"The 13th Retro Classics has lived up to the high expectations without any doubt at all, it was an all-round successful event", said Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart: "Our motor trade fair has again gained in quality and internationality, in terms of exhibitors as well as visitors." Additionally, its brand name as a "premium event" has been confirmed. This included well informed visitors with a strong will to purchase, and a pronounced trade fair profile which "shows a clear difference between us and other historic and classic cars fairs." In the end, visitors were not only delighted at the sight of the many vehicles, but they also bought them. The majority of the approximately 500 vehicles at the dealers' sales marts in Hall 6 as well as those for private sale at the Motor Gallery in the L-Bank-Forum (Hall 1) found new owners. As early as Friday evening the "Verkauft" and "Sold" signs were hanging on many cars in the historic and classic cars, youngtimers and neo classics segments with many sales being conducted particularly in the high-price segment. For instance, a Horch was sold for 1.8 million euros, and several cars in the range between 500,000 and 950,000 euros. The most expensive vehicle sold was a Ferrari that found a new owner for "somewhere between one and ten million euros". The dealer declined to give further details. But sales were also good at the more affordable price levels. Clear statement: one fifth of all visitors to the trade fair surveyed (2012: 17 percent) wanted to buy at least one new classic car. Four percent of them said they were even prepared to spend more than 50,000 euros. 43 percent of visitors had already made a purchase at the time of the interview.

Exhibitors more than satisfied with the way the trade fair went
The willingness to spend was also detected by the exhibitors who praised the high quality of the visitors. Arthur Bechtel, Owner of Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors: "Retro 2013 went very well for us, we had a tremendous response. I think that many people are buying a classic car as an investment asset at the moment. Bank interest rates are low, car prices are increasing. As early as Sunday morning we had sold four cars and received further enquiries. Our trade fair book is certainly well filled. We are very satisfied." Maria Beck, Communication Group Leader at Bosch: "At our main stand we presented primarily the Bosch image, in Hall 9 we sold parts and answered detailed questions. This division was very new and it impacted like a bombshell – people were queueing up. On the whole, visitors have become more international, and we had a higher visitor flow at both stands. We have identified this trend year on year." Harald Henninger, Managing Director of Mirbach: "Overall, we are extremely satisfied. For instance, we sold an Alfa 6C of which there are only a few left. There were more visitors at our stand than last year, and the visitor quality and internationality were also better." Peter Wiesner Owner of Sports & Classic Cars: "We are very satisfied. By Sunday morning we had sold four cars and also had a fixed offer for a fourth. The war chest is therefore filled. We found high-carat, very well informed visitors here willing to spend money. The top goods in particular are very well received at Retro Classics." Nik Aaldering, Owner of The Gallery from the Netherlands: "The trade fair went fantastically, we achieved good sales. Retro Classics is an important trade fair for us. The difference to other fair locations is the ambience. This good atmosphere can only be found in Stuttgart. The organization is absolutely first-class, one feels welcome and works enthusiastically towards the date." Karl Geiger, Owner of Geiger Cars: "The marketing was perfect, it couldn't have been better. We had fantastic, financially strong visitors and achieved some good sales. We were fully in the race here with our cars. We were practically sold out as early as Sunday morning. The visitors took great pleasure in automobiles and asked very specific questions. A perfect visitor mix! We'll definitely be here in 2014." Alexander Fabig, General Manager of Porsche Classic: "There were many meaningful discussions with potential buyers. Particularly our highlight area on the subject of the 911 was absolutely besieged, but our autograph sessions with Hans Herrmann were also very well received – visitors stood in queues. We are certainly extremely satisfied, also with the overall development of the trade fair. Super!" Alfred Vogel, President of the Federal Association of the Historic Agricultural Machinery Germany (BHLD)and Honorary Chairman of the association Bulldog- und Schlepperfreunde Württemberg: "Bulldog- und Schlepperfreunde Württemberg were highly praised by the knowledgeable visitors for their special show this year. The association with support from the Lake Constance Tractor Museum, the Sinsheim and Speyer Automotive and Technology Museums, the German Agricultural Museum in Hohenheim and the Lanz specialists from Westerwald were able to present many rarities. True to the motto 'After the trade fair is before the trade fair' we are already thinking about our appearance at Retro Classics 2014."

