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September 27, 2014

International & UK Railway News Saturday 27th September 2014

..Total Railway News

PhotoPhotoPhoto






On This Day:  27th September 1825 Stockton to Darlington Railway Opens


On this,  the anniversary date of the opening of the Stockton Darlington Railway (1825), it is perhaps fitting that this edition of "The Railway Chronicle" should feature, in the main, press releases from the InnoTrans 2014 Exhibition in Germany.
This exhibition is probably the most important event for the industry in showcasing the most recent developments in both vehicle and infrastructure manufacturing.
So it is no surprise that all the key players are exhibiting their latest developments, and important announcements are made.


A read through the Press Releases shows 140 new products are making their debut at InnoTrans2014... including a low floor tram that dispenses with an overhead power line, and the prototype of an energy-saving high-speed train powered by permanent magnetic traction. ..as well as other fuel saving and environmentally friendly refinements to locomotives... and a new monorail system from a leading manufacturer....


So, read through the press releases.. or click on the headline links.....


Headlines


UK
HD Time-lapse demolition underneath platforms 10 & 11 at London Bridge
(Network Rail on YouTube)




Published on 26 Sep 2014

Watch the demolition of the arches underneath London Bridge station's platforms 10 & 11 between 12-15 September 2014 to make room for a new concourse.


East Midlands Trains strike action suspended.(BBC News)


Councils call for control of rail franchises.(Express & Star)


Rail is not a last resort.(The Engineer)


UK Heritage
Raildate
(Courtesy: Howard Sprenger)
EVENTS
All details are correct to the best of my knowledge, but no responsibility is accepted for
inaccuracies or changes.

26/09/14 National Railway Museum Researchers Night
1800-2000
www.nrm.org.uk/researchers-night

26/09/14- Epping & Ongar Railway: End of Tube Event
28/09/14
http://www.eorailway.co.uk

26/09/14- Rushton, Higham & Wellingborough Railway: Music & Real Ale Special
28/09/14
http://www.rhts.co.uk

27/09/14 Bodmin & Wenford Railway: Diesel Gala Dayhttp://www.bodminrailway.co.uk

27/09/14- Hornby Hobbies Visitor Centre: Factory Shop Weekend Clearance Sale
28/09/14
http://www.hornby.com/visitorcentre

27/09/14- Mid-Hants Railway: Wallace and Gromit
28/09/14
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/

27/09/14- Nene Valley Railway: Diesel Gala
28/09/14
http://www.nvr.org.uk/

27/09/14- Scalefour Society’s annual “Scaleforum”
28/09/14 Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stadium Approach, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 9PP
1030-1730 (Sat), 1000-1630 (Sun)
http://www.scalefour.org/scaleforum/2014/

27/09/14- The Battlefield Line: Heavy Horses (Delivering the Goods)
28/09/14
http://www.battlefieldline.co.uk

27/09/14- Foxfield Railway: Autumn Steam Gala
28/09/14
http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/events.php

27/09/14- Great Central Railway: Pirates & Princesses
28/09/14
http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/

27/09/14- Barrow Hill Live!
28/09/14
http://www.barrowhill.org/

27/09/14- East Lancashire Railway: Autumn Diesel Gala
28/09/14
http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

02/10/14- Severn Valley Railway: Diesel Enthusiasts Gala
04/10/14
http://www.svr.co.uk/

02/10/14- West Somerset Railway: Autumn Steam Gala
05/10/14
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/

02/10/14- Great Central Railway: Autumn Steam Gala
05/10/14
http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/

03/10/14 RCTS Bristol
St Peters Church Hall, Church Road, Filton, BS34 7BX
"50 Years of Railway Photography (Part 2)" by Les Nixon
Starts at 1930 (room open from 1900)
Non-members are very welcome
http://www.rcts.org.uk/branches/bristol/events.htm

04/10/14- Fareham and District Model Railway Club Exhibition
05/10/14 1000 Lakeside, Western Rd, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN
http://fareham-mrc.org.uk/

04/10/14- Friends of the Cromford Canal - Horseboat trips
05/10/14
http://www.cromfordcanal.info/

04/10/14- Leawood Pumping Engine Steaming Day, Cromford Canal
05/10/14 Engine in motion 1200-1700
http://www.middleton-leawood.org.uk/

05/10/14 Twyford Waterworks: Autumn Rally Open Dayhttp://www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk/

05/10/14 Wimborne District Society of Model Engineers: Open Dayhttp://wdsme.co.uk/

05/10/14 Sandtoft Trolleybus Museum: St Leger Historic Vehicle Rallyhttp://www.sandtoft.org

06/10/14 Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Underhill Centre, St John's Road, Hedge End, SO30 4AF
“Hemerdon Tungsten Mine”
by Dr Peter Stanier
1930 for a 1945 start
http://www.hias.org.uk

06/10/14 Peak Railway Association (Sheffield Branch)
The Harlequin Pub, 108 Nursery Street, Sheffield, S3 8GG
“BR Standards at Work Around the Country, Part 3” a slideshow by Ashley Shimwell
Starts at 1930
For a requested £3 donation on the door, all welcome
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/SheffieldBranch

08/10/14 RCTS South Wales
Old Church Rooms, Park Road, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8DF
"All the Colours of the Rainbow - liveries from the 1955 Modernisation Plan
onwards"
by David Walker
Starts at 1930 (room open from 1900)
Non-members are very welcome
A donation of £1.00 (members) or £2.00 (non-members) is requested
http://www.rcts.org.uk/branches/south_wales/events.htm

10/10/14 Railway Club of Wales
Dyfatty Community Centre, Chapel Street, off High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NB
“Travels by train and other forms of transport throughout Russia and the former
Soviet Union" by Rhys ab Elis
There is a donation box at all meetings (but no compulsion to put anything in it)
Starts at 1930 (meetings finish by 2130)

10/10/14- Keighley & Worth Valley Railway: Autumn Steam Spectacular
12/10/14
http://www.kwvr.co.uk/

11/10/14- Kings Cross station: Steam Extravaganza
12/10/14 Railwaylands area between Kings Cross and St Pancras
A family weekend to celebrate the age of steam at King's Cross
Featuring two famous layouts - "The Gresley Beat" and "Copenhagen Fields"
http://www.kingscross.co.uk/stories

11/10/14- Bodmin & Wenford Railway: Victorian Weekend
12/10/14
http://www.bodminrailway.co.uk

11/10/13- Farnham & District Model Railway Exhibition
12/10/13
http://farnhammrc.org.uk/?page_id=158

11/10/14- The Battlefield Line: Vintage Crafts
12/10/14
http://www.battlefieldline.co.uk



International


Brazil
Protests block Brazil Vale iron ore railway for fourth day.(Mining Weekly)




Canada
Two CN trains derail in Alberta in one day; cars carrying peas and coal.
(Global News Ca)
 
InnoTrans2014
Press Releases




InnoTrans 2014: Leading trade fair for transport technology marks its tenth anniversary and sets new records

InnoTrans 2014 from 23 to 26 September
Further increase in exhibitor numbers
World premiere for 140 rail industry products
Open days on 27 and 28 September


When the leading international trade fair for transport technology begins on Tuesday, 23 September in Berlin it will be breaking all previous records in many respects. This anniversary event, the tenth edition, is the largest ever in the history of InnoTrans. A total of 2,758 exhibitors from 55 countries are occupying all available space at Berlin ExpoCenter City to present innovative railway technology and services. This represents a ten per cent increase in the number of exhibitors compared with the previous InnoTrans. And this year foreign exhibitors account for 61 per cent of the total, another new record.


With 140 products making their world premiere InnoTrans also demonstrates the impetus that it provides for innovations and its role as the leading marketing platform for the global rail industry. No fewer than 145 innovative rail vehicles, the largest number ever, are being presented on the outdoor display area and on the rail tracks. During the four days of this trade show Messe Berlin is expecting more than 100,000 trade visitors from all over the world.




InnoTrans has reached new highs
“InnoTrans is a real phenomenon“, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin, Dr. Christian Göke. “Since its launch in 1996 InnoTrans has never ceased to expand, becoming the industry’s leading event in record time. Aptly marking its tenth anniversary the trade fair has set new records, with an overall display area of 200,000 square metres and a renewed increase in exhibitors.“
“For the global rail industry InnoTrans is the ideal location for companies to define their market position, introduce new products and access new markets“, according to the event’s director Matthias Steckmann. “During its four-day run this trade show achieves the highest possible concentration of supply and demand for the worldwide rail market. This in turn creates outstanding conditions for everyone involved in planning sales and organizing procurement.”


