As INTERMOT opened to the public for the first time on Thursday morning it immediately looked like the show was headed for a good attendance.
There had been hopes that this year would see improved numbers and based on the first hour there is every chance that this could prove to be a strong show.
We here at MotoWEEK have been camped out with our sister magazine AMD which is staging the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Hall 10.
It is the eleventh annual AMD World Championship, and the second time that it has been held outside the United States following its debut in Germany at Big Bike Europe in May last year.
 |
| AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building |
 |
| It's a BMW, but not as we know it - one of the many stunning custom design and engineering achievements on show at the AMD World Championship. |
AMD's objective has been to create a showcase for the world's finest custom motorcycle design and engineering that demonstrates to the widest possible riding audience just how the world of custom bikes has changed in the last 10 years.
The standard of customs entered for competition (81 bikes) by 70 builders from 22 countries is testimony to the dramatic changes that have already taken place and the trends that are increasingly making the individuality of the motorcycle riding and ownership experience the primary driver of growth in all sectors of the street motorcycle market.
You can follow the action from at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/AMDChampionship) as the event heads towards its Sunday afternoon crescendo when the 2014 AMD World Champion is announced at the award ceremony.
Yesterday, Wednesday October 1st saw INTERMOT host its first ever trade and VIP guest day, rounded off by IDN's now traditional International night industry networking meet and greet reception.
 |
| International Night |
 |
| Reiner Brendicke, IVM: " that motorcycle sales here in Germany have now returned to growth and have been improving for nearly two years now". |
Herr Reiner Brendicke, General Executive Manager of the German motorcycle trade association IVM told the partygoers that "I am pleased to be able to report that motorcycle sales here in Germany have now returned to growth and have been improving for nearly two years now.
"There is still a long way to go, here are still issues that the industry needs to address but as the international motorcycle community celebrates the 50th anniversary of its expo involvement in the city of Cologne, it is already evident from feedback at INTERMOT this year that our exhibitors and trade visitors are anticipating healthier sales and profits moving forward".
