Intermot in Cologne broke all records, with “more premieres, more exhibitors and more passion”, organisers say.
There were “around 40 premieres, 1133 exhibitors from 40 countries – an increase of 17% – and more than 220,000 visitors from 95 countries, considerably more biker fans poured into the Cologne fair grounds than ever before”.
“Intermot 2016 was a mega event with outstanding results,” said a delighted Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse. Reiner Brendicke, MD of the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), added: “The excellent attendance result, for example with more trade visitors from Italy, proves that the industry is innovative and future-oriented. The industry has put the trends of the era into practice with new models and concepts – towards more individuality and alternatives for young beginners. The youth is rediscovering the motorised two-wheeler, whether in the form of urban mobility or as an expression of a lifestyle.”
There was also praise for the custom and e-Motion sections which were said to have “set new benchmarks for the future-oriented development of a motorcycle trade fair”.
“More than 100 companies presented their products at the premiere of Intermot customized – from unusual conversions, to cladding through to scene-oriented furniture and accessories. Additional highlights included the AMD Championship of Custom Bike Building with its spectacular conversions.
“The unique combination between manufacturer presentations, spectacular show and motor sport as well as an attractive interactive programme ensured full exhibition halls and a fantastic atmosphere five days long. The exhibiting companies present at Intermot were accordingly satisfied. Headed by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Horex, Kawasaki, KTM, Kymco, the Piaggio Group, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha, the manufacturers presented numerous premieres and impressed both the international trade and the interested public.”
E-Motion exhibitors were also said to be happy, with visitors taking 15,000 test drives.
“With over 220,000 visitors from 95 countries, Intermot 2016 set a new record – with the best weekend in the event’s history. At 26%, the share of trade visitors among all attendees was extremely high again, as was the share of foreign trade visitors at around 42%. Significant increases were particularly recorded in the number of trade visitors from North and South America as well as from Asia. Intermot registered a remarkable increase in the number of European trade visitors from Italy (up 8%), Belgium (up 10%) and France (up 7%).
Full report in the next issue of BDN.