The upcoming Reifen Essen tire industry show will feature more than 550 exhibitors from 40 nations and 17,000 visitors from over 100 countries.
With so many tire companies on show, some of the largest tire companies end up standing out not for their weird and wonderful stand designs or their high technology products, but simply by their absence.
Bridgestone, Nokian and Toyo are three such companies that will not be exhibiting at Essen 2010 this June. None of them are likely to want to draw attention to the fact that they aren’t investing in a stand at this year’s show by issuing a statement explaining why they won’t be there this time, but economic pressures no doubt play a part.
Tyres & Accessories understands that Toyo Tire Europe decided not to participate at Essen Reifen 2010 “to reduce costs and to reflect their current business position.” According to company representatives, “With 100% utilization of manufacturing capacity, it would not be appropriate to seek new business now and potentially disrupt supply to existing clients.” As a result, this year Toyo Tire Europe says it will work with its headquarters to satisfy the demand from existing clients so they can develop the Toyo business in each market “in a stable and controlled manner.”
However, while companies such as the three mentioned above (and no doubt a fair portion of others) aren’t investing in exhibition stands, they are clearly exceptions and this doesn’t mean they won’t be in attendance at all. In Toyo’s case, for example, they – like Cooper Europe (who is back in force for Reifen 2010) did last time around – have rented meeting rooms at a hotel near the Messe center and arranged meetings and dinners with existing clients that are attending the show. (Tyres & Accessories)