International participation is a distinguishing feature
Since the previous InnoTrans was held the proportion of foreign exhibitors has risen by four percentage points to 61 per cent. In addition to the global players in this industry it is the many international suppliers and rail companies, together with the 35 industrial and trade associations from 21 countries, that are the defining feature of InnoTrans 2014. Other exhibitors at this year’s event include service providers and well-known research facilities from Germany and abroad.


Debuts: exhibitors from Argentina, Morocco, Belarus, Lithuania and Macedonia are participating in InnoTrans for the first time and this year the proportion of non-European exhibitors has reached 17 per cent for the first time, with the highest growth rates coming from Asia and from North and South America. China and the USA are particularly prominent in this respect. Compared with 2012 the number of Chinese exhibitors has risen by 41 per cent, and those from the United States by 71 per cent. Once again the vast majority of exhibitors at InnoTrans have come from the main European markets, with Germany, Italy and France being most strongly represented at the trade show.


Compared with 2012 the net display area at InnoTrans 2014 has increased by nine per cent to 102,802 square metres, and foreign exhibitors occupy 56 per cent of this area. Above-average increases in their display areas, by more than 50 per cent, have been recorded this year by Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Ireland and Turkey. The skills and capabilities in the rail technology sector are being displayed by the international supply industry on 39 combined stands belonging to 21 countries and regions. Once again Japan occupies an entire hall, while the USA is exhibiting on a combined stand that is twice as large as in 2012.




World premieres and the outdoor display area
Driving innovation and a platform for product premieres: a total of 140 products are making their international debut this year in Berlin – a new record and proof of the growing importance of InnoTrans as a platform for presentations and marketing by this industry. The range of products making their international debut encompasses innovative communication technology, creative catering items and new generations of vehicles. A record total of 145 vehicles from all the global rail sector’s best-known manufacturers are being displayed on 3,500 metres of rail track at InnoTrans.
Once again global players with products making their international debut are among the main attractions on the outdoor display area: Alstom is presenting the latest version of its Citadis trams, Bombardier is introducing its new Innovia monorail and Siemens is displaying its new Desiro City, which has been designed for London’s Thameslink route. The Citylink NET 2012 light rail train from Vossloh is also making its first international appearance in Berlin. Other exhibits making their debut include high-powered locomotives, road-rail vehicles and shunting vehicles as well as metro trains and rolling stock. The Italian manufacturer Ansaldobreda is giving rail experts the first opportunity to see its ETR 1000 high-speed train.
An overview of the innovations and products making their international debut at InnoTrans 2014 can be found in the Innovations Report: www.innotrans.com/innovation




Future Mobility Park: visions for the future and design concepts for the next-generation ICE Velaro and Intercity Express
For the first time, this year’s event features a Future Mobility Park which showcases forward-looking, creative and visionary transport concepts. They include Horizon, a visionary mobility system that seamlessly and dynamically connects ground and air transport and is designed to eliminate delays.
Commissioned by the magazine ’Wirtschaftswoche’, three international designer teams have created new logistics concepts, attractive interiors and contemporary furnishings for the trains of the future. Two of them will be on display at the Future Mobility Park. For example, one design demonstrates an economically efficient concept and new ways for improving and modernising the ICE Velaro using intelligent add-ons. The Future Mobility Park also showcases design concepts for the Intercity Express of the future.




New: Special Gauge Display, CityCube Berlin, career tours, and more
The outdoor display site is a unique feature of InnoTrans. For the first time, the Special Gauge Display on the outdoor site provides an additional area for showcasing wide-gauge and narrow-gauge rail vehicles. Eight exhibitors, including Solaris and Stadler, are presenting their latest vehicles there. The Special Gauge Display provides the industry with even more options for exhibiting their rail vehicles to international audiences at InnoTrans.
The CityCube Berlin, the multi-purpose venue for trade fairs and congresses, provides two extra floors for exhibiting products at InnoTrans. Each floor covers 6,000 square metres. Thus, for the first time, InnoTrans occupies 40 halls (previously 38). In the CityCube Berlin the focus is on transport companies and maintenance services. Exhibitors include Deutsche Bahn, Russia’s rail operator RZD and the East Japan Railway Company.
With the student tours InnoTrans is expanding its career services and actively supporting careers for young people. This represents an important topic for the rail industry. Two career tours are available daily free of charge and will bring young people into direct contact with exhibitors. This year the Travel Catering & Comfort Services segment is offering its own themed route which guides visitors directly to the exhibitors in question.


CEO tours at InnoTrans
On Friday, 26 September, senior international transport industry executives will take an exclusive tour of InnoTrans and visit the industry’s main suppliers. The tours give CEOs a special opportunity to make personal contact with their business partners and suppliers at the highest level. Taking part in the tours are the CEOs of Solaris Bus & Coach, Istanbul Ulasim, Hitachi Europe and SC Softronic.


InnoTrans Convention: high-level dialogue and a forum for ideas
In addition to the exhibition the specialist supporting programme of the InnoTrans Convention features high-level panel discussions on the subject of mobility both now and in the future, thus providing an outstanding opportunity for exchanging technical information as well as a forum for ideas. This year’s programme features five key events: the Dialogue Forum, the Rail Leaders‘ Summit, the International Tunnel Forum, the Public Transport Forum and the PTI Hall Forum.
Full details of the specialist programme of supporting events can be found at: http://www.innotrans.de/Events/Convention/


Open Days for the public on 27 and 28 September
The Open Days for the public on the InnoTrans rail track and outdoor display area will feature hi-tech exhibits, railway nostalgia and great entertainment. On 27 and 28 September technically interested rail enthusiasts can marvel at the wide range of innovative rail vehicles, including trams, goods wagons, passenger carriages and high-performance locomotives. With its offer of savoury dishes and featuring a brass band and numerous colourful attractions this unique event for train enthusiasts of all ages will be taking place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Once again Emma, a historical steam engine, will be huffing and puffing and be taking children for railway rides. All the latest information about passenger services for visitors and training opportunities will round off the event.
About InnoTrans
InnoTrans is the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology and takes place every two years in Berlin. The five segments at InnoTrans are Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH. The tenth InnoTrans will take place from 23 to 26 September 2014. More details are available online at www.innotrans.com.




=========================================
2014/09/23

InnoTrans Update – Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Main themes at InnoTrans 2014


Transport Minister Dobrindt: “Mobility 4.0 to safeguard prosperity”
According to the Federal Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Alexander Dobrindt, a combination of three things, investments, modernisation and digitalisation, is needed in order to give life to the InnoTrans slogan “The Future of Mobility”. “Mobility 4.0 is synonymous with safeguarding prosperity, it will demand much from us if this is to become a reality”, the minister said at the opening event of InnoTrans. Global development is inconceivable without strengthening the railway system, a system whose outstanding attributes include its carrying capacity, its environmental compatibility, its speed and its safety. “Prosperity, growth and jobs are all closely linked with mobility”, the minister added.




EU Commissioner Kallas: “Private investment provides Europe with increased profits and improved competitiveness.”
In 2014 Siim Kallas, EU Commissioner for Transport and Vice President of the European Commission, is attending his third InnoTrans opening ceremonies. In 2010 he expressed his own personal ambition of seeing the creation of a uniform European rail transport market, one that should no longer be dominated by national political structures. Following “tough negotiations and many proposed changes”, the EU approved its largest infrastructural project, the “Connecting Europe Facility”, in 2013, which will make a total of 26 billion euros available between 2014 and 2020. “This is a new approach intended to link East and West, and in so doing, to develop not individual projects but a fully functioning trans-European network”, Kallas explained. The resulting improved efficiency on the rails also has an impact on other forms of transport. One question is bound to arise: to what extent does transport policy take precedence when compared with other major tasks such as digitalisation and the safeguarding of energy supplies? However, solutions, based on market mechanisms, are certain to be found. Siim Kallas: “Private investment provides Europe with increased profits and improved competitiveness.”




