Hello everyone and thank you for stopping by our blog (again). The #ContiEuropeanRoadshow has come to an end with my last stop in Hungary. I’m back home, finally able to drink a decent cup of coffee, get a good night’s sleep and unpack my suitcase. The perfect time to look back on this incredible time.

When I look back on the past two years of the roadshow, the first things that come to mind are adventures, challenges and a lot of unforgettable impressions. It was a time full of new encounters and unique experiences – I often didn’t know in the morning what the day would bring. With our impressive trailer, we made a real statement at every event and left a message throughout Europe. Let’s take a look back together at the highlights and small stumbling blocks of this tour!

 

The challenge of mastering the unexpected

Two years of roadshow – that means adventure and a lot of unexpected situations that often could only be solved on site. It was clear that something would get stuck here and there, but ultimately we found a quick solution to every problem. For example, when the laser in our screen failed. And we had no plan B! After that, we had a backup programme ready for such cases so that the show went on, even if the technology did go wrong.

In Spain, on the other hand, electricity was the biggest challenge. There were problems with the power supply at almost every location – apart from Madrid, where we were on the safe side thanks to the generator. In Switzerland and Austria, the air conditioning system was a challenge. The new cooling system had to be installed quickly and carefully to avoid damaging the truck. These small challenges were often tricky, but they made us more experienced!

 

 

 

When coffee becomes the biggest problem

In addition to all the technical challenges, there were also very personal hurdles. My biggest problem on the roadshow? The coffee! Anyone who knows me knows that I need my coffee. But finding good coffee was often really difficult. One was either far too small, the other tasted watery or there was only one espresso. In the meantime, some people know how to make me happy: A decent coffee in one hand and an energy drink in the other.

 

Enthusiastic customers and unforgettable encounters

One of the biggest highlights of the roadshow was the many encounters with enthusiastic customers and curious visitors. In Italy, a man came up to me and asked if he could take photos of the trailer – a clear sign that we had also made a lasting visual impression. In Romania, the feedback was particularly strong when people saw how clean and shiny the trailer and tyres were. Moments like that are pure reward!

The people in Turkey were another highlight. The team there almost felt like a second family. When I said goodbye, it hurt a little that I was moving on, because some of them were downright sad that I had to move on to the next station. These are the moments that show why it’s worth picking everyone up on site and making the most of every day with fun and laughter.

Thanks to my team in Turkey. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

 

Proud of the small details that make a big difference

During the roadshow, I realised that the small details often make the biggest difference. The tyres on the trailer were always an eye-catcher and I was regularly asked how I managed to get them so shiny. I’m also proud of the fact that we always managed to get through customs without any problems. In Turkey and Serbia in particular, everything went like clockwork – no delays, no surprises. I could really pat myself on the back!

 

Countries and routes that stay in your memory

The roadshow took us through many countries and along some of the most beautiful routes in Europe. Some of them I won’t forget in a hurry: the journey from Barcelona via Nice and Monaco to Genoa or the route from Zagreb to Split – simply breathtaking! Portugal, whether on the motorway or country road, was always an eye-catcher. In Norway, I travelled through narrow tunnels, over high mountains and through rugged landscapes that left me speechless. And Istanbul – pure madness! Uphill, downhill, in the middle of traffic, with no clear rules. But I’m proud that I managed to get the trailer out of the hustle and bustle without a scratch.

 

The cultural highlights and the experience of experiencing differences at first hand

I also learnt a lot culturally on this tour. In Serbia, there was almost always live music, plenty of alcohol and an exuberant atmosphere at every event. In Turkey, I experienced incredible hospitality, and countries like the Baltic States and the Balkans surprised me with their positive development. It was a gift to experience the dynamism and openness there.

 

It could have been a bit smoother – but not much!

Of course, there were also things that would have made life easier on the road. Better located hotels and optimised route planning for the truck would sometimes have saved us a lot of time. In Hungary, for example, road restrictions for lorries on the way to the test track caused us a few detours. However, we now know how we can organise this better for the future.

 

Farewell to the road – but the wanderlust remains

Back at home, I’m now enjoying normal life and trying to slowly get back into my rhythm. The first few days were a bit tough – my body still seemed to be in roadshow mode and didn’t want to get up at four in the morning for sport. But I look back on all the experiences and am grateful for the impressions I was able to gather on this trip.

But the wanderlust won’t let me go! The idea of doing a private, six-month tour through Europe is still on my list. Split and Slovenia are places I would like to visit again. Portugal and Turkey are also high on my list.

 

Conclusion: a complete success!

The roadshow exceeded all my expectations. The response from customers and the enthusiasm in the markets speak for themselves. Many have already asked if we will be back – the best feedback we can get!

A huge thank you goes to my team. We laughed a lot together, had a lot of fun and achieved a lot. I’m now recharging my batteries until the end of the year and I’m excited to see what next year will bring. Who knows – maybe it will start again soon!

Until then – and stay on the road,

your Ronny