Tire Cologne suspends cooperation with Russian companies

Koelnmesse, the organisers of The Tire Cologne exhibitiom, are suspending cooperation with Russian companies in support of the people of Ukraine. Writing in statement published online on 1 March 2022, Gerald Baese, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH said:

“At Koelnmesse we are closely following current developments in Ukraine, as are the people of all nations around the world. Acts of war like this are the absolute antithesis of our own values. As a trade fair organiser, we stand wholeheartedly for peaceful coexistence, free trade and the unrestricted exchange of goods around the world.”

However, despite their push for peace Koelnmesse admitted that “this exchange is no longer possible at the moment.”

On a more personal level, the organisers expressed support for its own Ukraine-based team: “We at Koelnmesse have been especially pleased to know that our on-site sales team headed by Maksym Verkhovodov is doing well considering the circumstances. Our thoughts are with them and we will provide them with all the support we can from Cologne.”