Norbert Barthle, Parlimentary Secretary of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, began the joint press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 4 for INTERMOT/Koelnmesse and the IVM (German Motorcycle Industry Association) by saying that in Germany, every 400 Euro comes from those who work in or are associated with the motorcycle industry. Therefore it is important to stay updated on the topics and trends in the industry, which includes safety issues as one of the top priorities, as well as trade events such as INTERMOT.
Following Secretary Barthle, Koelnmesse President and CEO Gerald Bose kicked off INTERMOT 2016 by underlining the importance of industry and INTERMOT for bringing business and trade to Germany.
“Until Sunday, everying in Cologne will revolve around motorcycles and scooters,” said Bose. “What can we look forward to as of today in the exhibition halls? This year, 1,127 exhibitors from 41 countries are participating in INTERMOT. That is a 17 percent increase over 2014, which is due, primarily, from the new INTERMOT Customized section. And with 69 percent of exhibitors from abroad, the fascination with motorcycles has spread throughout the 200,000 square meters of the Koelnmesse Center.”
According to Bose, the numbers are truly impressive, but it only partially tells the story of INTERMOT’s success. “In all of the product sections, in addition to involvement by key players in the segment, nearly all suppliers are represented as well, meaning all levels of trade can find a comprehensive overview of the global market.”
INTERMOT will for the first time present a custom bike building segment under the name INTERMOT Customized as a standalone “show within a show” format in Hall 10.
IVM President Heiner Faust said: “One thing is certain – this two-year development phase for our trade fair, renowned for its world premieres, gives us exhibitors here in Cologne the chance to offer spectacular, truly innovative global premieres to the large international trade audience, the media and, last but not least, to enthusiastic motorcycle fans.”
Faust continued: “With its tried-and-tested 2-year intervals, INTERMOT Cologne regularly shines a spotlight on the changes occurring in the sector. If we compare new registrations in the first three quarters – January through September – in 2014 and 2016 respectively, we see an increase of more than ten percent.”
IVM Managing Director Reiner Brendicke concluded that motorcycling has nothing to fear from the digital world. Computerization has enabled many great safety technologies such as ABS, semi-active suspension, adaptive brake lights and GPS.
“Ultimately, even in the digital age,” said Brendicke, “the same maxim applies: the journey is the destination! Our passion for motorcycles, scooters and e-bikes is not diminished by invisible digital assistants – it just becomes a little safer.”