Innotrans 2002 - International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, Innovative Components, Vehicles, Systems (24 - 27 September 2002) / Closing Report

Berlin, Germany (ots) -

InnoTrans 2002:

Positive signals for the industry at world's leading trade fair for rail transport technology - Record numbers of exhibitors and visitors again on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds

For the first time InnoTrans Berlin attracted over 30,000 trade visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors, and with a display area measuring some 50,000 square metres it consolidated its position as the leading international trade fair for rail transport technology*. A further 30,000 members of the general public attended the large Station Party at the InnoTrans outdoor display area on the Messe Berlin Grounds.

"In 2002 InnoTrans was a renewed success" commented Dr. Dieter Klumpp, President of the German Rail Industry Association (VDB), at the close of this four-day trade fair. In particular there has been a noticeable rise in the numbers of international trade visitors, a trend that reflects the industry's current position, with international projects resulting in full order books. "Of course the railway industry is also hoping that the German market will give a positive signal" said Dr. Klumpp, who is also the General Manager of Alstom LHB. He expressed his delight at the presence of more decision-makers from all political levels among the guests at this year's InnoTrans.

Exhibitors and visitors very satisfied

The Union of European Railway Industries (UNIFE) was very satisfied with the InnoTrans 2002. Drewin Nieuwenhuis, General Manager of the UNIFE, stated: "The excellent organisation at what is now the world's largest railway trade fair provided many new contacts for the more than 1,000 exhibitors from this expanding sector, thereby creating opportunities for new business." Peter Witt, Chief Country Representative for Bombardier Transportation, referred to an "exciting week" with many discussions and the signing of some interesting contracts. "This is my fourth InnoTrans, and my personal impression is

* During the four days of the fair the recorded attendance was 30,721.

that, having already got off to a good start, the fair has steadily

improved each time, and this year was no exception."

" InnoTrans is the world leader in the field of rail transport" according to Giuseppe Gallini, Director of Communication and Advertising for the Italian manufacturer Ansaldobreda Spa. "The trade visitors were of a very high quality. We were able to cultivate existing contacts with Europe and North America, as well as developing many new business contacts." Shinya Mitsudomi, Marketing Manager Transportation Systems for Hitachi (Japan), referred to "very good contacts" with buyers and competitors. For Walter Gräppi, SWISSRAIL General Manager, more trade visitors can be met at InnoTrans that at any other event. "Next time we shall have an even larger stand."

These positive assessments are also supported by the findings of the representative poll of exhibitors and visitors. Satisfaction with the commercial success of their involvement in InnoTrans was reported by 90 per cent of all exhibitors. The number of contracts signed during this year's fair was significantly higher than at the last such event two years ago. Among the most spectacular orders confirmed during the fair was the contract for the construction of 42 low-floor electric vehicles awarded by the Swiss rail company SBB to Stadler Rail AG. This order is worth 300 million Swiss francs. An option has also been agreed for a further 100 of these vehicles.

Leading decision-makers and representatives of many countries

The high levels of satisfaction were also shared by the trade visitors: of those polled, some three quarters spoke of very good or good commercial results. One of the features of this event is its ability to attract leading decision-makers as its trade visitors. Nearly 50 per cent of these trade visitors occupy senior management positions within their respective companies. Eight out of ten of those questioned exercise a significant influence on purchasing and procurement decisions.

The international composition of the trade visitors was even more evident at this year's event than at its predecessors. Almost 30 per cent of visitors came from outside Germany, primarily from EU countries (63 per cent) and from Central and Eastern Europe (21 per cent). With around 40 per cent of exhibitors coming from abroad, more countries than ever before were represented at this event. Among those making their debut at InnoTrans were companies from Japan, Taiwan, Turkey and Australia.

A positive overall impression of InnoTrans 2002 was obtained by virtually all of the exhibitors questioned (93 per cent), and among the trade visitors the corresponding figure was 97 per cent. Even during the fair itself 91 per cent of all exhibitors expressed their intention of attending the next InnoTrans in two years time. Similar levels of interest in the InnoTrans 2004 were shown by the trade visitors who took part in the survey.

Exhibitor total passes 1,000 for the first time at InnoTrans

A total of 1,045 exhibitors from 30 countries presented their products and innovations for four days in the exhibition halls and on the recently installed rail track on the grounds. They included all the global players in the field of rail transport technology, as well as many small and medium-sized manufacturers and subcontractors from all over the world. The display area at InnoTrans 2002 measured some 50,000 square metres, setting a new record.

One area of this trade fair that has undergone particularly rapid expansion is that of infrastructure and railroad technology. The presentation by various track construction companies, which was organised in collaboration with the German Association of Railway Engineers (VDEI) under the name "BahnBau", occupied a display area twice as large as in 2000.

InnoTrans Convention and international rail summit

This year the InnoTrans Convention again offered an outstanding supporting programme. The main focus of these events, which attracted major figures from the industry, was on the Dialogue Forum, organised jointly by the Union of European Railway Industries (UNIFE), the German Transport Forum, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Water Management and Public Works.

For the second time InnoTrans also hosted an East European and Asian Rail Summit (EEARS) under the leadership of Deutsche Bahn AG. Its participants included ministers of transport, director generals and railway experts from Central and Eastern Europe and Asia.

The media in Germany and abroad again showed a keen interest in this leading trade fair for rail transport technology. A total of 660 media representatives from 23 countries were accredited at InnoTrans 2002 to provide coverage of this event.

The next InnoTrans will take place from 21 to 24 September 2004.

ots Original Text Service: Messe Berlin

Internet: http://www.presseportal.de

Press contacts:

Wolfgang Wagner, tel.: +49(0)30/3038 2277

Yasmine Abbou, tel.: +49(0)30/3038 2269, fax: +49(0)30/3038 2278

E-mail: innotrans-presse@messe-berlin.de

Internet: http://www.innotrans.de

Messe Berlin, Press and Public Relations

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