We’ll continue with ‘Reifen’ tyre show, confirms Messe Essen

As reported last week, the main sponsor of the Reifen tyre show, which is held every two years in Germany, will part ways with exhibition organiser Messe Essen after the 2016 show. Trade association and current Reifen ‘ideal sponsor’ the BRV intends to be involved in a new tyre trade fair located in Cologne.

A letter sent by Messe Essen on 23 January and signed by management board chairman Oliver P. Kuhrt and director of trade fairs and exhibitions Annegret Appel, addresses the future parting of ways. After thanking the BRV for its close cooperation in recent years and confirming the association’s commitment to the 2014 and 2016 Reifen shows, the Essen show organiser removes any uncertainty as to where the future of ‘Reifen’ lies: “Reifen is organised by and is a trade mark of Messe Essen, and this will also continue in Essen in the future.”

The same sentiment was repeated by Messe Essen’s representative on the other side of the Atlantic. Responding to news of a Cologne-based ‘Reifen’ show, Essen Trade Shows executive director Karen Vogelsang released a statement on the matter. “This statement (that Reifen is moving to Cologne) is incorrect and I would like to clarify it,” Vogelsang wrote. The Reifen trade show is organised and owned by Messe Essen. The BRV – German Tyre Association – was a sponsor of the show and has decided to part ways with Messe Essen and try and start a new show in Cologne in 2018. We thank them for their past partnership, however, the world leading Reifen trade show, which you all know and love, will continue to take place in Essen, Germany in 2018 and on. We ask for your continued support and look forward to many more years of cooperation with you.”

Reifen 2014 is now only four months away and the possibility of competing German tyre shows looks set to be a talking point amongst exhibitors and visitors. But if a poll taken by our sister publication Neue Reifenzeitung is anything to go by, it is far too early to pick a favourite in any race between Reifen Essen and a new Cologne-based exhibition – respondents are currently divided 50/50 between the two locations.