Automechanika Shanghai 2024 marked its 20th anniversary with a monumental event at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from Dec. 2-5, breaking records for both exhibitor and visitor participation.
The show attracted 222,341 visitors from 181 countries and regions, a 20% increase over last year, and 6,763 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions, reflecting a similar growth. The event spanned 350,000 square meters of exhibition space and featured 81 special programs, 17 international pavilions, and approximately 300 million livestream views.
Celebrating two decades of success
“For 20 years, Automechanika Shanghai has continued to create channels for collaboration and communication. This year, the increase of participation, along with high levels of internationalism, reflects the growing status and deeper integration of the Chinese automotive industry with international markets,” said Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. She noted that the event remains committed to adapting to industry trends and fostering cooperation between domestic and international markets.
Li Zhang, General Manager of China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd, highlighted the show’s focus on sustainability and innovation. “The show delivered on its idea of innovation and transformation towards a sustainable future throughout the week. Sustainable technologies were at the forefront of the show through the fringe program events and special zones.” She noted that the Chinese market is on track to reach 31 million total vehicle sales and 11.5 million new energy vehicle sales in 2024.
Record-breaking participation
The trade show saw 6,763 exhibitors, including key international names such as BASF, Borgwarner, Bosch, Brembo, Continental, Dana, Forvia Hella, Goodyear, Hitachi Astemo, Niterra, SDS, Sensata, Total Energies, TUNAP, YAKIMA and ZF (See my interview with ZF Aftermarket’s Philippe Colpron . Domestic exhibitors included Autel, Bright, CALB, Horizon Robotics and Shedrive. The event also featured 17 international pavilions representing countries like Germany, Japan, the U.S. and the UK.
Visitor numbers soared to 222,341, a 20% increase from the previous year, with 28% of attendees coming from overseas. Top overseas visitor sources included Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Turkey, among others. The show’s global appeal further emphasized its role as a gateway into the automotive industry.
Michael J. Wen, Head of Asia Pacific Marketing and Government at Dana Management (Shanghai) Co Ltd, praised the event: “While our company is steady, innovative, and collaborative, Automechanika Shanghai has been exceptional, showcasing top-tier participants, and diverse offerings that exceeded our expectations,” Wen said. “The lively activity at our booth reflects the exhibition’s prominent position in the industry, gathering key players from across the industry chain and facilitating engagement with leading domestic and international brands.”
James Yang, Senior Marketing Manager at Star Charge, said, “Our participation in the Changzhou pavilion at Automechanika Shanghai surpassed all hopes. The pavilion presented an overview of a new energy vehicle supply chain and support system. Approximately 30 percent of visitors at our booth were from overseas coming to learn about Star Charge and our energy initiatives.”
Sector highlights and innovations
The Parts & Components sector featured 3,540 exhibitors showcasing products from top global companies. Bosch, ZF and Continental unveiled advancements like thermal management systems, Sachs Air Struts, and ATE SecuBrake. Emerging players like ARN, Feilong and Qingling Motors also debuted at the show.
The New Energy & Connectivity sector debuted in Hall 5.1 with 477 exhibitors presenting innovations like hydrogen fuel cells, LiDAR technology and electric drive solutions. Companies such as Shedrive, Hubei Science Technology, and HESAI led the charge in this growing field. Olivia Zhang, Head of Marketing and Online Sales Department at Aokly Group, said, “Our booth has been very busy, attracting potential high-quality customers, particularly from Southeast Asia and Central Asia. This year’s exhibition focused heavily on technology, featuring numerous forums on new energy innovations. This provided valuable insights into the latest advancements from vehicle manufacturers, which will guide our technical research.”
In the Accessories and Customising sectors, BOP introduced a dual-core energy-gathering solar film, while Idemitsu showcased electric vehicle care solutions. The Diagnostics & Repair / Body & Paint sectors highlighted solutions from Launch and BESITA, including the first domestic AI diagnostic equipment for new energy vehicles. Nicky Ma, Vice President (Sales) of GYS China, said, “Automechanika Shanghai is a highly professional exhibition that showcases the automotive industry’s development and connects us with global customers.”
Comprehensive programs, more than 400 speakers
The event hosted 81 programs featuring more than 400 speakers from companies and institutions like Geely, SAIC Motor, Tongji University and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). Topics included internationalization, digitalization, talent development, and sustainability.
Paul McCarthy, President & CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, spoke in Shanghai for the Automotive Aftermarket Summit 2024, held adjacent to Automechanika Shanghai.
“I discussed how trade has transformed our industry, focusing on shifting patterns, the aftermarket’s adaption, and China’s strengths in these areas,” McCarthy said. “The aftermarket now thrives on innovation, collaboration and technology, with trade shows playing a crucial role in fostering partnerships. Automechanika Shanghai highlights challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the demand for knowledge and connection.”
Cameron McLachlan, Commercial Director and Publisher at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), said, “The evolution of electric vehicles and hybrid drivetrain technology has been an important shift for the automotive industry. China is at the forefront of this growth and technological advancement.”
Zichao Zheng, Vice Chairman of the Fujian Automobile Components Trade Association, added: “Our members need to stay informed about the latest new energy components, and we are pleased to see that the exhibition has dedicated a specific area to showcase these products. The organisers have also arranged a series of concurrent events focused on new energy, allowing us to hear from industry experts and network.”
Special events included the “Walk for Nature,” which logged 100 million steps and resulted in donations for community tree planting. Motorsports fans enjoyed the “Quest for a Racing Master” contest, which featured professional teams and nearly 260 contestants.
The next edition of Automechanika Shanghai will take place Nov. 26-29, 2025. The show is organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd (Sinomachint).
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