Predicted growth of 2.7 per cent by the worldwide rail market
Growth by the worldwide market for rail vehicles and the associated infrastructure has been steady, as revealed by the World Rail Market Study, which was presented at InnoTrans by the Director General of UNIFE, Philippe Citroën. Currently the association is registering annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent, revealing an actual expansion of 1.5 percentage points above the previously forecast level. For the period from 2017 to 2019 statisticians predict annual growth of 2.7 per cent. The study expects the highest rates of expansion to be in the Asia-Pacific region, with four per cent, and in North America, with 3.5 per cent. For Latin America the association foresees a six per cent increase, but points out that this is the region with the greatest pent-up demand. In view of increasing urbanisation, Citroën stated that the pressure to conserve energy, together with continuing deregulation and liberalisation, should ensure that the rates remain stable for the foreseeable future. Location: Hall 4, Stand 302, contact: Leonardo Dongiovanno, telephone: +32 2 642 23 29+32 2 642 23 29




VDB Chief Executive Pörner deplores infrastructural deficits
Last year the German rail industry received record orders totalling 14.9 billion euros. In addition to strong demand on the domestic market, exports now account for 51 per cent of the total, reported the Chief Executive of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) e.V., Prof. Dr. Ronald Pörner, speaking at the opening press conference of InnoTrans 2014. For the current year too he expects developments to remain positive, but without reaching the level of orders achieved in 2013. The leading partners for German exporters are northern Europe, Turkey, China, the USA and Russia, and, in the case of the latter, current political developments are being studied with “great concern”. “Russia is an incredibly important market for our companies”, Pörner emphasised. He was severely critical of the slow pace of infrastructural modernisation in Germany. For too many years there has been an annual shortfall of 1.2 billion euros in the spending on replacing track, overhead power lines and signalling equipment. There are some 3,400 signal boxes and on average just under one third of them were built 80 years ago. Consequently the association is calling for an increase in the funding for the renewal of signal boxes and signalling systems to at least 600 million euros annually from 2015 onwards. Location: Hall 2.2, Stand 202, contact: Sascha Nicolai, telephone: +49 (0) 177 -3147273+49 (0) 177 -3147273, email: nicolai@bahnindustrie.info




More ICE and TGV services between Germany and France
Starting in early 2016 Deutsche Bahn and France’s SNCF plan to offer more cross-border, high speed connections with their TGV and ICE services. This was stated in the extension of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed by the chief executives of the two railway systems, Rüdiger Grube and Guillaume Pepy, on Tuesday at the start of InnoTrans 2014, in the presence of the two countries’ transport ministers, Alexander Dobrindt and Alain Vidalies. Dobrindt describes this cooperation, which was first set up in 2007 and has been extended until 2020, as “living Europe”. So far the trains have carried ten million passengers and, as Grube pointed out, they were used by 200,000 people in August 2014 alone. The number of daily services linking Frankfurt and Paris will be increased from four to six, and between Stuttgart and the French capital there will be five, instead of the present four. Journey times between Paris and Stuttgart are also being reduced by half an hour to three hours and ten minutes. Grube promised that the improvements will take effect in good time for the European football championships in France, enabling fans to travel to the games quickly and in comfort. Vidalies welcomed this development, and also expressed the hope that the Germans would not be taking the cup home with them. Location: CityCube, Hall B, Stand 413, contact: Jürgen Kornmann, telephone: +49 (0)30-2976532000 email: juergen.kornmann@deutschebahn.com




Product and Industry Highlights
ABB Railway: Reducing total energy consumption
ENVILINE™ ESS (750V Hybrid) from ABB is making its world debut at InnoTrans. This energy storage system enables the surplus energy produced when a vehicle’s brakes are applied to be stored, and the accumulated energy is then transferred when needed to a DC traction unit, for example, when a vehicle is starting up. If required the ESS can be equipped with super-capacitors, so that energy can be briefly stored for applications requiring a high power density or the use of batteries, in order to achieve a higher energy density. ENVILINE™ ERS is a system that recovers the energy produced when a vehicle brakes. It consists of an inverter based on IGBT modules, which feed the vehicle’s surplus energy back to the AC network, thereby reducing total energy consumption. Location: Hall 9, Stand 204, contact: Cécile Félon, telephone: +41 (0) 58 -5862236+41 (0) 58 -5862236, email: info.abbsecheron@ch.abb.com




Herrenknecht is using eight tunnel boring machines on the London Crossrail project
Herrenknecht is a market leader in tunnelling machinery, a field in which it employs pioneering technology. Herrenknecht is the only company in the world able to supply the latest tunnelling equipment for every kind of substrate and in all diameters, from ten centimetres to 19 metres. Its product range also encompasses custom-made machinery for supply and waste disposal tunnels. At the present time the company, which is based in Schwanau, is deploying no fewer than eight tunnelling machines on London’s Crossrail project, which requires the construction of two 21 kilometre, east-west railway tunnels. “Our tunnelling systems enables us to operate with what could be described as microsurgical precision in the sensitive underground areas of cities, but without interfering with the existing infrastructure”, explains Achim Kühn, Head of Marketing and Communication for Herrenknecht. Although operations began just 28 months ago, already 80 per cent of the total volume of the work has already been completed. A model of what is currently the largest infrastructural project in Europe can be seen on the stand at InnoTrans. The rail link, measuring 118 kilometres in length, is due to begin operating in 2018. Herrenknecht products can be found in some 100 cities around the world. Location: Hall 5.2, Stand 509, contact Achim Kühn, telephone: +49 (0) 7824 302 4500+49 (0) 7824 302 4500, email: pr@herrenknecht.de


Bombardier: En route from Canada to Saudi Arabia, the Innovia Monorail is stopping over in Berlin
During its journey from the manufacturing plant in Kingston, Canada, to Riyadh, the first Innovia Monorail 300, built by Bombardier Transportation Systems for the new financial district in the Saudi Arabian capital, is calling in at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin. Six two-unit monorail trains will be operating on a 3.6 kilometre route, serving six stations. The computer-controlled, driverless monorail is already in service in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where the first stretch of what will eventually become the 24-kilometre long metro line 15 has already started operating. On completion of the line the 17 stations will be served by 54 trains, each with seven carriages. This system offers a significantly cheaper alternative to an underground, can ensure a service operating at 75 second intervals, and carrying up to 48,000 passengers in each direction every hour, according to Marco Krönke, Director Product Management for Bombardier. With its rubber tyres the monorail is very quiet, an advantage in inner city areas, and offers outstanding performance on curves and gradients. Location: Outdoor display area FB/12, contact Susanne Schwarz, telephone: +49 (0) 174 -9264623+49 (0) 174 -9264623, email: susanne.schwarz@de.transport.bombardier.com




CSR presents a tram without overhead power lines
The Chinese CSR Corporation is presenting two of its latest innovations at InnoTrans 2014. As Yang Ying, Deputy Chief Engineer and Deputy Director of the company’s Research and Development Centre reports, a low floor tram that dispenses with an overhead power line, has already begun trials in Guangzhou and will commence regular services in December. The CSRCAP batteries can be charged in seconds at the tram stops, and provide sufficient energy to enable the next stop to be reached. This system drastically reduces investment costs and the time taken to construct tracks. Also undergoing trials, on the Chinese mainline, is the prototype of an energy-saving high-speed train powered by permanent magnetic traction. According to Yang Ying it is between six and eight per cent more efficient than trains operating with standard traction systems, is 20 per cent lighter and much easier to service. Location: Hall 2.2, Stand 308, contact: Xu Houguang, telephone: +86 10628079, email: xu.houguang@qq.com


InnoTrans Update – Wednesday, 24 September 2014



Main themes at InnoTrans 2014


Kallas and Dobrindt learn about “a toothbrush for the rails”


The tour of InnoTrans 2014 at the opening of the event on Tuesday was an opportunity for the Vice President of the European Commission, Siim Kallas, and the Federal Minister of Transport, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), to learn about many aspects of the rail industry. These ranged from the unveiling of the H3 hybrid locomotive from Alstom to the “nose” of the ICx made by Voith, and an innovative track cleaning system, which has been referred to as a “toothbrush for the rails”, and was described to the prominent politicians by the Chairman of the Board of Vossloh, Hans Schabert. Dobrindt was particularly interested in the presentation by the Center for Transportation and Logistics Neuer Adler e.V. (CNA), a rail technology cluster based in Nuremberg: “You are a beacon for railway high tech from Bavaria.” CNA is the organiser of the network comprising the relevant firms, mostly in the small to medium-sized category, and also encourages innovative projects. The proprietor of Knorr-Bremse AG, Heinz Hermann Thiele, explained to Kallas and Dobrindt about the global presence of this long-established manufacturer of components for rail and road vehicles. On the Siemens stand the CSU politician took the opportunity offered by the presentation by Mobility CEO Jochen Eickholt to express his confidence that, with reference to the Internet of Things and Mobility 4.0, German industry will retain its leading position in mechanical engineering and mobility.


