Alternative drive technologies and innovative concepts will be in the spotlight at the Innovation Centre special show, which will be held at INTERMOT Cologne 2008 from 8th to 12th October 2008. The centre will provide interested trade visitors and motorcycle enthusiasts with information on new approaches being taken in two-wheeled mobility. The show will feature alternative-drive bikes that are already available on the market, as well as prototypes and pioneering products in the area of parts, accessories and clothing. The companies taking part in this year’s INTERMOT Cologne Innovation Centre in Hall 4.1 will include Vectrix, E-Max and IO, who will be showing electric-drive vehicles. At a separate exhibition area, the top names will present their alternative systems and concepts, including a natural-gas-powered Suzuki and the MP3 hybrid from Piaggio. In addition, visitors to INTERMOT Cologne will be able to try out selected models at the electric test track in the outdoor area. Scooters and bikes can also be “refuelled” at a solar filling station operated by Solon AG. The aim of the Innovation Centre for alternative drive technologies and new products at INTERMOT Cologne is to showcase environmental friendliness issues and make it clear that new engine technologies do not necessarily result in lower performance. At INTERMOT Cologne 2008, the Innovation Centre is located in Hall 4.1, where it benefits from a direct link to Entrance West, as well as to the proximity to the Entrances South and East. This ensures that the centre is in the midst of the visitor flow as guided by the Koelnmesse hall layout. In 2006, around 70 per cent of all trade fair visitors accessed INTERMOT Cologne via these entrances. At the same time, this creates a direct link from the Innovation Centre to the event area for electric test track rides and the associated solar filling station. Other performances, such as the freestyle-MX and the supermoto demo races, take place here as well. The appeal of Hall 4.1 is further boosted by the presentation of the top manufacturer Benelli and the range of tourism and sport offerings.