Many motorcycle media sources had virtually written off Germany’s Intermot show as soon to be dead and buried by the dominant Italian EICMA challenger, but a decision by organising promoter Koelnmesse and “conceptual sponsor” IVM – the German motorcycle industry association – to move the event to annual frequency with later dates close to Christmas, has proved to be a resounding success.
Hosted in Cologne over 5-8 December, Intermot’s debut winter edition marked the start of a new direction for the trade fair, fully exploiting the Koelnmesse grounds with a range of outdoor activities. And its exhibition halls attracted a satisfactorily large spread of leading manufacturers showcasing new models, with BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Sym, Triumph, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles among the more than 300 brands on display. Organisers reckoned they covered most of the German market, which the IVM claims is the biggest in Europe.
“With this new concept, we have set the right course for the future,” said IVM general executive manager Reiner Brendicke. Koelnmesse chief operating officer Oliver Frese was equally delighted with the results. “The response from visitors shows the enormous potential Intermot has,” he added. “We have one of the largest trade fair venues and a unique catchment area, which extends beyond Germany.”
Both Brendicke and Frese were also no doubt very pleased with approximately 90,000 visitors in attendance over four days, mirroring footfall at the UK’s nine-day NEC Motorcycle Live show in November.