Koelnmesse made around EUR 365 million in 2024, the year of its 100th anniversary, according to preliminary figures. After a record operational result of EUR 42 million the year before, net profit is anticipated to be approximately EUR 20 million, despite falling just short of its own turnover target of EUR 369.5 million in the cyclically worse event year. Koelncongress, the fully owned subsidiary in charge of the congress, event and guest event business, contributed EUR 38 million to the group's 2024 revenue before consolidation.

Significant advancements in the Cologne trade show grounds, the growth of international commerce and the sustainability theme were the highlights of Koelnmesse's 2024 year. In a study by the Institute for Management and Economic Research (IMWF), Koelnmesse was chosen ‘Company of the Year’ by DEUTSCHLAND TEST and FOCUS MONEY for both 2024 and 2025. The German Pavilion 2025, the grand launch of the new Confex conference and exhibition venue, more strategic international growth and innovative steps taken to make the corporation and its own trade shows more resource-efficient by 2030 were among the highlights. The company cites a number of reasons for the little departure from its revenue projections. These include geopolitical unpredictability, overall economic stagnation and the ongoing decline in consumption.

Koelnmesse conducted 76 events worldwide, with over 34,500 exhibiting companies from 106 countries and over 2.1 million visitors from 197 countries participating in the events. The premier international trade shows ISM, spoga+gafa, gamescom, DMEXCO and ORGATEC were among the highlights of the Cologne trade show. Targeted worldwide presence enhancement was another area of attention in 2024. Since 2023, a total of 21 international trade shows have been established, with eight debuts in 2024 and nine more planned for 2025.

Koelnmesse intends to keep paving the way for sustainable event innovations and breaking into new markets in the upcoming year. In collaboration with the furniture industry, Koelnmesse updated its events in the furniture and furnishings sector in 2024, in addition to 10 inaugural events scheduled for 2025 in Germany and beyond. Beginning in 2025, Koelnmesse will provide two distinct trade show formats: imm cologne, a business-to-business event for the consumer-focused industry that will be held annually in January beginning in 2026, and idd cologne, a platform for the high-end sector that will take place every two years in October.

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, said, "Our 100th anniversary was an extraordinary year that reminded us of our origins and at the same time allowed us to look to the future. Our results impressively demonstrate stability and resilience in a challenging market environment."

Oliver Frese, COO of Koelnmesse, said, "Our annual events in 2024 consistently achieved the levels of the previous events and we maintained or even improved on the excellent figures of 2023. We performed significantly better at our biennial events last year than we did in 2022."

As part of the consultation on the simplification of the REACH Regulation, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) has formally sent its feedback to the European Commission.

The association said it strongly supports REACH's goals of safeguarding the environment and public health, but it also highlights the necessity of consistent, proportionate and predictable regulations to maintain European industry's competitiveness. ETRMA's statement emphasises the necessity of implementing a Regulatory Management Option Analysis (RMOA) framework and demands for REACH to be in line with current and future EU laws.

The key recommendations made by the association include enhancing regulatory coherence and simplification, introducing an RMOA framework, no extension of registration requirements to polymers, reforming the REACH Authorisation process and enforcing a uniform and continuous level playing field in the EU.

European logistics company Vos Logistics has extended its contract with Continental. Continental has been supporting the Dutch company with professional tyre management as part of the Conti360° Fleet Solutions service portfolio since 2016.

Vos Logistics specialises in a broad range of logistics services tailored to individual clients. Bulk commodities transportation and end-customer deliveries are handled by the firm. The logistics company serving all of Europe has been using the Conti360° Fleet Solutions tyre management system for all 1,100 of its trucks since the middle of 2024. Specifically, the company's fleet reliability is maximised by the tight network of over 7,000 Continental partner workshops spread across 25 European nations.

Vos Logistics enjoys complete cost transparency and the benefits of predictive maintenance with the Conti360° kilometre contract and customer-specific information. The freight forwarder equips its fleet with a wide range of high-quality tires to meet the varying operating needs of long-distance and regional shipping. By doing this, Vos Logistics is able to minimise the vehicles' total CO2 emissions, maximise operating safety and utilize the tyres' entire service life.

Pieter Derksen, Purchasing Manager, Vos Logistics, said, “In order to maintain our high level of service in this cost-sensitive market, the operational reliability of the vehicles is of crucial importance to us. Thanks to data-driven maintenance, our tyres are always ready for use, which allows us to focus on our core business. With Continental, we are also working with a partner that shares our values of efficiency and sustainability.”

Jessika Hoeflich, Head of Fleet Solutions EMEA, Continental, said, “The cooperation with Vos Logistics is characterised by mutual trust and shared values. With our customer-oriented Conti360° Fleet Solutions service offering, our broad tyre portfolio and our individual consulting concept, we can optimally meet the complex requirements that Vos Logistics faces in the transport business. We work closely together and support our customers in developing their business sustainably.”

Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced its collaboration with the eagerly awaited 2025 Convoy Truck Shows. Convoy Cymru will take place on 17–18 May, Convoy Truxton on 5–6 July and Convoy in the Park on August 9–10, running alongside the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC).

The SmartFlex AH51 (steering axle) and SmartFlex DH51 (driving axle) for long and regional haul use, which are known for their outstanding grip and mileage performance from the first to the last millimetre of wear; the SmartFlex TH31, the newest generation trailer tyre; and Hankook's newest van tyre, the Vantra Transit, will all be on display at all shows. The company will be showcasing three tyres from its Laufenn brand in addition to the Hankook line: the LF21 all-position tyre, the LF95 trailer tyre and the LZ22 all-weather drive tire. The iON evo SUV EV summer tyre and the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre will also be on show. Along with its related events, the Devon Truck Show, Truck Show Cornwall and Best of the Best, the Convoy Truck Shows will raise money for charities and local community organizations. It will also include an amazing variety of trucks, live music, entertaining fair activities and must-see stunt acts.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "On behalf of Convoy Truck Events and the Devon Truck Show, I'm thrilled to welcome Hankook Tyre UK as sponsors for 2025 across all three Convoy events at Pembrey, Thruxton and Donington Park. Hankook has been a valued partner at the Devon Truck Show for many years, so extending our collaboration across our Convoy-partnered events was an easy decision. We truly appreciate their continued support and are confident they'll see great value in being part of these exciting shows."

Continental is running a promotional offer from 1 May to 31 May 2025 in which customers who purchase four Continental ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres will receive a USD 110 Continental Tire Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, customers who pay for the four ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres using their Continental Tire Credit Card will earn an extra USD 90 Prepaid Mastercard, for a total refund of USD 200.

The ExtremeContact Sport02 is a ultra-high-performance tyre designed for passenger cars. With its SportPlus Technology, which offers quick handling, improved traction on wet roads and a prolonged tread life, this tyre is perfect for both the street and the racetrack. There are 77 sizes of the tyre available, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The industry-leading coverage offered by Continental Tire's Total Confidence Plan supports the ExtremeContact Sport02.

This is a complete package that includes road hazard coverage, emergency travel interruption coverage, a customer satisfaction trial, a limited warranty, flat tyre roadside assistance and a mileage warranty (if applicable). During a road trip, Continental will assist with qualified expenditures in the event of a mechanical breakdown (maximum benefit of USD 200.00 per day, with a maximum benefit of USD 500.00 per year). In order to qualify for the deal, tyres need to be bought all at once. Only valid between 1 May 2025 and 31 May 2025, or while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase made in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.