Smart Mobility Exporter Resource Guide | Page 110

THe Nordics

(technical) consulting service provider. Please contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Europe for further information and assistance on compliance with European Directives and industry standards.

As the Smart Mobility industry covers a wide area of products and services, it is recommended to seek general export information and assistance, or country-specific commercial information at their nearest Export Assistance Center or the U.S. Department of Commerce's website. Overall, the Nordic region remains open for new products and suppliers. Business opportunities exist for innovative products, services and business models, especially in high-tech sectors. The region is a highly sophisticated and competitive market with many manufacturers and suppliers as world leaders in their respective sectors. New-to-market (NTM) companies must be prepared to face competition from locally established and globally operating companies with a local presence and established market shares. Successful market access strategies for NTM companies in most cases involve a local market presence which may involve one (or a combination) of below options:

Strategic industry partnership with an established, local company: e.g. strategic Joint Venture and/or

distribution partner, system integrator etc.

Technical sales representative / business development agency with an established network of local

customers and contacts within the German & EU auto industry.

Official legal subsidiary: including marketing, (technical) sales & business development staff &

engineering support.

U.S. exporters interested in business opportunities in industries such as public transportation & infrastructure (e.g. road, rail), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), etc. need to address additional specific requirements as most relevant public transport & infrastructure projects in the Nordic region are procured as public tenders. For related projects, US exporters should carefully assess the specific terms, requirements and overall eligibility to participate in relevant public procurement/tenders.

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Current Market Trends & Demand

Tech savvy population with a focus on sustainability: The population in the Nordic region loves technology. The consumers are seen as early adopters, with the Nordics boasting the highest internet and mobile phone penetration in Europe. Thanks to the Nordics’ high GDP per capita, the average person has more money in their pocket to spend on technology than most. The Nordic region is also very focused on sustainable development and green initiatives that reduce the overall climate footprint and negative impact on society.

Kazakhstan

The two and three-wheelers sector in Italy produces 300,000 units and is the leader at the European level. Italy is one of the most important European markets for motorcycles. Unlike in other sectors, 2020 was not a bad year for motorcycles sales in Italy with 218,626 vehicles sold, a reduction of 5.76% over 2019. The need for individual mobility, also determined by the pandemic, and the lower purchase and operating costs when compared to cars, helped avoid a sharp reduction in this market.

In 2020, sales of electric motorbikes exceeded 10,000 units (an increase of over 84% on 2019.) National level incentives will be in place until 2026 (a total of 150 million euros, about $181 million), http://www.ancma.it/media/2269/comunicato-stampa_mercato_elettrico_20.pdf.

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Event Name: Motor Bike Expo

Date: April 2-5, 2021

Website: https://www.motorbikeexpo.it/en/

Sector: Motorcycles

Event Name: EICMA Cycles and Motorcycles Show

Date: November 23-28, 2021

Website: https://www.eicma.it/en/

Sector: Bicycles and motorcycles

Event Name: Autopromotec

Date: May 25-28, 2022

Website: https://www.autopromotec.com/en/

Sector: Automotive aftermarket

Motorcycles

Aftermarket Accessories

Distribution channels in the market for automotive accessories and specialty equipment in Italy still largely consist of small importers. Acceptance of U.S. products and new technology in Italy is quite high and well received by local companies. Products with cutting-edge technology can be placed into the Italian market. As a rule, Italians are ready to take into consideration new products and pay extra money for something that is, or seems to be, new and innovative.

The evolution of the aftermarket sector in Italy will probably be driven by major changes in the circulating stock. Some experts believe that the different features of hybrid (and especially electric) vehicles will impact the sector and need for quality diagnostic and testing tools.

2021 In-Person Shows