The Association

The German Railway Industry Association (VDB) brings together the manufacturers of all products for railway operations under one roof – system houses as well as small and medium-sized suppliers. The railway industry produces rolling stock and equips the infrastructure. We build state-of-the-art high-speed trains, locomotives and regional multiple units, trams, metros and freight wagons for Germany, Europe and the entire world. We equip infrastructure with command, control and safety technologies, tracks, switches and stations. In addition, we offer a broad range of services such as planning, engineering, leasing and design.

The association represents the interests of the railway industry vis-à-vis the public, policymakers and national, European and international institutions and organisations. It pools the technical expertise of its members and contributes it wherever decisions are made on the framework conditions for efficient, future-oriented rail transport. In doing so, the VDB takes into account the specific interests of its different member groups – from large system houses to small and medium-sized suppliers.

Beyond representing the industry’s interests, the association works with its member companies to develop technical solutions and uniform recommendations and supports the development of technical rules and standards. It promotes the exchange of experience and ideas on technical and economic issues, creating a common basis on which the companies of the industry can learn from each other and jointly advance standards.

The VDB’s substantive work takes place in thematic working groups and committees. There, experts from the member companies contribute on a voluntary basis and develop technical and policy positions that are recognised across the industry. In these bodies, current challenges facing the railway industry are discussed, common positions are agreed and impetus is generated for technology, markets and regulation. In this way, the knowledge of many companies evolves into a shared, sustainable position of the industry.

Fair, partnership-based cooperation along the entire value chain is a particular concern of the association. The railway industry is most successful when system houses and the supplier industry work together reliably and as equals. The VDB fosters this cooperation and advocates framework conditions that strengthen innovation, quality and competitiveness in equal measure.

German rail technology on the world markets

The railway industry faces intense international competition. To seize the opportunities for German rail technology on global markets, the VDB supports its members in internationalising their business – for example through the exchange of experience, joint business delegations and coordinated presences at international trade fairs. The association sees itself as a platform that makes individual companies stronger by enabling them to act together and join forces.

Through this work, the VDB helps to strengthen rail transport as the backbone of sustainable mobility – and to position the railway industry in Germany as an innovative, competitive and responsible partner.