Volume of the rail industry market has grown to 176 million euros


During the traditional presentation at InnoTrans 2014 of what is now the fourth study into the development of the worldwide railway market, the Chairman of the Association of the European Rail Industry UNIFE and President of Bombardier Transportation, Dr. Lutz Bertling, stated, “The time and the climate favour trains”. EU initiatives such as Shift2Rail, the Connecting Europe Facility and the Fourth Railway Package will give an additional boost to the market. According to the report presented by Andreas Schwilling, a partner in Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, between now and 2020 demand will increase annually by 2.7 per cent, with a yearly market volume of some 176 billion euros during the period from 2017 to 2019. Faced with a decline in public funding for rail projects on some markets, alternative forms of financing such as public-private-partnerships are acquiring increasing importance. As revealed by the study, the highest annual growth rates are expected in Latin America, at around six per cent, and the Asia-Pacific region with around four per cent, closely followed by North America with roughly 3.5 per cent. And even in the Africa/Middle East region, where massive investment in recent years is expected to produce zero growth, the volume of orders is expected to reach seven billion euros annually.


Location: Hall 4.2, Stand 302, contact: John Harcus, telephone: +32 2 6437080+32 2 6437080, email: john.harcus@unife.org


Lucchini RS Group expands on the European market


With its two recently established subsidiaries the Italian Lucchini RS Group plans to continue its international expansion. Lucchini Central Europe (LCE) is a joint venture with the Austrian company SMW, and is an indication of the company’s plans for strengthening its position in German-speaking countries. LBX, on the other hand, is based in Belgium, is owned 100 per cent by Lucchini RS and has acquired the workforce and assets of Valdunes Belux for the purposes of providing customer services. “This is in line with the strategy of Lucchini RS, which has a threefold focus, on investment, international expansion, and research and development”, explained Giuseppe Lucchini, Chairman of the Board of Lucchini RS, at the InnoTrans press conference. In its modern, highly integrated plants the group manufactures a wide range of railway products, including wheels, axles and wheelsets. The activities of its subsidiaries include the production of forged and cast components for use in ship construction, the aircraft industry, generator manufacturing and in installations for the extraction of oil and gas.


Location: Hall 21, Stand 401, contact: Gabriella Giampa, telephone: +39 035 -963578+39 035 -963578, email: g.giampa@lucchinirs.it


Focus of marketing efforts by Alstom / Takeover of GE signalling division


The presentation by Alstom at InnoTrans 2014 focuses on three main aspects which represent genuine added value for customers: an improved passenger experience, closer attention to customers’ needs and a reduction in the life cycle costs. This latter aspect is of particular importance for the French company, which aims to meets its objectives through optimising the costs of procurement, rail vehicle operation, infrastructures and signalling installations. An increased local presence and partnerships are intended to help meet the needs of customers even more effectively in the future. Alstom Transport is now represented in over 60 countries and relies to a large extent on local manufacturing facilities. One feature of the largest contract ever signed by Alstom, with PRASA in South Africa, is the commitment to produce at least 65 per cent of train components locally. During the press conference Henri Poupart-Lafarge, President of Alstom Transport, also announced the takeover of the signalling division of General Electric (GE) as part of the group’s strategic realignment. “We have innovation in our genes”, commented Henri Poupart-Lafarge. “The offer made by GE, which has met with the board’s approval, would involve taking over the Alstom energy divisions and the sale of 100 per cent of the GE signalling technology division to Alstom. Alstom would then be able to concentrate once again on its transport activities and would use part of the proceeds from this transaction to strengthen its rail division.”


Location: Hall 3.2, Stand 40, contact: Justine Rohée, tel. +33 (0)157-061881+33 (0)157-061881, email: justine.rohee@transport.alstom.com


Bombardier Transportation doubles its investments


Bombardier Transportation will be doubling its investment in new technology over the next few years. This was announced by the company’s President, Dr. Lutz Bertling, at a press conference held at InnoTrans 2014. During the first half of the year orders with a total value of 9.7 billion US dollars were received, and the group currently has orders worth 37.6 billion dollars on its books. As an environmentally compatible form of mass transport a great future awaits the railways, especially in view of increasing urbanisation, according to Bertling. One example he cited was that of the Line 12 in Shanghai, where a six-car train carries up to 2,460 passengers every three to five minutes. This is equivalent to the volume of three Airbus A380s, the world’s largest commercial aircraft – with all-economy seating.


Location: Hall 2.2, Stand 101 and outdoor display, contact: Susanne Schwarz, telephone: +49 (0) 174 9264623+49 (0) 174 9264623, email: susanne.schwarz@de.transport.bombardier.com


Deutsche Bahn presents awards to its best suppliers


At InnoTrans 2014 Deutsche Bahn presented awards to its best suppliers for the fifth time. This is an acknowledgment of outstanding performances and is also intended to accustom suppliers to accept future challenges, according to Dr. Heike Hanagarth, Member of the Technology and Environment Board since 1 July. The collaboration is certainly not a one-way street, and both sides need one another. She was delighted by the fact that innovation is a defining characteristic of InnoTrans, because it is innovations that give companies stability and the ability to face the future. “We need your suggestions, we need your innovative strengths”, she told the invited company representatives. “But we certainly also need more speed.” Deutsche Bahn has an annual purchasing volume in excess of twelve billion euros, consisting of some 300,000 individual orders placed with approximately 35,000 firms. Three companies in each of five categories are then nominated for the DB Suppliers’ Award. The winners are then chosen by an interdisciplinary jury. The awards went to Igefa (General Products and Services), GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik (Vehicle Components), Scheidt & Bachmann (Infrastructure/Electrical Engineering) and Max Bögl (Infrastructure/Construction Services). A special award for “Supplier of the Year” for the company that most effectively reflects the DB ethos with regard to Ecology, Economy and Social Affairs, with a particular focus this year on ecological approaches, was presented to Meteo Viva GmbH. This company has developed a system for monitoring the atmosphere in workshops that results in a 40 per cent reduction in heating costs.


Location: CityCube B, Stand 413, contact: Hartmut Sommer, telephone: +49 (0)160-97421479+49 (0)160-97421479 email: hartmut.sommer@deutschebahn.com


Toshiba and SMRT create a joint venture at InnoTrans 2014


During InnoTrans a joint venture by the name of “Railise” was announced by Singapore Rail Engineering (SRE), a subsidiary of SMRT, the leading multimodal public transport operator in Singapore, and the Japanese group Toshiba. The purpose of this new company is the worldwide marketing and supply of Toshiba’s permanent magnet synchronous motor technology (PMSM) outside Japan. “Working together with SMRT and SRE, this decision creates the right conditions for launching our PMSM system on the world market”, said Toshio Masaki, Senior Executive Vice President of Toshiba. “PMSM represents a major advance in rail traction systems and its distinguishing features are its low energy consumption, reduced noise levels and ease of maintenance.” Desmond Kuek, President and Group CEO of SMRT added: “In view of the fact that Asian countries are expanding their rail networks in order to meet the pressing transport needs of their rapidly growing urban populations, we believe that PMSM technology offers a significant potential throughout all sectors of the added value chain for the railways.”


