2nd class large capacity coach Bpmz 291 in DB product colors from the IV era. The groundbreaking concept of the IC '79 was introduced by the Federal Railway at the beginning of the summer timetable in 1979 with the well-known slogan "Every hour, every class." This new approach became necessary as the purely first-class Intercity trains were becoming increasingly unprofitable due to a continuous decline in passenger numbers. With the introduction of the second class, the frequency was also increased to an hourly rhythm. The aim was to shorten travel times through the expansion of many routes and the increase of maximum speeds. These faster trains resulted in further time savings, eliminating baggage and mail cars, and were divided into first class, dining cars, and second class for quick transfers at major stations. Following the success of this concept, the IC network was expanded from four to five lines in 1985. To this day, the IC remains an important backbone of long-distance rail travel.