IFMA Opens in Positive Mood

COLOGNE, Germany – Tomorrow, September 18th heralds the start of the final edition of the IFMA as a stand-alone event. In 2010 IFMA and Intermot will be integrated. Despite all the news on the financial crisis in the US, the positive market mood as at Eurobike two weeks ago looks to continue at this year’s ‘International Fahrrad Markt Ausstellung’.

For the first time in many years German IBD’s are regaining market share. Although the total number of bicycles sold in Germany is stable, the turn-over at the IBD’s is rising slowly again. The average price of the bicycles as well as the part and accessories is going upwards because of the use of features like suspension, dynamo hubs, full automatic lighting systems, bicycle computers and more advanced gear shifting systems. All this will contribute to a positive mood at IFMA.

Record number of e-Bike exhibitors

The main trend in the German market is the growing interest for e-Bikes. Next to MTB, city and trekking bikes IFMA has a strong focus on this segment. The test track is bigger than ever and IMFA booked a record number of e-Bike exhibitors. The importance of this market segment is emphasized by the two-day light electric vehicle (LEV) conference organized by Extra Energy and dealer workshops.

The e-Bike will be the connection between the ‘old’ IFMA in 2008 and the ‘new’ IFMA in 2010. In 2010 all two-wheelers, bicycles, e-Bikes and powered two wheelers (PTW) will be on display at the bi-annual Intermot. “With the decision to integrate both shows, Cologne will again become the international business platform for the two-wheeler industry”, says Koelnmesse GM Oliver Kuhrt.

“The e-Bike fits very well between the bicycle and PTW and we see a lot of synergy effects. Although the bicycle and PTW industry are always regarded as two separate worlds, there are also similarities, like the e-Bike and e-Scooter. We are convinced that the bicycle and well as the e-Bike will benefit from the Intermot which is currently is already the best visited show in Cologne.”