PIKO Spielwaren GmbH - Press Release on the Annual Press Conference

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20.01.2026 Press Release on the Annual Press Conference

PIKO defies the consumer downturn and focuses on growth, innovation and customer proximity in 2026

As part of the annual press conference, the management of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH informed representatives of the national and international press about the business performance of the past year as well as the strategic direction and planning for the 2026 financial year.

Solid development in challenging times

Before looking ahead, Jens Beyer, Sales Director of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, reviewed the 2025 financial year. It was characterized by exceptionally difficult conditions for the entire model railway industry.

In addition to an overall weak consumer sentiment, geopolitical uncertainties, an increasingly volatile international customs and trade policy, structural crises in numerous industries, and ongoing challenges in stationary specialist retail had a significant impact on the market environment. Rising costs along the entire value chain and a general lack of economic momentum in Germany further weighed on demand for durable consumer and hobby products.

Against this backdrop, PIKO’s result can be assessed as an expression of overall very solid business development: with a revenue decline of 9.6 percent compared to the previous year, the company succeeded in holding its ground robustly in an exceptionally difficult market environment. Given the stated conditions, this result stands for a high level of resilience and responsible corporate management.

“2025 was not an easy year for the entire industry. The noticeable consumer restraint and the tense overall economic situation in Germany naturally also affected PIKO. When people are uncertain, worried about their jobs or affected by short-time work, they understandably have other priorities than new purchases in the hobby sector. All the more important is that PIKO continues to be financially solid and able to operate independently of banks and reliably even in a difficult market environment,” emphasizes Rainer Landwehr, CEO of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH.

In the domestic market, customer restraint was particularly noticeable; here PIKO recorded a higher decline in revenue. All the more pleasing was the development of the company-owned PIKO Flagship Store in Sonneberg, which further strengthened its role as a stable point of contact for model railway enthusiasts and achieved a revenue increase of around 12 percent.

In export business as well, PIKO managed to defy the negative market trend and achieve slight growth – further evidence of the brand’s international competitiveness.

With the PIKO Christmas set and the PIKO kids starter sets, the company also deliberately launched products in 2025 that appeal to new target groups. The aim is to sustainably expand the customer base, inspire new audiences for the model railway hobby and strengthen the PIKO brand in the long term. Particularly in direct sales, valuable insights were gained that will flow into future product development, marketing and customer communication.

Clear growth targets for 2026

Despite the continued challenging economic conditions, PIKO is looking optimistically at the 2026 financial year. An extensive new products program, the consistent expansion of the digital range and numerous new ideas form the basis for positive development.

For 2026, the Sonneberg-based model railway manufacturer is planning revenue growth of around 10 percent compared to the previous year. Domestic sales are expected to grow more strongly than export business. “We are entering 2026 with realistic optimism. Our goal is not growth at any price, but growth based on an attractive product range, a strong brand and close partnerships,” Landwehr continues.

In addition to the new products package, which has been very well received by the market so far, further intensification of marketing activities is intended to bring the topic of model railways more strongly into public perception and to win new customers for this fascinating hobby. A particular focus is placed on further strengthening cooperation with specialist model railway retailers as well as on the consistent expansion of successful B2C activities.
An additional highlight for all PIKO fans will be the “Tag der Offenen Tür” on 20 June 2026, which will take place for the 14th time at the Sonneberg site and is expected to once again attract more than 15,000 visitors to Sonneberg.

Attractive and versatile new products program

Of course, PIKO will once again present a particularly extensive and attractive new products program in 2026. PIKO Product Manager Matthias Fröhlich gave the attending guests an insight into the model program for 2026, traditionally released at the beginning of the year.

With more than 450 new products in the four gauges G, H0, TT and N, the program once again presents itself as extremely versatile and powerful.

For garden railway enthusiasts, PIKO has numerous highlights in store for 2026. Of particular importance is the 20th anniversary of PIKO Gauge G. Among the highlights is the dual-mode locomotive of Class 248, which will be released with a high level of detail, modern technology and powerful equipment.
The program is complemented by new steam locomotives of Classes 95 and 91.3 with factory-installed sound decoder, smoke generator and realistic lighting change. In addition, PIKO is expanding the range with a new color variant of the Class 221 diesel locomotive, optionally available in analog or digital versions with PSD-XP sound decoder.

Another highlight is the electric multiple unit “Gläserner Zug” of DB in Epoch III. In the area of control and technology, the program is expanded by the PIKO G-SmartControl_wlan as well as suitable booster and throttle solutions.

In the H0 range, PIKO once again presents a particularly wide variety of new products in 2026. One highlight is the classic electric locomotive E 19 of the Deutsche Bundesbahn. In addition, proven diesel locomotives such as Classes 215 and 290 are included, as well as international prototypes including the ČD Classes 110/210, the M44 class, the Danish MZ and the French CC 65000. The latter two models are developed and produced in cooperation with Märklin.
The steam locomotive segment is also enriched with newly tooled and further developed models, including the Tr12 of the Polish State Railways and new variants of Classes T9.3 and 62.

In the modern segment, new versions of Classes 151, 187 and 193 Vectron will be released, complemented by further variants of classic Bundesbahn electric locomotives such as 103, 110 and 139.

The program is rounded off by new railbus variants of Class 798 as well as a wide range of new freight and passenger cars.
In Gauge TT, PIKO will focus on both classics and modern vehicles in 2026. With the newly tooled tank steam locomotive Class 91.3, a true steam locomotive icon for Epoch III layouts will be released. The program is complemented by new variants of the electric locomotive Class 143.

In addition, PIKO offers further versions of the modern chemical tank wagon, including a chrome-look variant and various operator versions, thus ensuring varied train formations.

Model railway enthusiasts in Gauge N can also look forward to attractive new products. Highlights include the RegioShuttle RS1 / Class 650, enabling typical regional services on branch lines. The range is complemented by new color variants of classic diesel locomotives such as the V 200.1 and Class 216.
In addition, new freight and passenger cars will be released, including modern tank wagon variants, which meaningfully expand PIKO’s offering in the smallest scale.
With this carefully coordinated new products program, PIKO once again underlines its claim to continuously offer innovation, fidelity to the prototype and variety across all gauges, addressing both beginners and demanding model railway enthusiasts alike.

Future-oriented outlook

A visible sign of modernization and customer proximity is the new, modern customer center at the Sonneberg site. It not only increases service quality, but also underscores PIKO’s clear commitment to Germany as a location. This is complemented by close cooperation with the plant in Chashan, China, which strengthens the company’s international production expertise.

PIKO is increasingly focusing on younger target groups and new markets, without losing sight of its long-standing fans and collectors. Investments in digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence and modern work processes increase efficiency and open up new opportunities in development, production and service.

With this clear strategic orientation, PIKO demonstrates that tradition and innovation go hand in hand successfully – as the basis for sustainable growth, satisfied customers and future-proof corporate development.

PIKO Spielwaren GmbH

20/01/2026, Sonneberg