The motorcycle trade escaped the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic in many ways. After the initial panic in March 2020, the market rebounded fast, with incredible demand for bikes and parts (which soon led to problems of a different kind). But one sector which was hit hard was, of course, the shows and exhibition sector. Lockdowns and curbs on large-scale social interaction meant bike shows such as the German Intermot and EICMA in Milan were impossible for nearly two years. And with Intermot being a bi-annual event anyway, its cancellation in 2020 was a big blow.
But now the Cologne Intermot show looks a dead cert to be on in October, and the organisers are working hard to build it back up again after a lapse of four years. A release from the Koelnmesse organisation has outlined the current state of play: the show will run from 4-9 October 2022, with the first two days reserved for press and trade visitors and public access from the 6th-9th.
The attendance figures from 2018 were impressive: 220,000 members of the public and 50,000 trade visitors, but, reading between the lines, the 2022 show will do well to match that. On press day, there will be extensive online streaming of live events, and the show is offering different segments aimed at touring fans, areas for test rides, a bespoke retail sector and a vast heritage and custom bike show area. Electric mobility will also be a massive part of the show, with test rides and displays of e-scooters, mopeds and bikes.
More information and trade registration at the Intermot website:Â www.intermot-cologne.com/trade-fair/intermot-2022