Meeting place for the historic and classic car scene
"Retro Classics is the meeting place for the start of the season of the historic and classic cars scene in Germany, and it attracts visitors from far beyond the borders of Baden-Württemberg", said Karl Ulrich Herrmann, Organizer of Retro Classics. The number of visitors and the exhibitor satisfaction proved him right. And the visitors were delighted with the historic vehicles on two and four wheels as well as with the special shows such as the "Delahaye" exhibition unique in Germany, the "Horch Show", the US Cars Hall and special subjects such as "Hoffmann & Küchen", "50 Years of Porsche 911" and Mercedes-Benz S Class.

Approximately two thirds of visitors are in their prime years in economic terms between 30 and 60, furthermore around 30 percent of all visitors were at Retro Classics for the first time, but certainly not the last. Stuttgart's motor trade fair has furthermore built up a loyal core of visitors and they were also more than satisfied with the exhibition. A total of over 90 percent of surveyed visitors intended to recommend Retro Classics further and 96 percent plan on coming to Retro Classics 2014, nearly 80 percent of them "definitely". One visitor in two is additionally certain that Retro Classics will become even more important compared to other events. They find that what the historic and classic car heart desires, which is why 84 percent regard the exhibition as being complete. Consequently, visitors awarded Retro Classics the grade of 1.7.

Long times spent in the trade fair halls
Fair attractions and special sections prompted visitors to extend their visit to the halls; on average they spent far more than five hours at the trade fair. With good reason, because the special sections and new attractions were really good. Many fans of historic and classic cars visited the "Club and Countries Halls" with car brands and rarities from Germany, Sweden, Italy, France, the USA and England; additionally, special motor racing stands were represented, some with traditional associations such as the Hockenheim Ring and AMSC Leonberg. The sixth appearance of the Historic Tractors and Agricultural Machinery as well as the Commercial Vehicles special section with the omnibus show in Hall 8 set up by Konrad Auwärter were extremely well received. Not to forget the international spare parts markets whose exhibitors were overwhelmed by the frequency and visitor interest.

33 percent trade visitors / more and more international guests
Unique, were the statements made by many exhibitors about the visitors to Retro Classics who were characterized by a high level of expertise and detailed technical knowledge. This was confirmed by first evaluations of the survey results. For instance, the proportion of trade visitors who came to the trade fair for professional or business reasons increased from 30 to 33 percent (without a "Family Sunday"). Interesting that nearly two thirds of surveyed visitors possess at least one historic and classic car. As early as a good half-hour after the opening of a trade fair at the weekend the trade fair piazza was completely filled as a "free car park". A total of around 2000 historic and classic car fans who arrived in their own cars provided additional enrichment to the trade fair. International interest in Retro Classics has also significantly increased. The proportion of international visitors has nearly doubled. 33 percent of international visitors originated from Switzerland, 18 percent travelled to Stuttgart from France and 17 percent from Austria. It was also noticeable that seven percent of the visitors came to Retro Classics from Italy. In addition, there were many groups who travelled to Retro Classics with the bus from throughout Southern Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium or Alsace.

The topics addressed in the eight halls were extremely well received by visitors, as well as was the combination of tradition, the car cultural asset along with an appropriate selection of exclusive modern vehicles that therefore documented the development of a brand. The interests of visitors was catered for by nine focusses such as the US Cars Hall: again with success: 22 percent of surveyed visitors were very much enthralled by this attraction. In addition to the historic and classic cars, which was the main point of interest for 63 percent of visitors, the youngtimers took second place with 35 percent followed by spare parts and accessories as well as restoration. Multiple responses were possible.

The next Retro Classics, number 14, will take place from 13 to 16 March 2014 in the Stuttgart trade fair centre, with 13 March being the special day ("Preview Day") for trade visitors and journalists. Of course, other visitors will also be welcome in Stuttgart on this day.

Retro Classics is certified by the Society for Voluntary Control of Trade Fair and Exhibition Statistics (FKM); it has compiled standard regulations for the calculation of exhibitor, area and visitor figures, as well as visitor structures, and allows its compliance of the regulations to be checked by the auditing company Ernst & Young.

