BIKE EXPO a success right from the start

BIKE EXPO a success right from the start:

• More than 5,000 international trade visitors and more than 20,000 cycling enthusiasts on the public days

• Exposition focus: Urban Mobility, E-Bikes and Pedelecs

• Great response to side event program

• Exhibitors pleased with results

BIKE EXPO, the new cycling sports show by Messe München International, ended on July 26th, 2009 with positive results. Right from the beginning the exposition distinguished itself with a high level of international participation. On the first two days, exclusively reserved for industry professionals, more than 5,000 trade show visitors from 42 countries received an overview of the innovations for the upcoming season. On the weekend more than 20,000 consumers came to BIKE EXPO in Riem, to find out about tomorrow’s trends and to test the latest models on a number of demo tracks. Under the motto “Cycling Trends for City and Nature” 211 exhibitors from 25 countries presented their innovations for the 2010 season from July 23rd to 26th. BIKE EXPO covered a total of 22,000 square meters of exhibition space in the halls, as well as 25,000 square meters of outdoor exhibits and event areas in the outdoor exhibit area of the New Munich Trade Fair. In addition to Germany, the countries with most exhibitors were Austria, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and Italy.

A special spotlight at BIKE EXPO was on E-Bikes and Pedelecs, which are currently very much in trend. To cover the increasing demand as well as tap into new market segments, almost all large bicycle manufacturers now include E-Bikes and Pedelecs in their selection. Another trend was observed, single-speed bikes or Fixies, tracing its origins back to bicycle couriers. Fixies are bicycles reduced to only the most basic features, have only one gear and a fixed hub. In addition, the exposition in Munich also presented city, fitness, and racing bikes, as well as road, trekking, and mountain bikes. Of course, there also were plenty of components, parts and accessories on display. Furthermore, a number of tourism areas and associations presented their latest cycling attractions.

The focus of this new event by Messe München International was on Urban Mobility. In light of the ever-increasing traffic congestion in metropolitan cities the bicycle continues to establish its reputation as the urban form of transportation for the 21st century and has become a fixed part of the urban traffic scene. BIKE EXPO was also the venue for the 2nd ispo innovation forum, which covered the issue of “The Future of Bike Mobility”. International industry representatives, politicians, members of associations and scientists worked on joint product ideas and system innovations to support bike mobility. As a result E-Bikes and urban mobility were identified as driving innovative forces, and that the potential of bike mobility is far from being fully tapped. The combination of environmental protection and health benefits in particular should be more aggressively pushed to the forefront. On

the technological side electro-motor assisted bicycles open up new market potential for every day city

traffic, in particular for the classic commuter.

The side event program, including the Scott Junior Trophy powered by Milka, Big in Bavaria Dirt

Jump Contest, and the race for everyone Velonale received a high degree of positive response.

Furthermore, the technical seminars and presentations, such as “Suspension Fork Service”, “Flexible

Production in Europe”, as well as “Bicycle Retail and the Internet – Concepts and Strategies” boasted

a high attendance.

Manfred Wutzlhofer, Chairman of the Management, Messe München GmbH: We observed two

industry tendencies in particular during this new event. On one hand we want to provide a special

focus on the latest product trends such as E-Bikes and Pedelecs, and offer a representative platform.

We believe that Urban Mobility will have long-term growth and have an impact on everyone’s future.

Messe München GmbH is taking the first step in this direction and acquire Pedelecs as well as

designated special charging stations and parking zones to travel across our extensive exhibition area

and environs in a way that protects the environment. Secondly, the concept of BIKE EXPO takes into

account the consumer goods chain. The 2+2 concept we offer, the combination of two days for trade

visitors and two days for the public, received a positive rating from the exhibitors. They were able to

present their brand philosophy and image to trade visitors and consumers in a targeted manner.

In the next few weeks the organizers will hold meetings with industry representatives to continue

improving the concept and to find a mutually beneficial date for the next BIKE EXPO.

Werner Grau, General Manager UVEX GmbH & Co. KG: In my opinion the outlook for having this

exhibition in Munich is extremely good; the infrastructure is outstanding; the exhibition halls are

modern, spacious, and air-conditioned; and I expect that BIKE EXPO will establish itself as one of

Europe’s great trade shows, and within a rather short time. At the latest in its third year this will be an

international, magnificent bicycle exposition.

Bernhard Lange, General Manager Paul Lange & Co. oHG: We are here because our customers

come here. On Thursday morning we were almost overwhelmed with visitors, and I have to say it is

really great to be here. Bavaria is a cycling Mecca and I believe it was a good decision to base the

exposition here. Munich is also known for its bicycle-loving major. We are where our customers are!

Carol Urkauf-Chen, General Manager KTM Fahrrad GmbH: Our company is located in Austria, and is

not too far from Munich. So this is almost a house show for us, and that’s why we love coming here.

In addition, Munich’s infrastructure is very good, which makes it easy for visitors to come to the show.

Ludger Tabeling, Gonso: Gonso is pleased that there is finally a new platform where we can present

our collections rather early in the year and thus attract some attention amount our retail customers at

an early date.

Matthias Seidler, General Manager Derby Cycle Werke GmbH: It is very important for us to be

present at all expositions where our retailers ultimately get together. A large number of our retailers is

present at this BIKE EXPO, therefore it is rather self-evident that we exhibit our products here. After a

very good retail season we expect that we will be able to establish ourselves at this location.

Assuming that this is not a one-time exposition, but that the event will become an established part of

the calendar. We will continue to participate.

Klaus Haas, General Manager Maloja Clothing GmbH & Co. KG: The concept of combining an event

with an exhibition is great. We consider this show more a consumer expo than a retail exposition.

Possibly with the help of targeted expansion in the event area more exhibitors may be attracted to

the show next year.

Hannes Neupert, 1st Chairman ExtraEnergy e.V.: Our expectations were met in full. The response

from the high quality audience was very good. Visitors were very interested and participated in our

presentations in a targeted manner.

Georg G. Haas, Marketing & Sales Urbanlogics: Urbanlogics, in its function as a new distribution

partner for the bicycle industry, considered the atmosphere during the trade visitor as well as public

days positive overall. As a niche and special product supplier from the “FixedGear + Singlespeed”

sector we generated a lot of interest in our portfolio from both sides. BIKE EXPO, as a new

exposition for the industry, achieved coverage of the urban mobility segment. We are looking forward

to next year.