our plans will become reality. I am looking forward to witnessing some of the 250 innovations on display at this year’s InnoTrans, which will contribute to making rail transport and public transport more sustainable and resilient.“

A total of 2,834 exhibitors from 56 countries are taking part in InnoTrans 2022 and occupy the entire exhibition grounds, including the new fair hall hub27 and outdoor display areas. The world of transport technology and mobility is represented in 42 display halls and on a total area of 200,000 square metres. “InnoTrans provides a market coverage that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The products and services include drive systems, buses, cybersecurity, ERTMS, AI, maintenance, trams, hydrogen-powered trains and dual-mode vehicles. I am also especially looking forward to the many international delegations, including from Egypt, Korea, Japan, Brazil, the USA, Morocco and Saudi Arabia“, said Kerstin Schulz, the director of InnoTrans. 29 international associations, 15 industry associations and 20 transport companies are exhibiting at InnoTrans.

The slogan of the opening event, with over 1,000 invited guests, is ’The Future of Mobility in Times of Climate Change’. Afterwards, a discussion round with Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, Michal Krapinec, director general of the Czech Railways (České drahy), Henri Poupart-Lafarge, president of Alstom Transport S.A., Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility GmbH, and Peter Spuhler, CEO of Stadler Rail AG, will follow up this topic after the opening speeches.

Innovations for the climate

Sustainability has also become an important topic for manufacturers. Overall, visitors can look forward to around 250 world innovations in the five segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors und Tunnel Construction. Innovations are identifiable by a button on the stands and hall plans to make navigating the halls easier. The World Innovation Guide (both the printed and online version at innotrans.de) contains detailed descriptions of the new products and services.

In addition, InnoTrans is displaying 124 new vehicles on 3,500 metres of rail track and the outdoor displays. They include hydrogen-powered trains. Siemens Mobility is presenting the Mireo Plus H, the next generation of hydrogen-powered trains, as well as the Mireo Plus B, which features a high-performance modular battery system. The hydrogen-powered passenger train Coradia iLint from Alstom is currently in service on commercial lines in Germany, and is due to operate twice daily from Berlin-Spandau to Berlin-Ostbahnhof. Guests of Alstom and selected partners will be able to enjoy a test ride.

Among the exhibits being shown by Alstom on the outdoor display area are the double-decker Coradia Stream, a high-capacity train for regional services, and the Traxx locomotive featuring a last-mile option, which uses the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Stadler is taking part with seven vehicles this year. For the first time the company is showing the public its hydrogen-powered FLIRT H2 multiple unit train for the American passenger rail market. In addition, Stadler is presenting its latest-generation TINA tram. This features a fully integrated drive system which for the first time allows for a completely new interior concept that dispenses with steps and platforms.

For the first time, Südostbayernbahn (SOB) is presenting an innovative train (Ideenzug) which it has developed. This “laboratory of the future on rails“ features ten different modules, seven in-house designed seating systems, newly designed doors, as well as office compartments and a passenger information system that among other things displays free seats. In July, it earned SOB the Innovation Award of Bundesverband SchienenNahverkehr (BSN).

The Slovakian goods wagon manufacturer Tatravagónka is supplementing its hall exhibits with six vehicles on the outdoor display area. Alstom, Vossloh, Plasser und Theurer, Robel, Daimler Truck, Thales, Hitachi and many other exhibitors are also taking part.

Another outdoor area is the InnoTrans Bus Display, where visitors can witness 14 new buses on a 500-metre test circuit in the Messe Berlin Summer Garden. For the first time the Polish manufacturer Solaris is presenting its Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen, an 18-metre long bus with hydrogen as its main energy source. The ŠKODA H’CITY also uses hydrogen as a sustainable drive system. Ebusco from the Netherlands is bringing its all-electric Stadtbus 3.0 to the trade fair. Other exhibitors include VDL Bus & Coach and Van Hool.

An indrustry engaged in dialogue

At numerous specialist events InnoTrans will be encouraging the debate on topics surrounding sustainable mobility. On 20 September 2022 at 4 p.m. at the Palais am Funkturm, the InnoTrans Convention will kick off with the Rail Leaders‘ Summit. In addition to Adina Vălean and Dr. Volker Wissing, speakers will include ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst and industry representatives from Canada, Australia, Japan and the USA.

Over the days to follow, Dialogue Forums held by Verband der Bahnindustrie (VDB), Deutsches Verkehrsforum (DVF), Union des Industries Ferroviaires Européennes (UNIFE), Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen (VDV) and Verband der Elektro- und Digitalindustrie (ZVEI) will take place at InnoTrans 2022. Details can be found on the new portal InnoTrans Plus, which has an overview of all events. Visitors can use the online market platform, which contains all exhibitors, to set up their own profile, chat and make appointments.

On Friday, 23 September 2022, at the first InnoTrans Science Slam, the focus will be on visions of the future of mobility. Taking part in entertaining ten-minute lectures, scientists will explain their research projects and afterwards receive audience ratings.

Platform for supplementary mobility services

Rail transport is increasingly becoming part of a world of networked mobility. InnoTrans 2022 has taken this trend into account by introducing the new Mobility+ segment. Exhibitors displaying supplementary mobility services will come together with national and international transport companies, transport networks and administrations and present their concepts and systems to the industry.

Exhibitors’ products and services will range from shared mobility, mobility apps with travel information, booking and payment functions, to technology solutions such as on-demand transit systems and flying objects such as drones. Solutions such as first/last mile options as well as ride sharing providers will also be represented. The Mobility+ Corner will discuss new forms of networked mobility, and at five other Speakers’ Corners companies will hold keynote speeches with ideas on new products and industry news.

Kickstart your career

For many exhibitors finding qualified personnel is a key issue. That is why InnoTrans 2022 has expanded Campus, its careers programme, in Hall 4.2. Companies and job seekers will be represented on the Talent Stage. The Eurailpress Career Boost will take place on the Talent Stage on 21 September at 2 p.m. At the Elevator Pitch, candidates will present themselves to companies with 90-second pitches. All exhibitors will be able to post their vacancies. Every day, there will be three free guided tours which applicants can take part in to contact prospective employers on the stand and find out about their products.

How to get there

A shuttle service from the capital’s airport BER to Berlin as well as additional transport options such as scooters and bicycles provided in marked spaces around the exhibition grounds make travelling to and from InnoTrans 2022 easier. A ticket in combination with a valid ID permits the holder to use public transport free of charge.