In this interview, Managing Director Kai Mentel provides an initial preview of the product highlights that the HÜBNER Group will be presenting at InnoTrans 2024. He also explains how the company assists customers in the rail industry in reducing their carbon footprint.
Mr Mentel, InnoTrans 2024 is just around the corner. What are you particularly looking forward to?
The InnoTrans is always an absolute highlight for us at the HÜBNER Group! We are looking forward to the trade fair with excitement and anticipation. Our exhibition booth accurately reflects what HÜBNER stands for now and in the future: with many years of experience and a strong commitment to innovation, we develop components and tailor-made systems and solutions for customers in the rail industry. In production, maintenance and logistics concepts, we place a particular emphasis on sustainable mobility! We look forward meeting many familiar and new faces from the rail industry.
What are the main innovations that you will be presenting to your customers this year?
We are currently developing a solution for the fully automated coupling of gangway systems in passenger trains. The HÜBNER AutoCouple system will enable transport operators to couple and uncouple gangway systems of trains at the push of a button in the depot. This significantly reduces time and labour costs and provides more flexibility during operation. Moreover, we are introducing our FrontAdd system for locomotives. This innovative solution protects the technology installed at the front of the train while reducing drag and thus the average energy consumption of trains during operation.
There is a common demand for the digitalisation of public transport. Which solutions can HÜBNER offer in this regard?
Looking at the digitalisation of transport solutions, we are proud to present the holographic display technology for window systems which we are developing in cooperation with our partner ZEISS Microoptics. The new technology offers a completely new perspective on the digital future of public transport. Information such as arrival and departure times will be displayed in the windows of trains and buses using holographic technology. So far, this has only been seen in science fiction. We also support the transition towards sustainable mobility with many other innovative solutions, both in chassis technology and vehicle interiors. Last but not least, we continue to expand our digital customer portal HUBLink. The platform allows us to support our customers digitally throughout the entire lifecycle of our products offering them numerous interactive services. The intuitive interface allows us to optimise the user experience, saving our customers time and allowing them to fully focus on their core business. It is this breadth of products and services that sets us apart and makes us proud!
Why should companies choose to work with the HÜBNER Group?
Because we have locations and production facilities in the USA, China, South America, India and large parts of Europe. That means we are directly accessible and locally available for international customers. Our global presence enables us to reach many regions with short delivery routes. Train manufacturers and transport operators benefit from having a strong partner in the HÜBNER Group. We support our customers throughout the entire product lifecycle with a wide range of intelligent solutions and tailor-made services. In addition to our well-known gangway systems, we have a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent product solutions that enhance performance and flexibility in public transport, while helping our customers optimise their environmental footprint.
Can you elaborate on that?
We set and adhere to high sustainability standards across the entire product lifecycle. From development and production to maintenance, our objective is to use as few resources as possible and to operate in an energy-efficient manner. Our refurbishment concept for gangway systems is a notable example of that commitment, as we only replace what is truly necessary reducing waste to a minimum. The service is available to our customers not only for our own gangways, but also for those of our competitors.
Why should people stop by booth 120 in hall 1.2?
This year, we are presenting a real eye-catcher that underlines how seriously we take our commitment to sustainability.
Mr Mentel, thank you very much for the interview!
HÜBNER at InnoTrans 2024
At the InnoTrans trade fair in Hall 1.2, booth 120, the HÜBNER Group will be showcasing a variety of products and innovations that contribute to enhancing the sustainability, efficiency and reliability of public transport by rail. More information is also available online:
https://www.hubner-group.com/innotrans.
