Whether cars, commercial vehicles, ships or aircraft, the global mobility industry is currently changing faster than ever. On the one hand, traditional manufacturers are facing major challenges with new technologies, while on the other, young companies are bringing a breath of fresh air to drive systems, fuels and global cooperation. Experts from all over the world will present the latest developments and technology trends for motor vehicles, aviation, aerospace and shipping at the International Motor Symposium from 14 to 16 May 2025 at the Hofburg Conference Centre in Vienna.
“Is there more than one solution on the road to Net Zero?” – This question will be addressed at the opening of the symposium by Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain (London), a new manufacturer of compact drive units. He heads a joint venture founded by Geely (China), Renault (France) and Aramco (Saudi Arabia) with the aim of supplying powertrains consisting of combustion engines and compact hybrid drive systems in modular design, for a wide range of vehicles and manufacturers.

Also speaking at plenary sessions will be: Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel injection systems manufacturer PHINIA (USA), Todd Anderson; VW Board Member Kai Grünitz; Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Group (Friedrichshafen); Bosch Managing Director Markus Heyn; Torsten Eder, Vice President Electrified Drive Systems Mercedes Benz (Stuttgart) and MAN Trucks & Bus Board Member for Research and Development, Frederik Zohm (Munich).
We are delighted to welcome experts and decision-makers with a wealth of knowledge and experience from both OEMs and the supplier industry to Vienna!

Car manufacturers around the world are currently moving away from developing their own engines and powertrains. Ready-made, compact drive units from companies such as Horse Powertrain are therefore becoming increasingly important.

Commercial vehicles: The race is not yet decided

Drive systems for lorries and buses, ranging from electric solutions for local distribution transport and urban buses, to large combustion engines for long-distance transport will be given significant space in the programme. For example, the US engine manufacturer Cummins will be presenting a 6.7-litre hydrogen engine with direct injection, while Volvo will be presenting the concept of a 17-litre hydrogen combustion engine with low-pressure direct injection for heavy commercial vehicles. MAN will be presenting a V12 engine with a displacement of 30 litres, which is intended to achieve the balancing act between sustainability, economy and customer benefits . The mega-engine is likely to be used more in the railway and marine sectors rather than for commercial vehicles.

A “robust fuel cell vehicle for the mining and construction site environment” as well as various options for using liquid hydrogen as a storage option for rail vehicles will also be presented during the three-day conference.

Innovations in powersport drives

This year’s conference will be the most wide-ranging yet. The conference will not only look at large-volume drive systems for ocean-going vessels, construction and rail vehicles.
Lightweight, fast and yet environmentally-friendly engines for powersports equipment such as skidoos or jet skis or side-by-side off road vehicles are also on the agenda. The Austrian-Canadian company BRP-Rotax will provide insights into its new electric and hybrid drive concepts.

Powerhouses also at Lamborghini and Porsche

A panel will be dedicated to sustainable fuels, for example, self-igniting piston aircraft engines, and new concepts in the sports car sector will be presented. Among other high-profile manufacturers, Lamborghini will show its high-revving biturbo V8 hybrid engine and Porsche its hybridisation of the 911 and a new six-cylinder boxer engine.