Italo plans expansion into German rail market

Italian railway operator Italo plans to expand into the German market, aiming to compete with the state-owned Deutsche Bahn. President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo stated that the company intends to enter the German market starting in 2028, focusing initially on two major corridors: Munich–Cologne–Dortmund and Munich–Berlin–Hamburg.

Montezemolo noted that while competing with Deutsche Bahn will be difficult, Italo’s experience challenging the state monopoly in Italy has prepared them for the move. He argued that competition has benefited all parties in Italy by increasing the share of rail travel relative to air travel and improving the quality of trains and stations.

In addition to rail expansion, Montezemolo commented on the crisis in the European automotive industry, criticizing the EU mandate to end internal combustion engines by 2035. He suggested this policy has dealt a heavy blow to the industry, alongside challenges such as the rise of Chinese manufacturers and declining interest among younger generations.