Interview with Christoph Werner

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Interview with Christoph Werner
Koelnmesse / Engwald

motorcycles

Interview with Christoph Werner

INTERMOT – Interview with Christoph Werner
“Customizing is at the beginning of a success story”

Christoph Werner, division manager and member of the Koelnmesse management team, takes a position on his own behalf – as a manager and a passionate motorcyclist.

Brigitte Haschek

09/22/2016

INTERMOT is facing a realignment?
The strategy and conception of a trade fair must be continuously adapted to industry and market developments. Without this constant further development, trade fairs cannot be successful in the long term. In this respect, yes, at INTERMOT 2016 we came up with quite a few ideas in order to expand the position of the event as a leading international industry event. This includes, on the one hand, the expansion or expansion of existing product segments, such as INTERMOT customized and INTERMOT e-motion as independent show-in-shows, and of course also addressing new visitor target groups who are precisely interested in these topics.

What impulses do you expect from it?
Quite simply: to give sustainable impetus to business development in the motorized two-wheeled world.

Customizing is booming worldwide. Will this go on for years or will the wave break soon??
I assume that the subject of customizing is just at the beginning of a success story. Motorcyclists are individualists and their bikes express an attitude towards life. Everyone is looking for the personal touch that sets their bike apart from others within the scope of their possibilities.

At the last Glemseck 101 you started with a Ducati Scrambler converted into a roadster by WalzWerk Racing. More than an advertising medium or your heart beats for customizing?
I am a real motorcycle fan. Nothing is set up there! There are three bikes in my garage – a supermoto, an enduro and a cruiser. As often as my job and of course my family allow, I am on the road on two wheels. Glemseck 101 was an exciting experience for me and a great opportunity to experience the tension and the thrill of racing live in front of an enthusiastic audience. And we, the entire INTERMOT team, have gained good insights and contacts into a scene that cannot be established by phone or email. We would like to turn INTERMOT customized into an important meeting point for the scene. This is hardly possible without the support from the scene.

What fascinates you about meetings like Glemseck 101 and the scene?
These meetings can best be compared to the music scene. A coexistence of well-known bands, hip newcomers and still unknown groups with a musical direction that inspires the fans. This mood, this attitude towards life can also be found at meetings like Glemseck 101, where well-known remodelers meet as yet unknown, talented screwdrivers. And everyone is celebrated by the community, whether first or last. This is about being there, being part of a scene. A very special attitude towards life.

Will Hall 10, where the customizers show their bikes, be full? How many exhibitors can visitors look forward to?
Hall 10 will be a grandiose customizing spectacle with over 100 exhibitors and a comprehensive accompanying program. This is where the V2 custom scene is presented, but also the new wave custom scene around cafe racers and modern conversions. Many well-known exhibitors are there. There will be expert talks, interviews and music on the customizing stage. In the garage area, professionals work on site and live on project bikes so that the individual work steps can be understood by the public. As part of INTERMOT customized, the AMD Championship of Custom Bike-Building will take place again this year. Here the “Who’s Who” of the scene presents itself to an international jury with its spectacular modifications. Last but not least, INTERMOT initiated the “Essenza” competition together with Glemseck 101. The competition honors conversions on two wheels with two cylinders, reduced to the max, made only from the most necessary components, highlighting the specific characteristics of the respective brand. Here, big brands compete against small custom bike manufacturers with the aim of taking a top spot in the 1/8 mile sprint and in the design evaluation.

E-mobility is again the focus of a special exhibition. Two years ago the hall was still pretty clearly laid out. What can visitors expect in 2016?
I personally found the hall very good two years ago. Incidentally, it is the case that everyone is talking about electromobility, but then the implementation stops. As far as INTERMOT e-motion is concerned, we are also expanding this topic into our own show-in-show concept. Piaggio with their new WI-BIKE, Flyer or Hercules are represented here with their own stands, and companies such as Kumpan or Emco in the e-scooter segment. Other e-vehicles can of course also be found in the other halls, be it with their own stand, like the company Govecs, or integrated into the overall range of an exhibitor. In addition to the exhibitor presentations, visitors to INTERMOT e-motion will also find a special tourism area in Hall 5. An amalgamation of different regions provides information about the advantages and possibilities of electromobility in the tourism sector. On the INTERMOT e-motion stage there is an interesting specialist program with lectures and information – from buying advice to security. Of course, the driving pleasure is not neglected either. The latest models can be tested on the appropriate course.

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