VTG AG: 150 Years of Private Wagon Leasing in Europe

The VTG AG commemorated the 150th anniversary of private wagon leasing in Europe at the Vienna City Hall. During the ceremony, held under the joint patronage of the Mayor and Governor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, and the First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, the European dimension of rail freight transport and its significance for a successful transport transition were emphasized.

(Wien) “A safe and attractive freight transport system on rail is crucial to shift as much freight transport as possible from road to rail across Europe. It is particularly important for European cities to promote rail freight transport wherever possible. The Hamburg-based company VTG has been active in this field for 150 years, including a participation in Austria, which traces its roots back to a company founded in 1872. I congratulate them on this anniversary,” said Mayor Ludwig during the event.

“Rail plays a central role in transport policy to achieve the Paris climate goals. The connection between Hamburg and Austria is a model for climate-friendly and efficient freight transport in Europe. 98 percent of container transport between the Port of Hamburg and the Austrian economic centers is done by train. As the largest private wagon lessor in Europe, VTG is a strong pillar of international rail freight transport. I sincerely congratulate VTG AG and its employees on the 150th anniversary of private wagon leasing in Europe and wish them all the best for the future,” said Hamburg’s First Mayor Tschentscher.

Investment in Rail is Investment in the Future

After a welcome by Hannes Kotratschek, Managing Director of VTG Rail Europe GmbH, the patrons and Dr. Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration, spoke. The industry’s perspective was presented by Dr. Heiko Fischer, UIP President and former VTG CEO, and Sven Wellbrock, Chief Operating Officer Europe & Chief Safety Officer of VTG AG. EU Commissioner Hahn emphasized: “Rail freight transport plays a key role in the transition to a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe. Every investment in rail is an investment in the future that sustainably contributes to connecting Europe both socially and economically.”

UIP President Fischer stated: “European wagon leasing is a timeless business model and the backbone of the economy across Europe. Private wagon owners connect the continent and drive innovation and digitalization.”

Success Story Since 1872

Private wagon leasing has played a significant role in the integration of the European economic area over the past 150 years, consistently acting as a reliable partner for business and politics with investments and innovations in the further development of the rail system. “Today, we look back on a remarkable success story that began on February 24, 1872, with the founding of the First Railway Wagon Leasing Company AG (EEL) in Vienna. Its successor, the Austrian Railway Transport Institution Company mbH (OEVA), is the oldest existing wagon leasing company in Europe and has been part of the VTG family under its current name, VTG Austria Gesellschaft mbH, for many years,” said Kotratschek.

“Our history obliges us to contribute to the future. As Europe’s largest private wagon lessor with decades of experience, we see it as our responsibility to advance the continental rail system, increase its efficiency, and develop new technologies so that the ecological benefits of this mode of transport can be fully realized,” said Wellbrock.

VTG Celebrates Under the Motto “Re:think RAIL. Re:think FUTURE.”

Numerous innovations and solutions for rail were presented during the multi-day VTG event “Re:think RAIL. Re:think FUTURE.” in Vienna, including digital applications, sustainable cooling transports, transport concepts for LNG and hydrogen, as well as new technologies for combined transport. Customers learned more about the award-winning transport and handling technology roadrailLink (r2L) for loading non-craneable trailers and about digital fleet management using the multiple award-winning VTG digital platform traigo.

Image: © VTG/Walter Oberbramberger / Image Caption: from left to right: Hannes Kotratschek, Dr. Michael Ludwig, Corine Mauch, Dr. Johannes Hahn, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Dr. Heiko Fischer, Sven Wellbrock