The railway is regarded as an extremely environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport. Nevertheless, constantly rising energy prices mean that more energy-efficient drive technologies and all opportunities to save energy should be utilised. Germany's railway industry regards the challenges of the market as an opportunity to develop state-of-the-art rail transport technology. Employing around 580,000 people, the railway companies, rolling stock manufacturers, component suppliers and railway constructors achieved a turnover of around €50 billion in 2008. Their innovative technologies provide outstanding, economic systems and components for rolling stock and railway infrastructure, thus ensuring higher energy efficiency on the railways.