All-Italian style moves to conquer the American motorcycle market at the Dealerexpo trade fair in Indianapolis, from 19 to 21 February. The Italian Trade Commission will be coordinating a group of seven firms chosen from the top companies in the sector, who will be putting their best products on display in the motorcycle parts and spares, helmets and accessories segments.

The aim is to lay the foundations for new business opportunities, starting with the consideration that the American motorcycle market is in constant evolution and local manufacturers often feel the need to renew their product lines. The Dealerexpo trade fair will therefore be an excellent showcase for Italian firms and a unique occasion for American dealers (who will be the trade fair’s only visitors) to discover Made in Italy products, known for their excellent quality and regarded with a lot of interest. The fair is one of the sector’s most important events, and is now in its forty-third edition. Traditionally open to dealers from all the production segments in the motorcycle sector, the last edition welcomed more than 20,000 visitors and saw participation from more than 1,000 specialised firms, including top groups and multinational firms from all over the world.

So what will be on display at the Italian stands at Dealerexpo 2011? Accessories such as trip bags, helmets with integrated Bluetooth, spare parts and rubber accessories for motorcycles and scooters such as bellows, handles and fuel pipes – everything needed to make motorcycles more efficient and safer, along with all the must-have accessories for travelling in style and elegance. The quality of the products will be the key to beating the competition from participants from other countries, and will complement another element which Italian products are known for in the American market: traditional craftsmanship and design.

The motorcycle import market in the US has always been dominated by Japan, which controls 60.59% of total imports, although the level is falling, followed by Thailand with 8.48%. Italy, with 7.58%, has overtaken China and Germany to reach third position, and is aiming to widen its market share. With regard to imports of parts and accessories, in 2009 Italy was in fourth position after Taiwan, Japan and China with a total import share of 7.75%. The performance of Italian exports is particularly positive considering that it excludes off-road motorcycles, which are the largest segment of the US market. Italy’s excellence is most clear in the important motorcycle accessories market, where the style and quality of Made in Italy helmets, clothing and shoes put Italy among the top suppliers for the US.