Location: Hall 3.2, Stand 108, contact: Hirokazu Tsukimoto, tel. +81 334572100+81 334572100, email: hirokazu.tsukimoto@toshiba.co.jp


Frecciarossa 1000 makes its world debut


The new Italian luxury high-speed train Frecciarossa 1000 – the name means “Red Arrow” - made its official world debut at InnoTrans 2014. It has been developed by AnsaldoBreda and Bombardier on the basis of the V300 Zefiro, is now undergoing trials and is due to come into regular service with Trenitalia early next year. “I am proud of this product, the result of a joint venture”, said the President of Bombardier Transportation, Dr. Lutz Bertling. “We presented a small scale model at InnoTrans 2010, a full scale mockup in 2012, and now the train is undergoing trials.” The Frecciarossa 1000 combines the best technology available in the world, according to Luigi Corradi, CEO of Bombardier Transportation Italy. “Many people can construct high speed trains, but few can create such a beautiful design”, Maurizio Manfellotto, CEO of AnsaldoBreda pointed out. “We thought of our customers when designing this wonderful train”, stated Vincento Soprano, CEO of Trenitalia. This new train, capable of top speeds of 250 mph, has been granted certification for a maximum speed of 225 mph, seats 469 passengers in four classes, and can cover the distance between Rome and Milan in two hours 55 minutes.


Location: Outdoor display are G7/20, contact Paola Biondi, telephone: +39 (0) 34 -65045310, email: paola.biondi@it.transport.bombardier.com


International Design Forum: “Emphasise the unique selling points of rail travel!”


On the second day of the fair, at the International Design Forum, 17 leading experts will be offering their own ideas on the close links between design and mobility, in particular in the sections devoted to Public Transport and Interiors under the heading of “Comfort, functionality and design – Innovative concepts and solutions for structuring mobility”. This forum is being held for the fifth time and is being organised the International Design Centre Berlin (IDZ) and InnoTrans. In her welcoming address Prof. Birgit Weller (HTW Berlin) expressed her admiration for the Berlin urban transport system, which was created over 100 years ago. The infrastructure, as planned at that time, still provides the basis for current developments and can also serve as a model for the creation of new cities, for example in India: “These concepts will also be valid for the next 100 years”, Weller pointed out. With an average working life of some 30 years, train design can also be very long-lasting, said the internationally renowned industrial designer Alexander Neumeister, during his speech . His work has involved the Transrapid, the ICE, the Japanese Shinkansen “Nozomi 500” and numerous regional trains, light rail units and metros for Germany, Japan, China and Brazil. “Trains have the greatest potential for being the most attractive, modern and practical form of transport”, Neumeister stated. Compared with other forms of transport trains enjoy numerous advantages and unique selling points, and these should be emphasised more strongly. They include the opportunities for moving around freely, the large windows for an unrestricted view of the landscape, the much greater number of materials that can be used, compared with aircraft, and of course the congestion-free, direct journey from one city centre to another. “The creative implementation of these unique selling points should be of central importance today for designers and the companies’ marketing experts”, Neumeister said. In practice far too much attention is still being paid to the maximum utilisation of space, practicability, robustness and ease of care and maintenance. “This is not enough”, is Neumeister’s conviction. Europe’s cultural diversity could be reflected more widely in train design: “It is essential to combine the old and the new, tradition and modernity, art and functionality”.



InnoTrans Update – Thursday, 25 September 2014



State Secretary Beckmeyer: Rail industry is a core sector


“The rail industry companies based in Germany are developing innovative technology that makes them among the world leaders in this field,” according to the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economics and Energy, Uwe Beckmeyer, speaking during his tour of InnoTrans 2014. “Their efforts are ensuring the availability of advanced technological expertise to the German economy. At the same time they are placing a particular emphasis on technologies designed to protect the climate and conserve energy.” With its ability to manufacture complex systems and with its innovative strengths the rail industry is one of the core sectors in the German economy. A decisive factor in this success is the cooperation between large, internationally active systems companies and the small and medium-sized suppliers. “Together they contribute to the outstanding reputation of products made in Germany”, Beckmeyer pointed out. The Ministry for Economics supports this sector under its 3rd Transport Research Programme. Assistance is available, for example, for projects aimed at increasing the efficiency of traction systems, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.


The first Polish train for Deutsche Bahn


The first train to be supplied to Deutsche Bahn by the Polish manufacturer PESA was presented at InnoTrans 2014 by Heike Hanagarth, member of the Technical Board of DB, and the head of PESA, Tomasz Zabolicki. The LINK single-unit diesel railcar with its characteristic, shark-like front end, forms part of a framework agreement signed at InnoTrans 2012 for the supply of a total of 470 trains. They are being manufactured as either single, two- or three-unit sets and, depending on their equipment and interior fittings, have between 50 and 160 seats. At the same time the two partners signed an agreement for the delivery of 26 LINK trains for service in Bavaria, with a value of around 100 million euros. The three-unit trains will be deployed by DB on the Allgäu diesel network beginning at the end of 2017.


Location: Outdoor display area G1/1, contact Hartmut Sommer, telephone: +49 (0) 30 -29762109+49 (0) 30 -29762109, email: hartmut.sommer@deutschebahn.com


World debut for the Siemens train to be used on the Thameslink route


The British transport minister Patrick McLoughlin and Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Division Rail Systems, Siemens, joined representatives of the two transport companies, Cross London Trains and Govia Thameslink Railway Limited, to present the new “Desiro City” passenger train at InnoTrans 2014. The display features the first three Class 700 carriages for London’s Thameslink route. “As part of a long term economic plan we are making record levels of investment in restructuring the rail network in order to provide more seats, better connections and more comfortable travel. The Thameslink programme is at the heart of these efforts”, transport minister McLoughlin said at the presentation ceremony. The new electric multiple units will offer passengers enhanced travelling comfort and, together with the expansion of the infrastructure, will significantly improve capacity and reliability on one of the most densely used routes in Europe.


Location: Outdoor display G1/3, contact Ellen Schramke, telephone: +49 (0) 30 -38622370+49 (0) 30 -38622370, email: ellen.schramke@siemens.com


Thales presents its NetTrac user interface for the first time


Thales is presenting its entire spectrum of ETCS solutions, on rolling stock and trackside, at InnoTrans. The NetTrac ARAMIS solution presents the benefits of centrally controlled operations as an important step in the introduction of ERTMS. According to Thales, its SelTrac CBTC is the world’s leading signalling solution for urban transport systems. Also making its international debut at the fair is an innovative user interface in the form of a touchscreen for the NetTrac MT traffic management system, enabling rail operations in their entirety to be controlled automatically. The Thales cyber security tool “Babel”, is also being presented to the world for the first time and consists of a customized visualization system that displays the architecture of OCC safety systems.


Location: Hall 4.2, Stand 103, contact: Pitt Marx, telephone: +49 (0) 172 -4048346+49 (0) 172 -4048346, email: pitt.marx@thalesgroup.com


Order worth millions from Finland – Stadler sells its one thousandth FLIRT


The one thousandth FLIRT from Stadler Rail will operate on the Helsinki light rail network. The Finnish operator Junakalusto Oy has ordered a further 34 trains, at a cost of some 200 mi. euros. This is the second option taken on a contract signed in 2006. Delivery of the first option, for nine trains, will be concluded in a few weeks, within the specified deadline. The first 32 of the four-section multiple units, with seating for 234, have been proving their effectiveness for several years in the Finnish capital, in no small part due to their ability to cope with the severest winter conditions. The order placed in 2006 was for the first wide gauge vehicles from Stadler. Since then similar trains have been sold to Belarus and Estonia.


Location: Hall 2.2, Stand 103 and outdoor display area, FB/13, contact: Katrin Block, Telephone: +49 (0) 160 -90641935+49 (0) 160 -90641935, email: katrin.block@stadlerrail.de


Plasser & Theurer hands track measuring vehicle over to DB Netz AG


The first of four track geometry measuring trains has been handed over to DB Netz AG by the Austrian manufacturer Plasser & Theurer at InnoTrans 2014. Over the next few years Deutsche Bahn intends to invest over 30 million euros in these new vehicles and in other innovative measurement systems, as reported by the chairman of the board of DB-Netz Frank Sennhenn during the handover ceremony. He pointed out that DB confined itself to inviting tenders based solely on the functionalities of the system, thereby giving considerable design freedom to the company chosen to carry out the work. At the handover the manufacturer’s chief executive, Johannes Max Theurer, expressed his delight above all at the speed with which this multifunctional maintenance vehicle was constructed, having only been ordered two years ago. The manufacture and subsequent certification by the Federal Railways Office and DB quality control took just 22 months. “We passed through all the quality gates”, i.e. the intermediate scrutiny of the progress of the work, on green”, said Theurer.


