- New date: February 12 to 14, 2027
- No INTERMOT in 2026
- Expansion from two to four halls with simultaneous reduction to three days
By moving the event to February, the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM) and Koelnmesse are opening a new chapter for INTERMOT. After years of being held in October and most recently in December, the trade fair is now moving closer to the start of the season. At the same time, a new competitive situation is emerging within Germany.
Strategic repositioning of INTERMOT from 2027
The decision to postpone the date was made following a resolution by the IVM’s extraordinary general meeting on February 10, 2026. The aim is to reestablish INTERMOT as the central platform for the motorcycle industry in Germany.
Instead of December 2024 and 2025, as was recently the case, the trade fair will take place in mid-February in future. Specifically, the period from February 12 to 14, 2027, is planned. At the same time, the format will be adjusted. INTERMOT will grow in size from two to four halls, but will be shortened to three days. In previous years, the event, including press and trade visitors, had lasted up to six days.
Industry reaffirms support
Several industry representatives have publicly expressed their support for the new course.
Mike Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany and IVM president, emphasizes: “Germany needs a strong, national motorcycle trade fair,” adding: “Visitors want to see, feel, and smell all motorcycle and scooter brands, plus clothing, accessories, travel, and experiences, live at one event. And, of course, they want to test seats, talk about gas, and have fun. I am convinced that by moving the date to the start of the season and expanding from two to four halls, Intermot can once again become the leading trade fair for the entire industry. BMW Motorrad will of course be there.”
Uwe Seitz, the new CEO of the IVM, also sees the decision as a clear signal: “A strong vote for a large, central motorcycle trade fair for everyone who shares this passion for motorized two-wheelers – that was the joint wish of the executive committee and myself after I took office as CEO of the German Motorcycle Industry Association. We have achieved that. Now everyone can look forward to seeing everything related to motorcycling in one place in Cologne, just in time for the start of the 2027 season. This has not been the case in Germany in recent years, and the great response from manufacturers, motorcycle producers, and accessory suppliers shows me that the industry has understood how important this is for the economically significant German motorcycle market. The IVM has already set about turning this clear commitment into a very special two-wheeled experience in February 2027.“
Further support is coming from Honda, Yamaha Motor Europe, and Royal Enfield, among others.
Albert Erlacher from Honda explains: ”Honda expressly supports the Intermot Reboot because we are convinced that the motorcycle industry needs a strong, united presence right now.”
Marcel Driessen from Yamaha emphasizes: “Yamaha therefore fully supports the decision to hold a central industry trade fair in Germany in the spring in future.”
Edgar Kleinbergen from Royal Enfield puts it this way: “Intermot is the compass and driving force of the motorcycle world. We see Intermot as the leading trade fair for the German motorcycle market.”
Historical development and loss of significance
Before the coronavirus pandemic, INTERMOT took place every two years in October in Cologne until 2019 and was used as a stage for world premieres. This focus increasingly shifted to EICMA in Milan, which takes place annually in November.
The attempt to re-establish itself as a global innovation fair in 2022 did not meet with the hoped-for success. With the move to February, Cologne also loses its role as the first major German platform after EICMA. Innovations shown in Milan in November will therefore only be on display in Cologne around two and a half months later.
February as a new focus in the trade fair calendar
February is traditionally considered the start of the motorcycle season. During this phase, purchasing decisions are prepared, new products are evaluated, and accessories are planned. According to the organizers, INTERMOT should start right here and bring business and community closer together.
At the same time, a tightly packed trade fair calendar is emerging. Several events were already close together in 2026:
- Motorcycle Fair Leipzig from February 6 to 8
- Moto Austria from February 6 to 8
- IMOT Munich from February 20 to 22
INTERMOT will be positioned between these dates in the future. For exhibitors, this means several trade fair appearances within a few weeks and a corresponding increase in organizational effort.
Direct competition with the trade fair in Dortmund
The new competitive situation is particularly evident in relation to Motorräder Dortmund. This traditionally takes place at the beginning of March and has been considered one of the largest German spring trade fairs for years. In terms of space and visitor numbers, Dortmund and Cologne are on a comparable level.
There are no plans for cooperation or coordination of dates. Both events operate independently and in direct competition with each other. Representatives from Dortmund have confirmed that they will stick to the usual date.
This creates a duel between two trade fairs of almost equal size in one federal state and in close succession. It remains to be seen whether large manufacturers will focus exclusively on Cologne in future or continue to exhibit in Dortmund at the same time.
Role of the IVM and market position
The IVM was founded in 1990 and represents manufacturers and importers of motorcycles, scooters, clothing, and accessories. According to its own information, the approximately 50 member companies represent over 95 percent of the German motorcycle market.
With the support of the association, INTERMOT positions itself as a central platform for industry, trade, media, and political players. According to the organizers, the new date in February is intended to strengthen its function as the season opener and increase the visibility of the industry.
What this means for motorcyclists
For motorcyclists, the new date primarily changes the time at which new products can be experienced live in Germany for the first time. Models presented in Milan in November will now only be on display in Cologne in mid-February. At the same time, the trade fair is moving closer to the actual start of the season. Those who prepare their purchase decisions in winter will find a wide range of motorcycles, scooters, clothing, and accessories shortly before the first rides of the year. However, the close timing of several spring trade fairs raises the question of which event to visit and where manufacturers are actually present. In the future, personal added value will therefore depend more on how comprehensive the respective exhibitor field is.
