At InnoTrans, the world’s leading international trade fair for transport technology, held in Berlin from 22 to 25 September 2026, the latest bimodal electro-diesel train for long-distance passenger transport was unveiled.

KONČAR, the train manufacturer, presented the latest breakthrough by Croatia’s domestic industry in the fields of urban mobility and infrastructure. Following its entry into regular service on the Zagreb–Split route a week earlier, in cooperation with HŽ Passenger Transport, the second train in this series was also presented to an international audience.

The train combines the advantages of electric and diesel traction, enabling uninterrupted operation on both electrified and non-electrified sections of the railway network. It delivers 1.2 MW of power in both operating modes and can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. Up to three trainsets can be coupled and operated from a single driving cab, allowing capacity to be adjusted to transport demand. The four-car trainset offers 150 seats in first and second class, with particular emphasis on passenger accessibility and comfort. The train features dedicated facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles, a lifting platform, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at seats, a modern passenger information system, and self-service vending machines offering food and beverages.

Two years after presenting a battery-powered train at InnoTrans as the only exhibitor to do so, KONČAR once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation by showcasing its latest bimodal electro-diesel train. The battery-powered train was the first product of its kind to enter commercial service in Europe and one of the first in the world. This time, KONČAR displayed its new bimodal train at one of the most prominent locations in the fair’s outdoor exhibition area, on a 75-metre stretch of track. At the same time, the company presented its latest solutions for railway infrastructure, electrification, urban mobility and transport digitalisation in its spacious indoor exhibition area. The unveiling of this train further strengthens Croatia’s position as a relevant player in Europe’s green and digital transition and as one of the centres developing some of the most technologically advanced solutions in this part of Europe.

On the occasion of the bimodal train’s unveiling, Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR, stated:

“The presentation of our latest bimodal train at InnoTrans confirms that KONČAR now stands alongside Europe’s leading rail vehicle manufacturers. This next-generation product demonstrates the strength of Croatian expertise, innovation and industrial capabilities, as well as KONČAR’s ability to meet the demands of modern and sustainable rail transport. We believe that projects like this contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the Croatian economy and positioning Croatia among the countries actively shaping the future of sustainable mobility in Europe.”

The next-generation train, which entered service on the Split–Zagreb–Split route on 15 September, is the 70th train delivered by KONČAR – Electric Vehicles to HŽ Passenger Transport, further demonstrating the two companies’ shared commitment to modernising Croatia’s railway system. Following the development of electric, diesel-electric and battery-powered trains, the new bimodal train represents the fourth traction platform developed and manufactured by the company in Croatia.

“The new long-distance train brings together the development, design and manufacturing capabilities of the KONČAR Group. Its bimodal propulsion system ensures a high level of reliability and service quality across the entire railway network, while providing passengers with a higher standard of comfort through first-class seating, an onboard catering area and full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility. This technologically advanced and operationally flexible solution meets the requirements of modern rail transport and the long-term needs of sustainable mobility,” said Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.

In addition to KONČAR representatives, the unveiling of the new train was attended by Žarko Tušek, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure; Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport; and Gordan Bakota, Croatia’s Ambassador to Germany.

Speaking at the train’s unveiling, State Secretary Tušek said:

“On behalf of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, I have visited all Croatian exhibitors, and I congratulate them all. We are particularly proud of KONČAR. This train is the result of development projects undertaken by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, combined with the technology and expertise of Croatian engineers at KONČAR. Preparatory studies and documentation are currently being developed for the railway corridor between Split and Zagreb. We expect the project to gain momentum over the next five years, which will also lead to higher speeds.”

By the end of the year, six trains of this type will be operating on Croatian railway lines, with a further five scheduled for delivery in 2027. Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, announced that the new trains would connect different parts of Croatia, while also revealing a new development in the company’s railway transport plans:

“HŽ Passenger Transport will complete its fleet with a total of 11 trains of this type and, of course, we intend to use them to connect the whole of Croatia. Another new development is that we plan to use these trains to connect Zagreb and Osijek. If all the trains are delivered by the end of the year, we will connect Zagreb and Osijek with this new train.”

InnoTrans, held every two years in Berlin, brings together the world’s leading manufacturers, transport providers, operators and experts in transport technology, the railway industry, public transport and sustainable mobility. This year’s edition brought together 3,100 exhibitors, once again confirming InnoTrans’s status as one of the key events for showcasing technological innovations and trends that will shape the future of rail transport. One of the fair’s most visited areas was the outdoor exhibition space, featuring 3,500 metres of railway track, where 130 exhibitors from 17 countries displayed 113 vehicles, including the latest generations of trains, locomotives and vehicles powered by alternative propulsion systems.