Location: Outdoor display area FC10, contact: Hans Dumser, telephone: +43 (0)6648328027+43 (0)6648328027, email: hans.dumser@plassertheuer.com


International Tunnel Forum: Focus on maintenance and renovation


Are maintenance and renovation the future tasks in tunnel construction? This question formed the focal point of the International Tunnel Forum at InnoTrans 2014. In his introductory address the CEO of STUVA, Dr. Roland Leucker, pointed out that it will be necessary for the railways to carry more passengers and more freight in the future. Many European railway tunnels are already 150 year old, or more, and the very oldest dates back to 1841. In view of this situation there is a pressing need for renovation and maintenance work. During the subsequent discussions Jörn Schwarze, a member of the board of Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG, stated that insufficient funding has been earmarked for renovation and the construction of new tunnels. As an example he referred to the fact that passenger numbers in Cologne had risen for the eighth straight year. “In Belgium we are currently concentrating on renovation and modernization”, reported Julien Peeters, Head of Area Center for Infrabel S.A. During the next few years 16 billion euros will be invested in such projects. According to Rolf Gabriel, Head of Underground Construction for IUB Engineering AG, work is continuing on major projects in Switzerland. Although a demand exists for further projects, the question of their financing remains unresolved.


China’s investments will total some 886 billion euros by 2025


The mass transit rail market in China is growing at a phenomenal rate. By the end of last year the network of routes in 19 major cities totalled 2,746 kilometres, with the largest proportion, 75 per cent, being accounted for by metro systems, according to Chen Jianguo, Vice President of the China Association of Metros (CAM), speaking at a press conference during InnoTrans 2014. By 2020 the network total is expected to increase to 6,100 kilometres, and to a further 14,000 kilometres by 2030. This expansion is matched by the corresponding investment which, by next year, the 13th Five Year Plan (2016 to 2020) will have doubled to two trillion RMB (approximately 253 billion euros), while under the 14th Five Year Plan (2021 to 2025) it will have risen to the equivalent of 633 billion euros. It is against this background that InnoTrans is being used to locate new partners and joint ventures all over the world, explained Wang Junli, Vice President of the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS), which organized the presentation at this trade fair by 28 of the leading companies in the Chinese rail industry, including the two giants, CNR and CSR.


Location: Hall 9, Stand 401, contact: James Sun, telephone: +86 10 51893332+86 10 51893332, email: sunzycars@163.com


Denmark’s leading representatives at InnoTrans


A delegation of 23 leading representatives, comprising board members and directors of Danish State Railways (DSB), led by the CEO Jesper Lok, spent two days at InnoTrans 2014, and held discussions with a number of firms. Over the next ten to fifteen years DSB intends to invest some 100 billion krona (approximately 14 billion euros) in new trains, track and signalling equipment.


Using compounds for increased efficiency – Voith at InnoTrans


New products made from fibre-reinforced plastics form the focal point of the display at InnoTrans by Voith Turbo, a company based in Heidenheim. With a total weight not exceeding 95 kilograms, an energy absorber made of fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) weighs only one third as much as a similar model made of steel, and also requires less space for installation. An adapter coupling made of carbon fibre material is being shown for the first time. Because it only weighs 23 kilograms it can be moved by one person, whereas conventional metal couplings weigh more than twice as much. Such massive weight reductions make a significant contribution to improving operational efficiency. Voith is also exhibiting its own SA3 coupling with traction-compression springs for improved energy absorption. This coupling already complies with the latest Russian safety standards, can be variably configured and is available for applications in both western and eastern Europe.


Location: Hall 1.2, Stand 220, contact: Nadine Quaiser, telephone: +49 (0) 7321 -372802+49 (0) 7321 -372802, email: nadine.quaiser@voith.com


Vossloh: 100 shunting locomotives delivered in just six years


The G6 shunting locomotive has proved to be highly successful for Vossloh. First shown in 2008 at InnoTrans, the 100th of these locomotives was handed over by the Head of the Board of Vossloh-AG, Hans M. Schabert, and the CEO of Vossloh Locomotives, Thomas Schwichtenberg. They explained that production will be speeded up to enable a locomotive to be constructed in just six months. This was the first of six that have been ordered by Captrain, part of the French SNCF-Geodis Group. The CEO of Captrain, Henrik Würdemann, said that shunting “is a very important aspect of our business model”. The company plans to expand its business as a supplier of works locomotives. The three-axle rail vehicles are powered by a 690 kilowatt traction unit and Vossloh claims that they can carry out heavy shunting duties on confined industrial areas as well as being suitable to operate on public rail networks.


Location: Outdoor display area FB1, contact: Dorothea Janss, telephone: +49 (0) 69 -580077110, email: d.janss@atkon.de


GE Transportation – more than just locomotives


There are currently more than 20,000 locomotives from General Electric Transportation (GE Transportation) in use around the world. “This makes us a global player, but we must always maintain a strong local presence too”, said Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Transportation at InnoTrans. One example that he gave was his company’s increasing presence in South Africa, where 450 new locomotives will be in service by 2018. Manufacturing capacity is currently being expanded to meet this demand, and the local workforce is undergoing training. However, modern locomotives such as the “Evolution”, more than 5,000 of which have already been built, are just one aspect of the display at InnoTrans by this US technology company, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. RailConnect 360 software has been designed to analyze and overcome operational efficiency deficits. Stokes explained the principle by saying that “a one mile per hour increase in speed, when added together, provides rail operators with savings worth millions”.


Location: Hall 5.2, Stand 509, contact: Robert W. Donahue, telephone +1 814-8752755+1 814-8752755, email: robert.donahue1@ge.com










For more than a century, GE Transportation has delivered powerful locomotives that can operate in the world's most challenging railway environments. For today's global rail industry, PowerHaul Series Locomotives offer superior technology and performance that sets the standard.





GE Transportation is at this year's InnoTrans from September 23-26th at Stand 501 in Hall 6.2a. Technology that will be represented under global locomotives will include our heavy-haul locomotives, the Evolution Series, our medium weight and lightweight locomotives, the PowerHaul and C-Series, and emerging technology such as the our dual-fuel locomotive retrofit, NextFuel.







Day 2 at Messe Berlin featured our press conference at InnoTrans with several key leaders discussing how GE Transportation will be reshaping the rail industry moving forward.









GE Transportation provides a global medium platform locomotive series with the flexibility to meet local needs. Hear from customers in Indonesia and South Africa about their experience with breakthrough technology.









GE Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Solutions moves people and goods efficiently. With safe signaling solutions, ITS is offering breakthrough technology to optimize railway and mass transit operations.






