All Change for Annual INTERMOT
Cologne, December 5-8, 2024
Stung by the impact that EICMA has had on it (especially since ANCMA's decision to make EICMA an annual show some 20 years ago) and faced with a lingering decline in exhibitor reputation that pre-dates Covid, INTERMOT has finally embraced the inevitable and announced that it is to be held annually from 2024, on a new, later date (December 5-8), but still at Koelnmesse (Cologne), Germany.
Described as being "perfectly timed for getting a new season of biking off to a great start in the following spring," the organizers have clearly wanted to make sure that the expo still falls within the motorcycle trade and dealer marketing cycle and 'selling-in' season, and are pointing to being able to capitalize on the fact that, having been unveiled a month earlier at Milan, INTERMOT will be able to restore the consumer appeal of hosting the upcoming new season's new motorcycle models.
"All the new models [will be] on display at INTERMOT - it’s a chance to not only see them, but also to actually touch and experience them in person. At INTERMOT, the teams of motorbike and scooter manufacturers and importers will be on hand to offer advice and help everyone find their dream bike and, of course, the right accessories for both rider and vehicle."
The increasing preference for OE manufacturers to delay the timing of new model launches by a month, for EICMA rather than Cologne, had become a major issue with visitors and for the exhibitor community and, therefore, for the show organizers.
That said, the effect that the 2020 pandemic had on permanently driving most new model introductions online has changed that once traditional 'hook' for all shows, forever.
Show organizer Koelnmesse went on to say that it and the event’s conceptual sponsor, the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM e.V.), "aim to offer trade visitors and end consumers all the information they need, as well as a completely new way to enjoy the run-up to Christmas and the shopping that goes with it. Of course, there will also be an event program geared to the season.
"Even before registration officially opens, the four-day event’s new concept has already won over major market players such as BMW Motorrad Germany, Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V. and Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., who have already announced that they’ll be participating."
More news about the new concept, the program and the visitor experience will be announced throughout the year.