Meeting Place for the Powertrain and Sustainable Fuels Community

14th International Engine Congress 2027

Not only battery-electric but also thermodynamic powertrains are imperative for the implementation of the mobility turnaround and the global reduction of CO₂ emissions. Largely hybridised and powered by hydrogen and synthetic fuels from renewable sources, they make an important contribution both to the huge global fleet of over 1.3 billion vehicles and to new vehicles. The powertrains of new vehicle generations will also have to rely on this proven technology for decades to come in order to be able to meet the steadily increasing global mobility needs in a climate-friendly way. The International Engine Congress as a knowledge forum and industry meeting place for engine development addresses the entire system of engine technology: from energy generation to energy storage to energy conversion. With its unique concept, it brings together the current technological state of knowledge of the entire system of non-fossil fuels and internal combustion engines and their holistic evaluation with regard to climate protection. It is thus the central, practice-oriented platform for the exchange of knowledge and suitable systemic strategies for meeting the Paris and Glasgow climate targets.

The overall conditions for the development of powertrain technologies are changing worldwide, but this change is not uniform. Different regulations and CO₂ targets are influencing technological developments and priorities in various regions of the world. The International Engine Congress provides a means of navigating this complex environment by examining global regulatory developments and discussing the role of the internal combustion engine within the context of different legal requirements. It offers a comprehensive overview of the key role played by internal combustion engines in various regions of the world and their future position in the powertrain mix.

Particular attention is devoted to various technological concepts and development approaches, including different degrees of electrification. The International Engine Congress evaluates the importance of internal combustion engines for passenger cars and commercial vehicles and examines the impact of various synthetic or biogenic fuels on their future development.

Stay abreast of current trends and benefit from a lead in knowledge!
• You can expect international speakers as well as top-level presentations and panel discussions
• The congress is a great opportunity to “network“ – the evening event for the engine community offers stimulating discussions in an informal atmosphere
• The trade exhibition, held in parallel, provides ample information about innovative products and services

We look forward to your participation!

PC – CV – Fuels

Main topics

Strategies for the powertrain mix of the future
Policy frameworks and their implementation
Realistic scenarios for the global distribution of internal combustion engines
Carbon-neutral internal combustion engines in international competition
Next-gen engines, hybrid powertrains, and range extenders
Development, production, and use of sustainable fuels

Panel discussion on the 1st day

How can the new policy frameworks be implemented?

Discussion on the 2nd day with

Dr. Martin Lange, German Environment Agency, Germany, and
Peter Metzinger, Mr. Campaigning AG, Switzerland

Between political requirements and technical possibilities

Poster presentations in the exhibition area

Dresden University of Technology, Germany

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland

RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Top speakers

Prof. Dr. Christian Beidl
TU Darmstadt, Germany

Dr. Tobias Block
eFuel Alliance e. V., Germany

Dr. David Bothe
Frontier Economics Ltd., Germany

Ragnar Burenius
Horse Powertrain Ltd., Sweden

Dr. Dáire Corrigan
Bugatti Rimac Srl, Italy

René Große-Vehne
GV Management GmbH, Germany

Christian Hanke
German eFuel One GmbH, Germany

Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany

Dr. Andreas Kufferath
Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany

Dr. Martin Lange
German Environment Agency, Germany

Peter Metzinger
Mr. Campaigning AG, Switzerland

Nicole Steiger
JSC Automotive GmbH, Germany

Program in Detail Speakers Advisory Board

Interview

Matthias Kratzsch

“The Role of the Internal Combustion Engine is Evolving in Different Ways in the Context of Global Mobility”

Matthias Kratzsch, CEO of the Hirschvogel Group, took over as General Director of the International Engine Congress in 2026. In this interview, he explains the role and relevance of the internal combustion engine in the global mobility system and how the congress must position itself to meet these demands.

"The goal is to cover the full spectrum – from regulatory frameworks to new technological approaches and new fuels, all the way to powertrain architectures for various applications and markets", says Matthias Kratzsch.

Read full Interview on Springer Professional

Participants

This event is primarily aimed at engineers and technicians in the industry or persons involved in research and teaching who are engaged in the optimization of the traditional development areas of the combustion engine or the advancement of procedures and systems to produce conventional or renewable fuels and lubricants. The lectures will be equally attractive for chemists and biologists who work in this industry. The focus will be on both diesel and spark-ignition engines (gasoline / gas) for passenger and commercial vehicles and off-highway applications.

Venue

Kongresshaus Baden-Baden

Augustaplatz 10
76530 Baden-Baden
Germany

Conference language

German and English with simultaneous interpreting
(German – English / English – German)

The accompanying trade exhibition

A trade exhibition of interesting suppliers and service providers rounds off the conference and provides the opportunity to find out about innovations on site.

Details on the trade exhibition

NEXTGEN PROGRAM AT THE INTERNATIONAL ENGINE CONGRESS

Specifically for young professionals who want to benefit from guidance and support on their way to the next management level, we have put together an exclusive side event at the Engine Congress.

“Automobiles and their powertrains are among the most fascinating and exciting topics in engineering. We are currently seeing a rapid transition towards sustainable energy systems. The speed at which products are being developed and the functions that are implemented in vehicles are being further improved by the use of AI. The automotive industry needs engineers who are trained in various disciplines. We look forward to talking to you within the framework of the NextGen Program.”

Prof. Dr. Uwe Dieter Grebe

Head of the Institute, Institute of Powertrain and Automotive Technology (IFA), TU Wien, and Managing Director, ame GmbH | Automotive & Mobility Engineering GmbH, both Austria, and Editor-in-Charge ATZ | MTZ Group, Germany

Our aim is to advance the careers of future decision-makers and to give them the opportunity to start creating their network for tomorrow.

Program highlights:

Participation in the regular Engine Congress program
Meet & Greet with top executives from the industry: Experienced managers will provide valuable insights into the development of their own careers, offer advice, and share their experiences
Speed Dating among the young talents with guidance from an experienced moderator
Networking areas for young talents during the meals and coffee breaks
Participation in the Engine Community Evening at the Kurhaus Casino Baden-Baden: Reserved tables for young talents

SUPPORT YOUR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!

As a senior manager, you have the unique opportunity to actively shape the future of your organization by advancing the careers of your young professionals. The NextGen Program is the ideal framework for supporting your young professionals in their career and personal development.

Benefit from our special NextGen congress ticket offers!

NextGen combined congress participation
1 senior (20 %) + 1 young professional (50 %) € 2,398.50 (instead of € 3,690.–)
NextGen congress participation
1 young professional (50 %) € 922.50

Compared to: Standard congress participation € 1,845.–

Participation in the NextGen Program is also possible for students (terms & conditions on request).

Register yourself and your young professionals today and secure your participation in the International Engine Congress and the NextGen Program.

The Program is open to young professionals up to the age of 33 who work in the fields of engine and drive system technology and the development of sustainable fuels.

Registration for the NextGen Program is by the senior manager after recommendation.

To register, send an email with the following information
to Verena Feger (feger(at)vdi.de):

Full contact details (signature) of the senior manager and the young professional
Proof of age of the young professional
Letter of recommendation from the senior manager for participation in the NextGen Program
Desired ticket category: NextGen combined congress participation or NextGen congress participation
Billing address (if different)