Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 is garnering significant attention, with registrations for the event surpassing previous levels by 20 percent, show organizer Messe Frankfurt announced. In addition, the next major trade show, Automechanika Shanghai, set for Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2023, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, will feature at least 5,600 exhibitors.
Automechanika Frankfurt, scheduled for Sept. 10-14, 2024, is set to spotlight transformation and sustainability in the automotive industry. Industry leaders have committed to presenting products and solutions that align with these themes, particularly in the areas of aftermarket and original equipment. The event will introduce new formats to encourage discussions and networking around key topics such as circular economy, electromobility, alternative fuels, connectivity and artificial intelligence in cars.
“We are experiencing a lot of demand for stand enlargements and are especially pleased that some renowned companies are back on board after a longer break,” said Olaf Mußhoff, Show Director for Automechanika Frankfurt. Those companies include Borsehung, Exedy, Marelli Aftermarket, Niterra, SKF, Sogefi and Trucktec in the parts and components product area; 3M, Axalta, PPG and Spanesi for body and paint; Sonax for the trend topic of detailing ; and Airbest Industry, Cormach, OMCN, Rabotti, Rotar Marchinery Industrial for workshop equipment.
The Sustainability Court in Hall 5 will serve as a platform for automotive stakeholders to showcase and discuss sustainable solutions. The Future Mobility Park will offer visitors a hands-on experience with alternative drive systems and future mobility solutions.
The upcoming Sustainability Day event in Bologna on Nov. 17, 2023, held around Futurmotive: Expo & Talks, in Bologna, Italy, highlights the collaborative efforts within the industry, as initiated by the Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability (FAAS). FAAS was launched as an initiative at Automechanika Frankfurt 2022. “With FAAS, we are now reaching an important milestone,” said Frank Schlehuber, Senior Consultant Market Affairs at CLEPA. “Suppliers and the parts trade are bundling their activities in a newly founded non-profit international association that represents and supports the automotive aftermarket on the path to sustainable business processes. The Sustainability Day offers the opportunity to learn from experts and build long-term networks that will drive the industry forward in terms of sustainability in the coming years.”
Philippe Colpron, who leads ZF Aftermarket, highlighted the significance of global collaborations that can be found at Automechanika Frankfurt.
“We must strike a balance between being locally rooted and globally connected,” Colpron said. “At the same time, we need to foster innovative partnerships to address the evolving landscape of Next Generation Mobility, characterized by CASES megatrends (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electrified, Sustainable). The aftermarket sector demands fresh business models, enhanced service concepts, and a deeper understanding of customer expectations. Our pursuit of Zero Emissions, Zero Accidents, and Zero Downtime for every kilometer driven, while also creating sustainable growth opportunities for the aftermarket, can only be realized through collaborative efforts with our partners, for today and tomorrow.”
“We see us as a driving force in the challenge of making the aftermarket fit for e-mobility. In doing so, we focus on our customers’ need for economical and future-proof repair solutions,” said Jens Schüler, CEO Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket
About Automechanika Shanghai, Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt, said, “All 10 Automechanika trade fairs in 2023 far exceeded our expectations. Automechanika Shanghai will soon be the grand finale. China plays a pioneering role in the automotive industry as a center for research, development and production. This becomes clear just by looking at the topics of around 60 events that will take place during the four days of the trade fair.”
In other Automechanika news, Messe Frankfurt announced that Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will transition to an annual event starting 2024, responding to industry demand and Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.
The event, previously biennial, has been pivotal in connecting Malaysia with global markets for over two decades. The next edition is scheduled for Aug. 1-3, 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“The decision for Automechanika Kuala Lumpur to become an annual event was based on feedback from government bodies, industry associations, exhibitors and visitors,” said Fiona Chiew, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd’s General Manager. “Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 was a reoccurring theme in our extensive discussions, where the EV sector is set to play a critical role over the medium to long term. Therefore, with all corners of our network converging at the show, I believe we can navigate these changes together.”
The announcement was made at an event attended by representatives from government agencies, industry associations, media, and key figures in the Malaysian automotive sector. This change underscores a global trend towards sustainability and technological innovation in mobility and logistics.
Recent market developments, including Proton’s Memorandum of Agreement with Smart Automobile for local EV assembly and Tesla’s introduction of several models in Malaysia, signify the region’s rising prominence in the automotive industry. BYD’s partnership with Sime Darby Motors further demonstrates Malaysia’s potential as a regional hub.
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will intensify its focus on marketing, training, information exchange and business networking. The show aims to reflect the rapid evolution of the automotive industry, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and strengthening ASEAN connections.
The 2024 edition will feature specialized zones focusing on auto parts, manufacturing, accessories, repair and maintenance. These include the new Mobility & Logistics Solutions Zone, the Commercial Vehicle & Fleet Zone, and the Auto Repair, Maintenance & Care / Accessories & Customising Zone. Each zone will host events promoting industry-wide discussions in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
The show’s broader appeal is evident in its varied fringe events, such as autoFEST@KL, featuring a range of activities including the Auto NITZ Music Party and DIY Workshops. The upcoming event will also expand the EMMA Malaysia showcase, highlighting motorsports and classic cars.
For more details:
Automechanika Shanghai
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur
Automechanika Frankfurt
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