Autopromotec 2013’s organizers lauded the latest Bologna show this past May, describing it as “the largest and most international ever.” 
This is supported by a record-breaking number of exhibitors and the largest exhibition space ever – that is 1,512 exhibitors from 52 countries covering a total exhibition area of 156,000 square meters (20,000 of which outdoors). Visitor numbers were also huge – 102,536 attended in total, 83,594 from Italy and 18,942 from abroad.
Once again, Autopromotec 2013 highlighted the strong international character that, over the last few years, has distinguished it. Thirty-nine percent of the exhibitors come from all over the world (a total of 584 companies), with Germany, China, U.S., France and Spain the most represented countries.
This figure is even more significant if one considers that there was something like a 7.5% increase in foreign exhibitors compared to the previous 2011 edition and that there is every reason to believe that this year the record in terms of number of foreign visitors also will be broken.
As far as tires and wheels are concerned, it is the largest show of its kind, excluding Reifen. However, while it is difficult to be empirical about such things, there was a definitely a feeling of space as one walked around the show. This could be a result of the credit crunch and the market sensitivity to spending when cash flow is tight.
But the organizers pointed out they have been relatively successful in battling against this. It could be because of the large amount of space the show occupies across all business areas. It could be because of the extremely long show, which runs the best part of a week and across a weekend. Or it could simply mean that there were proportionally less people in attendance in the tire and wheel zones.
Overall, Duccio Campagnoli, president of BolognaFiere, commented: “Autopromotec 2013 was a great success. In the future, the partnership between BolognaFiere and Autopromotec will continue to provide a crucial support to the ‘made in Italy’ and the Italian automotive market. In particular, BolognaFiere will continue to act as an international platform and meeting hub for Asian, European and American market players, as shown by the higher number of foreign operators attending Autopromotec 2013.”
The next edition of Autopromotec will take place at Bologna’s exhibition center from May 20-24, 2015. (Tyres & Accessories)
