IAA Voices: Interview Kögel Trailer GmbH

Christian Renners has taken over the position of Chairman of the Management Board of Kögel Trailer GmbH as of 1 October 2021. Renners is also responsible for sales, marketing and business development. He wants to strengthen the customer focus and provide them with the most economical and sustainable transport solutions according to their individual needs.

Following an imposed break, the commercial vehicle sector is returning to Hanover. What do you expect from IAA Transportation 2022?

CR: We expect keen interest in our products above all, as well as interesting and relevant conversations with our customers and a well-versed professional audience. In our view, the imposed break was too long. That’s why our entire team is looking forward to in-person contact again.

Why should customers not miss the Kögel stand (Hall H27, Stand F14)?

CR: We have the best and most sustainable solutions for the transport industry. We are also a reliable, trustworthy and constant partner at our customers’ side, not only when it comes to the quality of our trailers, but also with regard to financing, repair, parts supply, rental and telematics. We are bringing all these assets to the trade fair.

What is your message to your customers?

CR: We want to spread optimism, despite the challenging circumstances. Everyone who places their trust in us should feel well looked after and understood. We have decades of experience in our customers’ business – while being well-positioned for the future. That will be evident from our stand and our team on site.

In your opinion, what are the current trends in the trailer industry?

CR: We have identified two main developments on the market: the first is the continued optimisation of cost and benefit. Volatile markets and incalculable risks are forcing our customers to maximise their efficiency and find solutions to suit their needs. Against this background, life-cycle costs are becoming increasingly important. That’s why we can offer huge benefits with transparent costs and reliable planning. Secondly, we are part of the sustainability megatrend. For example, we are reducing our customers’ carbon footprint with weight-optimised chassis. The same applies to the intermodality of our products. At the trade fair, we will even present a combination of both with the Kögel Light^Plus Rail.

What are Kögel’s most important innovations?

CR: A central theme of our exhibition is cost certainty and transparency throughout the entire life cycle of our products and beyond. We call this Kögel All-Round, which includes financing, rental, needs-based repair and maintenance contracts, delivery of the right spare parts and a comprehensive selection of used trailers. And not least: our fully integrated trailer telematics system.

We are also proud of our innovative sustainability solutions in intermodal transport, as well as the weight-optimised chassis that I just mentioned. Without giving too much away, I would also like to comment on the sustainable energy recovery system in our trailers. This is a pioneering solution in our refrigerated semi-trailer segment.

On a personal note, I am mindful of the safety of more vulnerable road users. Kögel has developed a ground-breaking yet simple solution to protect pedestrians and cyclists in the notorious blind spot of the vehicle combination, by warning them in good time with our patented Kögel Road Safety System. By the way, we recently won the renowned Trailer Innovation Award 2023 for this design. It’s best you come see for yourself. You will find us in Hall 27 at Stand F14.