According to recent reports, two of the most famous motorcycle brands across the world, BMW and KTM have announced that they will not participate in the EICMA 2020 and the INTERMOT 2020 motorcycle shows. The manufacturers were two of the most enthusiastic participants of the motorcycle shows that took place every October and November from the past years though, the recent coronavirus pandemic had made them retreat from participating this year.
Commenting on the decision, BMW Motorrad stated: “this decision was made in order to counteract current planning uncertainty at an early stage, also for all our partners involved in BMW Motorrad motor show appearances, in the interests of the greatest possible security, predictability and transparency.”
“BMW Motorrad will present the world premieres and product highlights planned for these motorcycle shows on alternative platforms in autumn 2020. In doing so, the company will increasingly rely on its formats and digital communication channels”, the company added.
Further stating their decisions, KTM AG, the parent company for KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas motorcycles said – “the proper planning of such events is currently at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding public gathering restrictions in most countries. The annual success of these indoor shows also sees hundreds of thousands of visitors gathering in enclosed spaces for a period lasting days and even weeks. For these reasons, KTM AG has identified its exclusion as a way to contribute towards a safe and strong return to normal activity.”
“Husqvarna Motorcycles will push ahead with current and future projects in order to provide the motorcycling market with exciting and innovative models and look for the best ways to show-off these developments.”
Justifying the decisions further, Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM AG CMO, said, “Trade shows are key business milestones for the entire motorcycle industry but given the situation, public health and the welfare of our staff are higher priorities over the coming months. We have taken this course of action with a great deal of thought and, as a company, KTM AG would be pleased and interested if show promoters, EICMA in particular, would consider moving dates to 2021, where we hope and expect the situation to be settled and back to normal.”
Since INTERMOT is organised every year in Germany and EICMA is organised in Milan, Italy, both of which have been adversely affected by the monstrosity that is the COVID-19. With so many lives at stake and the risk of infections at its peak, one wouldn’t be much surprised if both the shows get cancelled altogether.
