transport-CH presents itself to visitors in a full house

It won’t be long now; from November 8 to 11, 2023, the commercial vehicle trade fair transport-CH will take place in Bern. The event is accompanied by the partner fairs carosserie-CH and aftermarket-CH. Loginfo24 spoke in advance with Michael Gehrken, the communications officer for the fairs.

(Bern) The transport-CH, along with carosserie-CH and aftermarket-CH, is ready to welcome visitors to a full house. This year, alternative drives, especially electromobility, will certainly be the focus. Alongside rising fuel costs and the increase in the LSVA, this is the topic that concerns the industry the most. In the conversation, the fair management explains what visitors can expect this year.

Loginfo24: Mr. Gehrken, could you briefly describe the origins and development of this trio of fairs?

The Swiss commercial vehicle salon has its origins in 1999. At that time, the start was made for a regional commercial vehicle fair in Fribourg, after the Geneva commercial vehicle salon was discontinued. The success of the premiere “transport 2001” laid the foundation for further development. In 2006, the idea arose to organize a national commercial vehicle salon. In 2007 and 2009, the newly named transport-CH took place again at the Forum Fribourg. With its presence in Bern since 2011, transport-CH has entered a new dimension, continuously evolving as the industry meeting point: In 2021, the aftermarket-CH was held for the first time simultaneously as a “sister fair.” And with this year’s event, carosserie-CH completes the fair format. It is now hardly an exaggeration to say that the event is THE industry meeting point.

As early as September, you reported a sold-out fair. What is the reason for this success? Is this a new exhibitor record?

Regarding brands that will be present at the fair, we have indeed set a new record with 800. The number of exhibitors has remained at this consistently high level for several editions. Many more exhibitors are not possible due to space constraints—unless we limit the exhibition areas per stand. We do not want that.

The event’s strong resonance is due to several factors: transport-CH, which began as a commercial vehicle salon in 2001, has developed into the leading fair. This is mainly because the organizers, who come from the industry themselves, have never deviated from their motto “by professionals for professionals.” This means that exhibitors and their industry associations have always been closely involved in the organization and further development of the fair. This further development also includes the gradual integration of the automotive sector into the concept over the past years. And last but not least: The event has been and is more than just a trade fair because socializing and exchanging ideas are at least as important as sales activities.

What’s new in the 2023 edition?

We have significantly expanded the area of “side events” with professional events and congresses: This year, the traditional Mobility Forum (Thursday, November 9, 2023, CONGRESS CENTER BERNEXPO) will also host the eMobility Forum (Wednesday, November 8, 2023, CONGRESS CENTER BERNEXPO) for the first time. This addresses the growing need of exhibitors, congress participants, and fair visitors for firsthand information on current topics.

The increase in information needs has also been noted by the professional associations: For example, the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG is participating in both the eMobility Forum and the Mobility Forum. The latter is also co-organized by L-drive Switzerland, the umbrella organization of Swiss driving instructors.

The two patron partners, carrosserie suisse and Swiss Automotive Aftermarket SAA, also invite exhibitors and visitors to professional lectures in the so-called “PODIUM” in the exhibition area (HALL 7) on all four fair days.

What can visitors expect at this year’s edition?

In addition to innovative and new products and world premieres from numerous exhibitors, there will also be plenty of “action,” ensuring that the experience factor is not lacking. We have created the “Espace du Futur”: Drones as transport means of the future (and the present!) will find their place here, as will forward-looking transport solutions and self-driving transport solutions for the “last mile.” A TestDrive for small vehicles / micro-cars (last-city-mile) will also take place on the fairgrounds. And for light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative drives, the opportunity will be created for the first time to test them on public roads from the fairgrounds.

What do the accompanying events, such as professional lectures or the Mobility Forum, offer?

The eMobility Forum on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM) will address the question of what concrete solutions are available for companies looking to switch to e-mobility. “E-Mobility pioneers” will share their experiences and learning processes there.

On Thursday, November 9, 2023 (9:30 AM – 2:30 PM), the Mobility Forum will focus on Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010. How do today’s youth think and act? And what challenges do we face in training and in everyday work with them?

At the professional lectures organized by carrosserie suisse and SAA Swiss Automotive Aftermarket in the so-called “PODIUM” (Hall 7), high-profile speakers will inform about topics such as cybersecurity, skilled labor shortages, youth issues, or the agency model for the garage and bodywork industry.

What do you expect from the organizer’s side for transport-CH and the accompanying fairs? Are you hoping for a visitor record?

We expect only one thing: four unforgettable days where the industry meets and is satisfied. If more than 30,000 people flock to Bern, that would of course be great.

Photos: © Expotrans / Image captions: The transport-CH and its partner fairs carosserie-CH and aftermarket-CH offer many specialized exhibitors, interesting professional lectures, and networking opportunities.