Two big motorcycle brands – KTM and BMW – have announced that they will not be participating at two of the world’s biggest motorcycle shows this year – EICMA and INTERMOT. These shows usually take place in the month of October and November, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the bike makers to pull out. 

While speaking about the exit, BMW Motorrad said, "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 own formats and digital communication channels”, the company added.

KTM AG (the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas motorcycles) has 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 have identified their exclusion as a way to contribute towards a safe and strong return to normal activity.”

The company went on to add that, “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.” We expect these upcoming developments to be showcased via digital mediums, similar to what BMW Motorrad has planned.

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.”

INTERMOT is held in Cologne, Germany in October, while EICMA takes place in Milan, Italy in November. Both countries are seeing thousands infected with the coronavirus and we won’t be surprised if the motorcycle shows get cancelled, especially when you consider the exit of two big brands like BMW and KTM.

Stay tuned to Autocar India for more updates.