InnoTrans Update – Friday, 26 September 2014
Visionary concepts for the mobility of the future
During InnoTrans the Future Mobility Park provides a platform for introducing advanced transport concepts. It is also an opportunity for experts and professionals to familiarize themselves with visionary mobility concepts and make direct contact with designers attending this event. “Add-ons” for Deutsche Bahn’s current ICE 3 is how the Munich-based industrial designer Gerhardt Kellermann describes his ideas on modernization, which will directly benefit passengers. They include the provision of a more comfortable neck support, a more effective sleeping position, a wireless charger for electronic devices that is built into the folding tables, and a special panorama carriage with large windows to enable travellers to appreciate the landscapes through which they are passing. Meanwhile Mac Stopa, founder of the Polish design agency Massive Design, has his sights set on the next generation of ICE high speed trains. Double rows of portholes and the extensive use of composites are intended to create the impression of an aircraft interior. In 2050 it may be possible to transfer directly from a terrestrial form of transport to an aircraft, if the designers from Studio Globe in Glasgow succeed in making their project reality. Their studies, “Shift” for standardized gondolas at airports, and “Horizon” for a seamless transfer between a train a low-flying aircraft, without the need to land, could revolutionize transport around the world. Could that be the future of travel?
Public Transport Forum: Good real-time information is achievable
“Real-time data in public transport – a blessing or a curse?”: Professor Knut Ringat, President of the German Association of Transport Sciences, posed this question by way of an introduction on the first occasion on which the Public Transport Forum addressed an IT issue. Another first for this event was the large number of participants, he added. Originally 60 applications had been received, but the forum eventually attracted an attendance of 150. In the subsequent keynote speech Helmut Iffländer (Iffländer – Consulting for Public Transport Riehen, Switzerland) dealt with customers’ expectations and the reality of the situation. Real-time data is basically a blessing, he said, but he also pointed out that the data must be accurate if passengers are to be satisfied. “Good real-time information is achievable”, the speaker said, “but it involves a great deal of effort.” Great care must be taking when obtaining the data, and realistic planning is another major aspect.
Vossloh meets with “overwhelming demand”
The current restructuring by Vossloh AG, a specialist in railway infrastructure and the manufacture of locomotives, has “not only engendered a great deal of support but has also resulted in overwhelming demand” at InnoTrans 2014. The chairman of the board, Hans M. Schabert, stated that his company is in the midst of a restructuring process involving, among other things, the adjustment of its locomotive construction capacities to meet current demand and, in the medium term, a return to electric systems for local public rail services. In the future Vossloh also intends to place a greater focus on customer services. The restructuring, which began early this year, will, however, take some considerable time, it was reported by Schabert and the company’s chief financial officer Oliver Schuster. They plan to return to profitability by 2017.
Location: Hall 26, Stand 310, contact: Lucia Mathée, telephone: +49 (0) 172 -2667752+49 (0) 172 -2667752, email: lucia.mathee@ag.vossloh.com
Tours by CEOs: Keith Jordan, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail Europe, visits suppliers
This year was the second time that the Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Europe, Keith Jordan, took the opportunity during the tour of InnoTrans by CEOs to visit his company’s suppliers. Patrick Geladi, Managing Director, and Bilger Remi, Head of Sales and Business Development for the Belgian company TelevicRail, gave him details about new rail management and communication systems. Keith Jordan was given an in-depth demonstration of the new “Generation 4” door system by the CEOs of Knorr-Bremse Gmbh, Oliver Schmidt and Dr. Andreas Schunke. He then inspected the ConneXion segmented gangway with its smooth side walls, that was demonstrated by CEO David Pagels, Vice President New Sales Holger Costard and Gary Schuttleworth, Managing Director UK, of the Swedish company Dellner Couplers. The tour concluded with intensive discussions with the President of the Spanish seat manufacturer FAINSA, Joan Singla, and with the Commercial Director Francesc Puig and Commercial Director UK Mark Carter. “That was very interesting”, was Keith Jordan’s impression following the one-hour tour. “The tours provide an opportunity to spend more time with our suppliers, discuss specific issues and examine products in detail.”
Tours by CEOs: A “very, very useful tour” as expansion into Central Europe is planned
The President of the Romanian locomotive builder Softronic, Ionel Ghita, made a point of emphasizing that his own CEO tour at InnoTrans 2014 had been “very, very useful”. Together with Project Manager Sebastian Ghita, and his son, who is also his English interpreter, he focused in particular on leasing companies. “They are certainly potential customers. We want to sell locomotives to Central Europe”, Sebastian Ghita stated. Among those whom they visited were the head of sales for the Czech company Locotrans, Lucie Chudobova, and Masayoshi Hosoya of MRCE, which is based in the Netherlands. They also visited the German companies Alpha Trains, whose director is Thomas Schmidt, and Railpool, with its CEO Torsten Lehnert. The Romanian businessmen also met with Marnix Kerkhoff, sales director for the British company Beacon Rail Leasing. Sebastian Ghita believes that prospects are very promising because “with our machinery the performance is comparable with that of Western European competitors, but at a lower price”. Softronic has already found a prestigious customer for its six-axle heavy freight locomotive, the Transmontana: DB Schenker Romania is already operating 14 of them in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria, and one of them can be seen in the well-known red livery of DB on the outdoor display area at InnoTrans.
Tours by CEOs: Good discussions with immediate competitors too
The CEO tours at InnoTrans are an exclusive opportunity for high-ranking company representatives to visit other companies at the fair, and Zbigniew Palenica, member of the board of the Polish manufacturer Solaris, with responsibility for finance, purchasing and investment, was able to meet with Jeremie Desjardins, the vice president of Bombardier. The latter has responsibility for Primove, a system for contactless power transmission that is also being used on the Solaris buses operating in Braunschweig. “One of the main features of this year’s InnoTrans for Solaris concerned the joint projects with Bombardier for emission-free urban transport in Braunschweig and Berlin”, said Palenica following the discussions. He also called at the stands of Stadler and the Spanish CAF Group. “We respect one another as direct competitors and take such opportunities to exchange views”, explained Palenica, with reference to the relaxed discussions with Felice Massera, Vice President Marketing for Stadler, and with Juan Carlos Moreno, Head of Export Eastern Europe for CAF. “The CEO tours were already a positive experience for us in 2012. This time we were able to make more effective use of them because we are better acquainted with our discussion partners”, said Zbigniew Palenica.
Schaeffler believes lifecycle management is a coming trend
“We are all set up to participate in the major trends of the future”, declared Dr. Michael Holzapfel, Head of the Rail Management Division for Schaeffler. This is particularly applicable to high speed services as well as to freight and mass transit, where Dr. Holzapfel sees a clear trend in favour of lifecycle management, which is the slogan that has been adopted by Schaeffler for its presentation at this year’s InnoTrans. “It is becoming increasingly important to study the life cycle costs of products, and that is why it is vital to develop and manufacture safe, reliable and long-lasting products that can be used economically throughout their entire working life.” Moreover, in order to optimize life cycle costs, it is essential to find solutions that extend the maintenance intervals, but without compromising the reliability of the product, while also keeping costs low and allowing for preventive maintenance.
Location: Hall 21, Stand 406, contact: Martin Adelhardt, telephone: +49 (0) 9721 -913400+49 (0) 9721 -913400, email: martin.adelhardt@schaeffler.com
Alstom is equipping 50 Vossloh locomotives with ETCS
Alstom is installing the modern train control system (ETCS) on two types of locomotives being manufactured by Vossloh in Germany and Spain. Stefan Neumann (Vossloh Divisional Director Supply Chain Management), Christoph Gralla (Director of the Alstom Division Control and Safety Systems and Infrastructure) and Rafael Meseguer (Sales Manager, Vossloh España) signed an agreement to this effect at InnoTrans 2014. Initially 50 locomotives will be provided with these systems, and it is highly likely that it will be expanded further, according to Neumann. The contract has a total value of eleven million euros, of which 3.8 million will be spent on development work.
Location: Hall 3.2, Stand 405, contact: Dominik Beyer, Telephone: +49 (0) 176 -13298129+49 (0) 176 -13298129, email: dominik.beyer@power.alstom.com
CityLink has a top speed of 62 mph
Passengers can enter and alight from the new CityLink tram from low inner-city platforms as well as from the higher ones at stops on regional routes too. The manufacturer Vossloh Kiepe is presenting them at InnoTrans 2014 in the design used by the Karlsruhe transport system (VBK), and the first of these Type NET 2012 vehicles was granted certification during the trade fair. VBK has ordered 25 of these low-floor trams, which will begin coming into service on 18 October. They have a top speed of 62 mph, making them suitable for tram networks such as those in Karlsruhe and the surrounding region, where trams also run on main railway lines.
Location: Outdoor display area FB/1, contact: Dorothea Janss, telephone: +49 (0) 69 -580077110, email: d.janss@atkon.de
Netinera takes delivery of the first of 63 Coradia LINT for its regional subsidiary vlexx
“With the Coradia LINT we can provide passengers with a reliable vehicle using the latest technology and with comfortable interiors”, explained Jost Knebel, CEO of Netinera Deutschland GmbH, at the symbolic handover of the keys by the manufacturer Alstom for the first of 63 new trains that were ordered in 2012. Netinera Deutschland has been providing passenger and freight services for ten years on Germany’s roads and railways, including those of its Rheinland-Pfalz subsidiary vlexx GmbH, based in Mannheim. Among the features of the new trains are a selective motor cut-off and automatic speed regulation, which are claimed by the manufacturer to improve efficiency and the life cycle assessment. “The operating contract will run for more than 22 years, which is why it was so important for us to be able to invest in advanced technology”, Knebel stated.
Location: CityCube Hall A, Stand 204 and outdoor display area G3/21, contact: Claudia Russ, telephone: +49 (0) 30 -6840843501, email: claudia.russ@netinera.de
Mercedes-Benz Euro VI designed to operate on rails
Mercedes-Benz is presenting its new dual mode Unimog for the first time at InnoTrans 2014, powered by engines that meet the new Euro VI, a European exhaust gas standard for freight vehicles. With this development the company reports that it is setting new standards in environmental compatibility and efficiency. The Unimog U 423 is rated at 170 kilowatts and, with an increased load capacity, this new road-rail vehicle also has even better traction. It offers very positive performance when equipped with accessories for working on track infrastructure. This new generation of Unimogs from Mercedes-Benz has been designed to meet the requirements of its customers in the railway sector.
Location: Outdoor display, Stand G4/16, contact Jürgen Barth, telephone: +49 (0) 711 -1752077+49 (0) 711 -1752077, email: juergen.barth@daimler.com
InnoTrans Career Forum: “The fast track to a successful career”
“A four-unit regional railcar consists of over one million individual components, requiring almost 16,000 technical drawings and several hundred thousand lines of programming code”, explained Tilmann Splisteser from the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) during his paper. This leading organization of manufacturers of railway technology in Germany currently has 182 members, including some of the world’s leading systems companies, which accounted for a 42 per cent increase in orders with a total value of just under 15 billion euros between 2012 and 2013. “This is a good basis for an increased demand for personnel”, Splisteser stated. At the present time VDB members employ a total workforce of 50.000, who enjoy good prospects of promotion and the opportunity, at an early stage in their careers, to take on major responsibilities in tackling a range of interesting tasks with a high degree of innovation throughout the industry. More in-depth details are available from the VDB internet portal at http://karriere.bahnindustrie.info and the VDB Facebook page.
Location: InnoTrans Career Forum, Hall 7.1c