The seven award-winners included Bucher Vaslin and Pellenc, as well as two international suppliers from the processing and process control sector, who took home gold. Among the five German winners was Meomix, a company from Neustadt-Duttweiler, recognised with gold for its professional and individual approach to marketing wine growers on Facebook. Silver went to the following exhibitors at INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA 2013: the company Clemens from Wittlich in cooperation with Wagner from Friedelsheim for their innovative technology used in the cleaning and lifting of vine shoots; the company Rink from Kreuztal for a machine that makes the removal of sleeves much simpler; the company Nephele Idea from Mainz for its management software for wine growers which, for the first time, is fully based on Cloud technology. Furthermore, a special award was presented to the company Anseros Klaus Nonnenmacher from Tübingen for its innovative cask steriliser.
During the ceremony, DWV President Norbert Weber made reference once again to the basic concept and reason behind the competition: “The German Winegrowers’ Association, as organiser of INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA, is recognising the superb achievements of exhibitors who are contributing to the progress of our industry. We need this technical advance in order to continually improve the quality of our products, and hold our own in the eyes of the customer on the global market.”

From the 82 submissions, 29 were recognised as being innovative. Norbert Weber: “In my opinion, this shows that the supplier industry is constantly working on improving the already high technical standards through contact with the sector and, at the same time, the jury was not looking to present arbitrary awards. I feel it should also be noted here that neither the German Winegrowers’ Association or Messe Stuttgart, and much less the supplier industry, are represented on the jury, to ensure completely impartial results.” Among these innovative newcomers, three submissions that represented a “decisive improvement” on current technological standards were selected by the jury
to take home gold. Three entries were seen to represent a “considerable improvement” and awarded silver.

DWV Secretary General Dr. Rudolf Nickenig views the competition, which is part of the larger Stuttgart event, as “the combination of international trade fair INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA, internationally represented winegrowers’ congress, machinery demonstrations and tasting workshops, that together provide exhibitors and visitors alike with a globally unique platform. The exchange of experience and information among scientists, advisors, representatives of the supplier industry and practitioners makes a significant contribution towards triggering further innovative and technical development.”
The INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA Innovation Award 2013 accepted entries for processes, technical products and services in four categories:

• Cultivation and harvesting techniques for grapes and fruit
• Processing and process control for wine, fruit juice and spirits
• Filling and packaging technology
• Marketing and organisation

The entries were assessed according to the following criteria:

• Degree of innovation
• Importance and applicability to everyday use
• Advantages for the company and the workers
• Impact on the quality of the end product
• Improvement of environmental and energy situation
• Effect on occupational safety
• Impact on marketing

With regard to those entries recognised, Norbert Weber added: “Altogether, it shows that automation and new opportunities for communication in our industry are becoming increasingly more important.” Also, he continued, the influence of international competitors; among the 29 recognised entries, eight products came from international exhibitors, who also took home two gold awards from among the seven awards presented overall. “Our own German suppliers are well positioned, not only to hold their own on the international stage, but to also set the trends as leading market players.” In the process, INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA has become an international market place. One third of exhibitors come from outside Germany; in 2010, visitors represented 70 different countries. Norbert Weber: “I would like to appeal to everyone again to look beyond their home ground. And from 24 to 27 April (the congress starts a day earlier), INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA and the 61st German Winegrowers’ Congress provide the perfect opportunity to do so!”

For INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA which takes place from 24 – 27 April 2013 the German Winegrowers' Association (DWV) and Messe Stuttgart are for the first time launching two programmes with study trips to German wine-growing regions and schools for visitors from abroad. The study tours are primarily aimed at organised groups, are either five or seven days in duration and are offered in conjunction with a visit to the leading technology trade fair INTERVITIS INTERFRUCTA. All guests have to organise themselves is their transport to Stuttgart or Frankfurt: Upon arrival at the airport the guests are in the hands of the travel agency Travelpoint (Heilbronn), who organises all transfers, hotel accommodation – in wine-growing communes of course – and sightseeing.

With our current technology, the desalination of sea water demands a considerable input of energy. The global trend toward urbanization and the unbridled growth of mega cities aggravates the situation even more. It is therefore becoming more and more a question of the integrated management of water, food and energy. Germany has acquired a great deal of know-how and technical expertise in the field of water science. The IWRM Karlsruhe 2012 refers to these existentially important interdependencies in its title, Interactions of Water with Energy and Materials in Urban Areas and Agriculture.

