InnoTrans, the world's largest trade fair for transport technology, set several records at its 14th edition from 24 to 27 September 2024. It occupied all the exhibition halls and the entire outdoor and track area of the Exhibition Grounds of Messe Berlin and offered the largest exhibition space since InnoTrans was founded in 1996. ‘InnoTrans 2024 was a real record-breaking trade fair - both in terms of exhibition space and visitor numbers. Around 170,000 visitors from 133 countries came to the Exhibition Grounds of Messe Berlin this year - so we were once again able to increase the pre-corona level in terms of visitor numbers and internationality. InnoTrans has impressively demonstrated that it is the world's leading trade fair for transport technology and mobility,’ says Dirk Hoffmann, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin.

‘InnoTrans was once again the event of the global railway industry,’ said InnoTrans Director Kerstin Schulz. ‘With a firework display of innovations and 226 world premieres, the trade fair attracted visitors from all over the world.’ The 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries presented their latest products and services in the five trade fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. The trade fair became even more international this year. Around 600 new exhibitors took part - and with them new countries such as Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Africa. Exhibitors from all over the world presented 133 vehicles on the 3,500 metres of track. In the Bus Display in the Summer Garden, trade visitors were able to experience eleven buses in live operation on a 500 metre long circuit.

The main topics at this year's trade fair were sustainability, electrification, digitalisation and, above all, artificial intelligence. ‘AI is also becoming increasingly important in the transport industry,’ says InnoTrans Director Kerstin Schulz. InnoTrans took this development into account with the new exhibition area, the AI Mobility Lab. ‘This was exactly the right decision. The demand for AI-based solutions and cybersecurity was enormous,’ reports Schulz. 42 exhibitors from 17 countries presented their expertise in AI, robotics, data protection and cybersecurity. The next InnoTrans will take place at the Exhibition Grounds of Messe Berlin from 22 to 25 September 2026.

What exhibitors had to say about InnoTrans 2024:

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility: ‘We are delighted with this year's InnoTrans in Berlin - the trade fair was a great success. We were able to show thousands of visitors and customers how Siemens Xcelerator uses standardised interfaces to digitally connect data from our products, operators and ecosystem partners in new ways. In this way, we are promoting ground-breaking innovations that make rail transport the most sustainable, convenient and cost-efficient transport solution. InnoTrans offers us the perfect setting for personal dialogue and joint progress.’

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom: “This InnoTrans 2024, we saw how the industry is actively responding to the rapidly evolving transportation needs of the world. I am grateful for the many visitors from around the globe, particularly Alstom’s customers and partners, who took the time to exchange with us. We were proud to showcase the innovation from our 84,000 talented employees, working together to make transportation clean, efficient, smart, reliable, enjoyable and accessible for all. The challenges we face – climate change, rapid urbanisation, and a changing technological landscape – need a united approach and we are well are on the way. InnoTrans 2024 has confirmed my optimism about the future.”

Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG: ‘More rail in Germany and Europe and therefore more climate protection can only be achieved together. That's why the dialogue within the industry at InnoTrans is so important. With innovative approaches and digital technologies and with tangible improvements for our passengers in terms of trains, connections and integrated public transport services, we at DB are taking responsibility for a strong railway.’

Markus Bernsteiner, Group CEO of Stadler: ‘InnoTrans 2024 was a great success for Stadler. At our stand, we were able to present our innovative strength for modern rail vehicles and customised signalling and service solutions to our guests and customers. With eight vehicle concepts, we once again demonstrated our commitment to sustainable, safe and reliable mobility. We look forward to the upcoming projects and partnerships that will emerge from this successful week at the trade fair.’

Ghizlane Aaboud, Head of OPC Planning and Interfaces, ONCF: ‘We were delighted to take part in InnoTrans 2024. The show provided a valuable opportunity to connect with key industry leaders and explore the latest developments in railway technology. For our company, participation in InnoTrans is essential to remain at the forefront of innovation and strengthen our global partnerships. This event is an important part of our mission to promote sustainable and efficient solutions in the rail industry.’

Sarah Stark, Managing Director of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB): ‘Every two years, InnoTrans shines the spotlight on an industry that moves the everyday lives of millions of people and makes their mobility future-proof. From innovative regional trains that can replace the office and run on hydrogen and battery power, to high-speed trains that can withstand desert temperatures and sandstorms, to digital information systems for quick orientation or barrier-free railway doors that bridge height differences without steps - InnoTrans 2024 has once again demonstrated the innovative power of the rail industry this year.’

Martin Schmitz, Managing Director Technology, Association of German Transport Companies (VDV): ‘InnoTrans 2024 has once again impressively demonstrated the innovative strength of the German and international rail industry. We should use this powerful and forward-looking appearance of the industry to now also emphatically demand the necessary support for our transformation from the EU and federal politicians.’

Enno Wiebe, General Director, UNIFE (European railway industry): “The largest ever InnoTrans has impressively demonstrated the capabilities of the rail supply industry, and the role it will play in delivering the railway system of the future. With fair international competition and a level playing field with other modes - alongside ensuring the necessary financial means and migration paths - we can continue to successfully deploy what has been presented here in Berlin, the capital of the Future of Mobility.”

Dr Heike van Hoorn, Managing Director of the German Transport Forum (DVF): ‘InnoTrans is always an impressive showcase, a class reunion for the industry and a source of encouragement in difficult times. The latter was particularly important this time because we were once again able to realise how much is in motion and how modern the railways are. If we finally unleash the industry politically in this country, then it will be able to fulfil our mobility dreams. The road is not easy, but we can do it!’

Azar Mottale, Head of Mobility, ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association): ‘InnoTrans is one of the world's leading trade fairs for rail transport. This has been demonstrated once again this year. Its international character and enormous popularity make it an indispensable platform for finding out about the latest trends and innovations. It is impressive to see what is already possible today. We need this dialogue in order to take the next step towards the mobility of the future together. We need to work together to pool our interests in order to push ahead with topics such as the digitalisation of rail infrastructure. We also need to drive forward the electrification of railway lines and the use of alternative drive technologies. And finally, we need to step up the pace to further develop the topic of artificial intelligence for the railways. These are all crucial steps towards making rail transport even more efficient and sustainable.’

Malte Hofmann, Industry Segment Manager at HARTING: ‘We are very satisfied with the high number of high-quality customer meetings at InnoTrans 2024, which not only gave us the opportunity to present innovative new products, but also to discuss future topics such as the circular economy and generative AI. With its growing international audience, it is the most important trade fair in the rail industry.’

Patrick Oosterveld, Sales Director, Ebusco: ‘The trade fair went very well for us. The nice thing is that you don't just have a static presentation of the buses, but can also go for a ride. This gives the customer a feel for how the vehicle behaves during the journey and what noises are produced. You can try that out here.’

Media representatives can use press photos from InnoTrans for their editorial reporting.

InnoTrans is the world’s leading trade show for transport technology and takes place every two years in Berlin. The five segments at InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH. The 15th InnoTrans will take place at the Exhibition Grounds of Messe Berlin from 22 to 25 September 2026. For more information: www.innotrans.com