Such partnerships are essential when it comes to mastering the challenges facing the global automotive industry in these times of radical change. The trade fair provided a platform on which technological innovations were presented and long-term cooperation models were discussed – both of which are sure to shape the future of the industry. The event placed a special focus on the transfer of knowledge, which helps to speed up the process of making new technologies ready for the market.
“The automotive industry is currently facing changes with global consequences. Topics such as sustainability, decarbonisation and digital networking demand international cooperation between companies, political decision-makers and stakeholders along the entire supply chain. To that end, it is essential to work together to set the standards for the future. The IZB 2024 demonstrated that the supplier industry is ready and willing to shape this transformation with innovative solutions,” emphasises Thomas Krause, Spokesman of the Board of Wolfsburg AG, the organiser of the IZB. According to Krause, the next IZB in 2026 will reveal which of the innovations discussed at this year’s event have successfully made their way into series production.
With its stronger presence as an exhibitor at the IZB 2024, Volkswagen AG focused on dialogue. “Our IZB concept was a success: The four Volkswagen Group Hubs focusing on different topics enabled us to discuss a multitude of potential solutions to central challenges with our partners, and we will continue to advance possible implementations of these solutions after the IZB. Our discussions yet again underlined the fact that we all share responsibility – both Volkswagen and its partners in the supplier industry. Only by working together can we make solutions for strengthening the automotive industry a reality, in a sustainable manner and as fast as they are required,” concludes Dirk Große-Loheide, Member of the Extended Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG and Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand responsible for Procurement.
Focusing on innovations and future topics
This year’s IZB shone the spotlight on the technological innovations and solutions of more than 50 exhibitors, which are summarised and presented in the “innovations@izb” report. These include 16 world premieres developed in response to the challenges facing the future of mobility, which were showcased to the general public for the first time at the IZB 2024. A multitude of exhibitors also made the most of the IZB Live Stage in Hall 4 as an opportunity to present their innovations and premieres. The stage additionally hosted more than 30 specialist talks, panel discussions and keynotes on the key topics of the event, namely Interior & Exterior, Electronics & Connectivity, Powertrain & Battery and Metal, Car Body & Chassis.
High-quality exchanges
This year’s IZB featured a wide variety of exhibitors. In addition to ten of the world’s fifteen highest-volume automotive supplier companies, Volkswagen itself also participated as an exhibitor and invited visitors to enjoy intensive professional exchanges with its representatives at a total of four stands – the so-called Volkswagen Group Hubs – thus fulfilling a request made at past events.
The trade fair also continued its tradition of welcoming both a multitude of exhibitors from Asia and a large number of companies from Lower Saxony, including around 20 companies based directly in the automotive location of Wolfsburg.