The relaunched International Motorcycle and Scooter Show closed its doors today after ten days which have been hailed by visitors and exhibitors alike as a resounding success. 149,215 people passed through the doors of Halls 1, 2, 3, 3a and 4 of the Birmingham NEC - a brand new location for the Show which had changed its dates to a month later in order to avoid a clash with other European motorcycle shows. The results of the new location, layout and content of the Show have been extremely positive with attendance up by 3% from 2006 and widespread acclaim from Show exhibitors. The unbelievable line-up of UK bike launches from the biggest names in motorcycling has unsurprisingly proved to be a huge crowd pleaser. Yet again the NEC Bike Show has proven to be the only place in the UK to see all the new bikes from leading names like Benelli, BMW, Buell, CCM, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, PGO Scooters, Suzuki, Triumph, Vectrix, Victory Motorcycles, Watsonian Squire, Wuyang and Yamaha, all together under one roof.
The new dates for the NEC Bike Show enabled the return of the Italian manufacturers Ducati and Benelli to the UK, a hugely anticipated development for UK bike fans and a major cause of excitement as the Show opened to public on Friday 23rd November. The new location also meant the Show underwent a radical new overhaul with a new layout, a dynamic new advertising campaign, and many incredible new features. The most comprehensive line-up of new bikes from the leading names in global motorcycling was coupled with a dazzling array of interactive features for visitors of all ages. Features such as the Off Road Zone, Thunderdome Games Arena, Bike Ride Out Zone, Harley & Buell Ride Out Zone, Wall of Death, Mini-Moto, Go-Karting, BSM Training Zone and My First Honda Licence, were all regularly fully booked with visitors as young as five years old.
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions, organisers of the NEC Bike Show commented:
“It’s been a hugely successful Show with very positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike. It’s always difficult when you change the location and layout of a Show but it has worked very well and the visitors have responded extremely positively. It’s great to have increased attendance from 2006 but most importantly our exhibitors have reported a very good level of business. We can look forward very positively to next year’s Show and I would like to thank all of the exhibitors for their contribution. ”
Exhibitors at the NEC Bike Show commented on this year’s event:
“Coming to the Show as MotoGP Champions we had a lot to live up to but we’ve had superb feedback on our entire range, particularly the Ducati 848 Superbike and the yet to be released Monster 696. All in all we’ve had an excellent Show.”
Debbie Wiggins, Marketing and Event Manager, Ducati “It’s been a fantastic Show for us and the popularity of the our stand just keeps growing year on year. The format of the Show for 2007 has worked really well and we are absolutely delighted with how it’s gone for us this year.”
Shaun Sisterson, Managing Director, KTM UK “The layout this year has been great at spreading the crowds evenly and the quality of visitor has been very, very good giving us a positive outlook for next year’s sales. Youth day was also a great success, bringing in a lot of enthusiastic young people.”
Simon Belton, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Motor UK “This has been the most successful NEC Show for Harley-Davidson and Buell ever. With over 1,000 evaluation test-rides having taken place and lots of interest on the stand, it’s been the perfect showcase for our new models.”
Tom Robinson, Assistant Marketing Manager, Harley-Davidson UK “An absolutely fantastic first year at the Show for Benelli! We have had a tremendous response to the Benelli product range and it’s been well worth attending.”
Glyn Fisher, Sales Manager, Benelli “The new layout has proved to be a great success and a real breath of fresh-air for the Show which has felt busier than ever. Our new models have been very well-received.”
Honda UK “We’ve been very pleased with the attendance and we feel having all the manufacturers in one hall really raises the profile of our industry.”
Bruno Tagliaferri, UK Sales and Marketing, Triumph “Overall it has been a very interesting Show for us, having recently moved into new markets, the Show will provide a sound basis for us with regards to next year’s sales.”
Austin Clews, General Manager, CCM “The response from the public this year has been phenomenal, particularly with regards to the new Vison model. The stand has been extremely busy for the duration.”
Phil Everett, National Sales Manager, Victory “The new layout has worked a lot better for us and we have had exceptional interest in the new bikes, the HP2 Sport in particular. The Show has been the perfect platform for us this year as it’s been all about the bikes!”
Tony Jakeman, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad UK “We have been absolutely delighted. The hall’s have been really busy and we’ve benefited from lots of interest in the Hayabusa and the GSXR 600 and 750s. It’s been a great Show overall.”
Clair Procter, Marketing Administrator, Suzuki “A fresh look to the Show has helped to rejuvenate sales for our retail partners and the feedback from consumers I’ve spoken to has been really, really positive.”
Henry Rivers-Fletcher, General Manager, Oxford Products “It’s been a successful year with lots of interest in the product and the layout has been a big improvement.”
Matthew Gilder, General Manager, Vehicles Division, Hyosung The 2008 International Motorcycle and Scooter Show will take place in Halls 1, 2, 3, 3a & 4 at the Birmingham NEC from 27th November (Press Day) – 7th December. For more information visit
www.motorcycleshow.co.uk.
