Under the threat of COVID-19, Eurobike kicked off on September 1st, as scheduled this year. With a total of 630 exhibitors from 42 countries around the world, the absence of Taiwanese and Chinese exhibitors, as well as less visitors to the Eurobike show, plus everyone wearing masks, resulted in the venue being significantly quieter. Many absent Taiwanese companies felt regret, because they have been exhibiting at Friedrichshafen for decades. The end of Eurobike 2021 marks the last time at Friedrichshafen this year, with the exhibition moving to Frankfurt next year. However, many felt sad they could not be a part of the show in person to say a proper goodbye.
According to the on-site interview by Wheel Giant's reporter, there were fewer exhibitors this year due to COVID-19. To help prevent the epidemic, the organizer placed hand sanitizer alcohol everywhere on the site. Visitors and exhibitors must wear masks in the hall. Other requests were made upon entering the exhibition venue. Visitors had to produce a certificate of the two doses of vaccine, or had been tested negative for COVID within the past 24 hour. The organizers also widened the distance between the booths and made the exhibition hall much more spacious. Although the organizer stipulated that masks should be worn, many people still did not.
It was reported that the number of buyers visiting the venue on the first day was significantly reduced. However, they were all trade buyers, which allowed for plenty of time for exchanges and discussions. Many local companies said they have been benefiting from COVID-19, as the demand and sales of bicycles in Europe has grown substantially. So far, they are still facing a situation of short supply. In the face of supply shortages in Asia and extended delivery, many buyers at the exhibition said that they are all coming to find an alternative supplier or supply chain. Regarding the absence of most Taiwanese exhibitors, many visiting buyers expressed regret. Some buyers also reported that they were facing the problem of unstable quality of some Chinese suppliers and wanted to find better and stable Taiwanese suppliers to cooperate with.
On the second day of the exhibition, the number of visitors and buyers at the venue increased significantly. Since most of the booths have reduced the number of attending personnel this year, many exhibitors said that buyers have been inquiring all day long leaving the personnel at booths insufficient. E-bikes and related parts are still the focus of this year's exhibition, and the e-Cargo Area is specially set at Eurobike. The winning products of the Eurobike Award are also very attractive, forecasting the development trend of bicycles. In addition, there was also a CONEBI-ZIV event at Eurobike on the first day in the afternoon. A high-level panel discussion took place with the participation of several speakers from both the industry and the European institutions: CEO of Büchel GmbH, Erhard Büchel; Bernhard Lange, CEO of Paul Lange; Ton Anbeek, CEO of the Accell Group; Johanna Urkauf, CEO of KTM; Karlheinz Nicolai, CEO and Founder of Universal Transmissions GmbH as well as Bonnie Tu, Chairwoman of Giant Group.
Klaus Wellman, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen stated that he looks forward to what next year’s show brings. “Our vision of the Eurobike's future is meeting widespread interest across the international bike world. Now that we have released further details of the concept and have started marketing activities, we are delighted to see the high level of support for Eurobike in Frankfurt next July from both established and new customers,” Klaus is referring to the announcement made a few months back concerning the intent to hold the worldwide event in Frankfurt. Hoping to utilize the city's accessibility and modern infrastructure.
The show in 2022 is expected to go from July 13th to 17th. One day longer, compared to this past week's show which lasted from September 1st to 4th. The July event will hold the first three days for trade and the final two days for consumers and bike enthusiasts alike. Show Director, Dirk Heidrich, states the reasoning for the changed days, “there will be a whole weekend for bike enthusiasts on the exhibition grounds showcasing all styles and facets of cycling... there will be a diverse program both in and outside the city.”
Furthermore, additional exhibition halls are expected to be added. Totaling more than 100,000 square meters for the exhibition halls and open air space. Although momentous changes are coming next year, the Eurobike leadership team guarantees that the core of Eurobike will remain the same whilst hoping to account for the growing changes and innovations being added to this advancing industry.
For more information, Wheel Giant welcomes you to inquire about the 2021 bicycle purchasing guide TBS and the 2021 e-bike purchasing guide EBS at Wheel Giant’s Eurobike booth: FW-109.
