This InnoTrans Kiel will be presenting its established Lihok platform, the next generation of its Match model and previewing Streamline – its newest modular seating concept.
With representatives from eight countries on one stand, Kiel is using InnoTrans 2026 to showcase seating solutions that combine passenger comfort with operator and lifecycle requirements.
Kiel heads to InnoTrans 2026 with a line-up spanning established long-distance and regional platforms to newer, modular concepts still in development.
Kiel brings its full international operation together at InnoTrans 2026, showcasing seating solutions that combine passenger comfort with operator and lifecycle requirements.
Kiel is excited to be exhibiting at InnoTrans this year, where the group will be coming together to show off our latest designs. On our stand we’re excited to have representatives from eight countries: Germany, where our headquarters are based, Poland, North America, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria and Spain.
Bringing these locations together on one stand reflects how we operate as a group: shared expertise across development, production, sales and customer service. Customers working with us draw on our international experience, technical depth, regional proximity and a consistent approach to quality, regardless of which part of the group they engage with.
Industry Trends in Rail Seating
Demand for rail seating is being shaped by several ongoing industry trends: continued investment in sustainable mobility, the modernisation of existing fleets, rising passenger expectations around comfort, and a preference for interiors that are durable, low-maintenance and cost-effective to run.
For us, this demand is concentrated in regional, intercity and long-distance rail service, along with modernisation projects. In these areas, seating has a direct effect on passenger comfort, operating cost, weight, maintenance requirements and the overall appearance of the vehicle interior. We see operators increasingly evaluating seating not only on upfront cost, but on how it performs and holds up across a vehicle’s full operating life.
Product Highlights at InnoTrans
At InnoTrans, Kiel will be showcasing selected seating solutions that highlight the demands placed on modern rail interiors. Each exhibit represents a specific added value: comfort, modularity, durability, design quality or long-term usability.
The Lihok was developed specifically for long-distance rail travel and uses natural wood materials to create a distinctive, elegant appearance. The material choice is functional as well as aesthetic – the Lihok is robust, easy to maintain and modular, enabling customer-specific customisation. Available in seat widths of 450mm and 520mm, and with back and sitting angle adjustment as standard, options include foldable armrests, a back-mounted folding table with cup holder and USB charging.
Lihok deployments have taken place on railways including ÖBB Railjet in Austria, SBB Giruno, BLS and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn in Switzerland and Transitio in Sweden.
The Next Generation
Match G3 is the next generation of Kiel’s regional seating platform, building on the established Match G2.
This model was built as a modular system for regional and long-distance trains, with seat and back cushion widths designed to fulfil TSI-PRM standards, a range of headrest options, and compliance with UIC 564, EN 45545 and GOST standards.
Match G3 is built on that existing platform rather than replacing it outright, and offers improvements to comfort, configurable privacy and an even more cost-effective design.
It’s roughly 10% lighter than its predecessor, significant because lower vehicle weight can save energy over the course of a vehicle’s lifecycle. Space efficiency also plays a role, because seating systems must make optimal use of the available interior space. However, the key is always balance: being efficient as possible without compromising comfort and safety.
Visitors to our stand will also be the first to see the concept model for Kiel’s latest product, the Streamline. The full specification details for this model will be shared at a later date.
The Changing Role of the Seat
The demands on rail transport are changing, and with them the role of the seat. In the past it was often viewed primarily as a piece of equipment, but today it’s part of a larger system, where comfort, identity, sustainability, efficiency and the passenger experience all go hand-in-hand.
Kiel aims to help make rail travel more attractive, with seating that’s robust enough for daily operation while still giving passengers a high-quality experience. For us, a good seat is more than just a component – it’s central to how a journey feels, and that’s exactly where we want to make a noticeable difference.
At the Stand
Our stand at InnoTrans 2026 will be located in Hall 1.1, Booth #270, where visitors will be able to view our Lihok, Match G3 and Streamline models. Together they highlight the direction our seating development is taking, from established long-distance and regional platforms to the newer modular concepts still in development.
