"Successful products for the future of mobility are the result of targeted cooperation. That is why it is crucial that we come together here at the IZB to work together on the innovations that will shape the automotive future. Only through continuous communication and partnership-based cooperation
can we master the challenges facing the industry," said Dirk Große-Loheide, Member of the Extended Group Management Board of Volkswagen AG and Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Procurement, emphasizing the key theme of "Empowering Partnerships" during the opening ceremony at the AutoVision Forum in Wolfsburg.

In the talk with him, Kai Grünitz, Board Member for Development at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, emphasized the importance of international cooperation for the innovative strength of the industry: "Suppliers are the driving force behind many technological innovations. New technologies also enter the 'vehicle' product via other interfaces. The integration of new partners and the expertise and flexibility of all those involved are therefore crucial to successfully implementing the transformation to more sustainable and digitally networked mobility.

Dialogue between manufacturer and supplier

This year, the Volkswagen Group is one of over 843 exhibitors from all over the world with four thematically focused stands. Ten of the world's 15 top-selling automotive suppliers are also represented, including Robert Bosch GmbH, Denso, AISIN and Continental AG. In total, exhibitors from the entire automotive value chain will be represented. "More than 40 percent of exhibitors now come from abroad. Numerous international groups have also registered via their German locations. This also shows the global networking of the industry. 'Stronger together' is therefore the message I would like to pass on to you today," said Thomas Krause, Spokesman of the Board of Management of Wolfsburg AG, welcoming the participants and emphasizing in his speech the importance of the IZB as an international platform for communication, marketing and innovation.

The IZB Live Stage in the Connecting Area in Hall 4 will provide a stage for the discussion of current topics and trends during the three days of the trade fair from October 22 to 24, 2024. Around 30 talks, keynotes and panels with representatives from the Volkswagen Group and suppliers will focus on the interior & exterior, electronics & connectivity, powertrain & battery and metal, body & chassis. The Connecting Area will also provide an insight into some of the world premieres announced by exhibitors for the trade fair.

Innovations ensure competitiveness

"The IZB sends a clear signal that we are focusing on the innovative strength and transformation capability of the German and Lower Saxony automotive industry in challenging times. By working together and sharing knowledge at all levels, we will successfully shape change," emphasized Lower Saxony's Minister President Stephan Weil. Lower Saxony is represented by around 60 exhibitors at the Wolfsburg trade fair. Almost 20 of these come directly from
Wolfsburg.

In this context, Dennis Weilmann, Lord Mayor of the City of Wolfsburg, took the opportunity to address current developments in the Wolfsburg automotive region. "The latest developments at Volkswagen and their potential impact on the supplier industry have underlined the urgent need for increased efficiency and clear market positioning. The IZB offers us the opportunity to address key issues and develop solutions together in order to further strengthen Wolfsburg as an important business location," emphasized Weilmann. Many of the companies present at the IZB are both long-standing partners of Volkswagen and Wolfsburg.

Afterwards, the patrons of the trade fair, Dirk Große-Loheide, Kai Grünitz, Stephan Weil and Dennis Weilmann, together with Thomas Krause, declared the International Suppliers Fair 2024 open. The organizers are expecting numerous trade visitors from Germany and abroad over the three days of the trade fair from 22 to 24 October 2024.