Topical issues associated with this subject will be discussed in the Karlsruhe Convention Centre from 21 to 22 of November. “For a long time, the individual tasks of water management, including the sourcing of drinking water or industrial water and the treatment of waste water, were considered separately. Now we understand, however, that is it always one and same water we are talking about,” says Prof. Hartwig Steusloff, Chairman of the IWRM Karlsruhe Advisory Board. “Water is unarguably a finite resource which is in constant circulation.

Regardless of how it is used, the volume of water that flows into the individual systems leaves them again in roughly the same amount – though in a different state,” explains Steusloff. The central idea of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is that our present problems can only be solved through cooperation on all levels. The goal is to use the existing water resources in an ecologically and economically sustainable manner and with general social acceptance. “The IWRM discusses the controversial and urgently relevant topic of water resource management at the highest international level. This topic is in good hands at this location, because renowned institutes such as the Fraunhofer IOSB or the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT) have produced not only pioneering research results, but also implementable solutions,” explains Britta Wirtz, the Managing Director of Karlsruher Messeund Kongress-GmbH.

Dr Karl Eugen Huthmacher, director of the department “Provision for the Future – Basic and Sustainability Research” at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), will be giving a keynote address on Wednesday 21 November 2012 on International Research Cooperation for an Integrated Water Resources Management. He is followed by Franz Untersteller, Minister for Environment, Climate and Energy Economics in the state of Baden- Württemberg, who is talking on the subject of The Orientation of Water Economics in a Global Context and the Energy Transition in Baden-Württemberg. Moreover, Tanja Gönner, Chairperson of the German Society for Technological Cooperation, will be speaking about Integrated Water Resources Management as a Challenge for Developing Countries. “The concept of IWRM fits perfectly with the holistic approach to water research at the KIT. The subject of water has a long and successful history in Karlsruhe, and, together with energy and mobility, it is a characteristic research area for the KIT. KIT researchers are working on projects around the world that aim to provide an adequate, reliable water supply,” stresses the Vice President for Research and Innovation at the KIT, Dr Peter Fritz. “In regard to Integrated Water Resources management, the KIT is leading the way in the Helmholtz Water Alliance. Newly created professorships in the areas of atmosphere, soil and ground water have also been integrated in KIT water research.”

This year’s presentation programme comprises a total of fifteen sessions with best practice examples and research results. Key topics include water management in urban regions, water and energy management, administration of water catchment areas, sustainable use of water resources, climate change and water management, and socio-economic criteria for water distribution. Additionally, and for the first time at the IWRM Karlsruhe, the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) will be holding its own presentation series on 22 November 2012. On both days, the poster session offers an excellent opportunity for professional discussions.

The best three posters from the altogether 68 posters on display will be granted the Best Poster Award of the IWRM Karlsruhe 2012. Moreover, NEO2012, the innovation prize of the Karlsruhe Technology Region, endowed with €20,000, will be awarded during an evening event on 21 November. The applicants have submitted their application-oriented work on innovative environmental technologies in the water sector, with four fields of action: life cycle assessments, ecosystems, water chemistry and geophysics. International expertise around the future-oriented topic IWRM.

The IWRM Karlsruhe 2012 aims to fuse the international knowledge and the experience of experts in relation to integrated water resource management, and to create a foundation for new approaches and technologies. The large pool of specialist knowledge in the region was a decisive factor in the choice of Karlsruhe as the location of this pioneering event: A powerful network of expertise pertaining to IWRM has developed here, incorporating top universities, application oriented institutes, water centres and companies, who participate in projects around the world, IWRM Karlsruhe is organised by the Karlsruher Messe- und Kongress-GmbH and the Fraunhofer IOSB. The Karlsruhe Institute for Technology participates as a co-organiser, along with other partners from science and industry, including, for example, the German Water Partnership, Siemens AG, the Water Technology Centre and the State Office for Environmental Protection in Baden-Württemberg.

The Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) has assumed patronage of “Water research and water technology”. Ministerial Department Director Dr Karl Eugen Huthmacher will address the subject of “International Research Cooperation for an Integrated Water Resources Management” in his keynote speech. The Ministry for Environment, Climate and Energy Economic in Baden- Württemberg has assumed patronage of “Water Economics” at IWRM Karlsruhe 2012. Minister Franz Untersteller (MdL) will hold the introductory keynote speech on the “Orientation of Water Economics in a Global Context and the Energy Transition in Baden-Württemberg”.

Further information on the complete conference programme can be found at:

www.iwrm-karlsruhe.de