Interim Summary of InnoTrans 2014: Leading trade fair a major success



• InnoTrans achieves a new dimension as an innovation platform and marketplace


• Record exhibitor and trade visitor numbers


• Open Days on 27 and 28 September


• Comments by exhibitors


Today, on 26 September, after four successful days InnoTrans 2014 comes to an end. Record exhibitor and trade visitor numbers, 140 world premieres, 145 vehicles on the outdoor display and an even greater number of satisfied visitors: those are the key statistics of the best InnoTrans to date. 2,758 exhibitors from 55 countries presented their innovative products and services in Berlin, with around 139,000 international trade visitors from over 100 countries attending this year’s leading trade fair for transport technology.


"Once again, InnoTrans was able to build on its undisputed standing as the leading innovation platform and the world’s largest marketplace for rail technology", said Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin. "With a ten per cent increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers this event continues to grow consistently in every important area."


Highlight: vehicle presentations on the rail track and outdoor display


For the first time in the history of InnoTrans 145 rail vehicles were shown on the rail track and outdoor display. Attracting wide attention at the events for the press, leading manufacturers of rolling stock demonstrated 17 innovative rail vehicles and performed symbolic handovers to customers. For example, together with Deutsche Bahn Alstom presented its new H3 hybrid locomotive. Alongside Ansaldobreda and the Italian network operator Trenitalia, Bombardier displayed its Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train, among other products.


In the presence of Patrick McLoughlin, the UK minister of transport, Siemens unveiled its Desiro City Thameslink train, which made its first public appearance. In an official ceremony at InnoTrans Pesa handed over the DB Link, the first Polish train manufactured for Deutsche Bahn. Another ceremonial event also took place with Vossloh’s handover of a G 18 locomotive to Spitzke. Together with Serbia’s rail network operator Stadler presented its new Flirt 3 regional passenger train in Berlin.


High numbers of decision-makers among trade visitors


Around 139,000 trade visitors came to InnoTrans to find out about state-of-the-art products from the global train industry, a record number. Numerous delegations from countries including Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Italy and the Netherlands were present at the fair. The Turkish delegations alone numbered 420 high-ranking figures from industry, politics and science.


According to the initial results of a representative trade visitor survey there was a substantial increase in the number of business deals and the number of trade visitors present in a decision-making capacity. Thus, the ratio of decision-makers among visitors rose to around 50 per cent, an increase of more than ten per cent. 90 per cent of trade visitors said they would recommend the trade fair to others.


Open Days on 27 and 28 September


Train enthusiasts and enterprising visitors will be certain to get their money’s worth on the Messe Berlin rail track over the weekend. On the InnoTrans Open Days for the public they can marvel at the latest rail vehicles, with displays ranging from innovative high-speed trains to very powerful locomotives. Excitement, games and savoury dishes will all be part of the Open Days, as will uniformed train personnel. Attractions include the country’s largest walk-in toy train and ’Emma’, a vintage steam engine.


Venue: Messe Berlin rail track and outdoor display, South Entrance
Public transport: (S-Bahn) S5 to Messe Süd
Dates and times: 27 and 28 September, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 2.50 euros, free admission for children up to the age of 14


Comments by exhibitors on InnoTrans 2014


Dr. Lutz Bertling, President and COO, Bombardier Transportation:


"Once again, this year’s InnoTrans was the most important exhibition of the industry’s products and its continuing growth speaks for itself. Bombardier had an outstanding opportunity to showcase its innovative products and technology which, together with our customers, we will use to shape the future of mobility. We had numerous meetings and talks with customers and partners, in which we underlined our expertise in key areas such as Urban Flow, Capacity und Efficiency. We already look forward to returning in 2016."


Philippe Citroën, Director General Association of the European Rail Industry(UNIFE):


"For UNIFE and our members, the European Rail Supply Industry, InnoTrans remains the most important gathering for the global rail sector. This year we once again witnessed a great turnout, which, I believe, is more clear evidence of the bright future for the rail industry and for sustainable mobility by rail. The innovations displayed, the important exchange of ideas and plans for the future of our sector are essential for making rail transport even more attractive and encourages the necessary modal shift from road and air to rail. This is the focus of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking that has been promoted by UNIFE and its members."


Dr. Jochen Eickholt, CEO, Division Rail Systems, Infrastructure & Cities, Siemens AG:


"Digitisation will also play an increasingly important role in transport systems. This was something that became clear at InnoTrans 2014. Mobility 4.0 was one of the key topics of this trade fair. At Siemens, in addition to our focus on conventional rail systems we see the digitisation and intelligent networking of transport networks as our main area of expertise. The innovations in this field that we presented at InnoTrans 2014 met with keen interest from our customers as well as from the politicians we met. Once again, InnoTrans showed itself to be an indispensable forum that provides a forward-looking impetus for the future of the transport industry."


Jürgen Fenske, President of the Association of the German Transport Companies (VDV):


"Once again, InnoTrans underlined its role as the world’s largest and most important rail industry event. The many and wide-ranging rail industry products concentrated on a display area covering 100,000 square metres were impressive proof of how important rail transport in Germany continues to be. As an industry, together with political decision-makers who were present in large numbers, we must make sure that rail and public transport in Germany remain a strong future employer and provider of services."


Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO, Deutsche Bahn AG:


"InnoTrans was a major success for Deutsche Bahn. We were able to cultivate and expand our business relations at all levels, in particular with our customers in Asia and the Middle East. Interest in public mobility continues to grow, particular in the rail transport of the future in the digital age. That was something this InnoTrans, the biggest to date, demonstrated once again. This trade fair continues to be the most important meeting place for the industry."


Prof. Dr. Ronald Pörner, Managing Director of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB):


"Worldwide, InnoTrans in Berlin is undisputedly the main venue for showcasing rail systems and rail transport technology. In 2014 this unique exhibition of forward-looking transport solutions offered impressive proof of this once again. InnoTrans not only fulfilled but also exceeded the high expectations of Germany’s railway industry by far. I am certain that the business fortunes of our company will benefit from the many positive influences of these eventful days at the fair."


Henri Poupart-Lafarge, President Alstom Transport:


"Alstom works every day to anticipate the future of mobility. There is no other place like InnoTrans to discuss with our counterparts, showcase our innovations and our large portfolio of technology. Thank you to the InnoTrans show organizers and see you back in 2016."


Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Transportation.


"InnoTrans was a great event to showcase how we're harnessing the power of the Industrial Internet for our rail customers," said Russell Stokes, president and CEO of GE Transportation. "We're eager to build on the bonds made at this show in the days, weeks and months ahead."


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