On Tuesday, 18 September, InnoTrans 2012 begins and over a period of four days will gather the global rail market in Berlin. 2,515 exhibitors from 49 countries will present their rail technology innovations and services for the rail transport systems of the future, 272 exhibitors more than at InnoTrans 2010. For the first time the exhibition grounds are booked up. 115 vehicles will be exhibited on the outdoor display area which features 3,500 metres of rail track. At 57 per cent, international participation in the world´s leading trade fair for transport technology will set a new record.
InnoTrans´ importance as a platform for premieres has grown too: 104 world premieres have registered, twice as many as in 2010. Messe Berlin, the organisers, expect over 100,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries to attend InnoTrans 2012.
Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH: "The success story of InnoTrans is without parallel. Since its launch in 1996 this fair has gone from strength to strength. Despite a stagnating global economy InnoTrans 2012 has expanded and set new records, thus underlining its undisputed standing as the world´s leading trade fair for transport technology."
Matthias Steckmann, Director at Messe Berlin: "This year the global rail industry is represented in greater numbers at InnoTrans than at any previous event. Vehicle manufacturers from all over the world are gathering here. In addition to full-range suppliers and medium-sized enterprises numerous transport companies and associations from Germany and abroad are also in Berlin. InnoTrans is a firm fixture on the calendar of decision-makers, traders and business partners operating in the rail market."
Display area fully booked up
94,608 square metres of rented display space at InnoTrans 2012 represent a new record and a 17 per cent increase over 2010. A new feature is Hall 9, which is occupied by leading companies such as CNR, CSR, Contitech, Koni and ABB Railway.
At InnoTrans 2012 the fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure and Public Transport and Interiors will occupy considerably larger display areas. The segment Tunnel Construction has maintained the same high numbers it recorded at the last event. InnoTrans 2012 occupies 26 display halls and the outdoor display covering overall 180,000 gross square metres.
Record international participation
At InnoTrans full-range suppliers such as Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens as well as small and medium-sized enterprises from around the world will be taking part. The level of international participation at this year´s fair is conspicuous, with 57 per cent of exhibitors from abroad and 54 per cent of the display area taken up by foreign companies. The number of companies from Asia is particularly noteworthy. The amount of display space occupied by exhibitors from this region is 58 per cent higher than at the previous event. China and Japan have increased their presence. Display space occupied by Chinese exhibitors has grown by 90 per cent, that of Japanese companies by 84 per cent.
The number of US companies at the fair has also risen sharply and for the first time at InnoTrans they will host a combined national display. European exhibitors continue to dominate the stands at the fair. Overall, it can be said that rail technology manufacturers from all parts of the world are represented in Berlin. Companies from Malta, Singapore, Estonia and Mexico are making a first-time appearance at InnoTrans.
InnoTrans 2012: product premieres on show
InnoTrans continues to build on its standing as the platform where products are shown for the first time. A total of 147 product premieres have registered at the fair. 104 are world premieres, 25 European premieres and 18 German premieres. The number of world premieres has doubled exactly since the last event in 2010. They include ticketing systems, innovative communication technology and high-speed trains.
The InnoTrans 2012 Innovation Report contains a selection of innovations and product premieres at the fair and can be found online at www.innotrans.com/innovation.
The complete version of this Opening Report can be found as a press release online at www.innotrans.com/Press. Press photos as well as an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) containing statements and video footage from the fair can also be found online under the press section of the InnoTrans website.
