The UK’s largest automotive trade exhibition, Automechanika Birmingham, has announced an expanded body and paint programme with new products for the sector, the launch of the National Paint Championships, and new training opportunities.
Taking place from 6 to 8 June at the NEC, the event will be the first Automechanika Birmingham since 2019.
Organisers says attendees will see some of the latest product launches for the repair industry, including a new spray gun from Walcom, PartsXchange’s app for buying and selling parts, new ProXL curing products, and MasterFlo’s latest curing system and automatic mobile catalytic IR dryer.
Exhibitors include Anest Iwata, Sata, PPG, Teroson, Indasa Abrasives, Wayne B, Flex, ProXL, MasterFlo UK, Walcom UK, Sagola UK, Mipa Paints, Opus IVS UK / Europe, LKQ Bodyshop Division (UK and ROI), Capelec, and the NBRA.
Show features include workshop, EV and body shop hubs providing technical training and demonstrations, while leading conferences for aftermarket, supply chain, and talent and skills will offer the latest news and advice from the sectors.
The Bodyshop Training Hub, presented by renowned industry experts, will provide body shop professionals with the latest updates, advice and technical innovations. Themes include ADAS, body repair, EV repair, paint, refinishing and BS10125 standards.
New for 2023, Collision Repair Live will host leading UK suppliers demonstrating paint and spray guns, polishing, plastic repair, dent pulling, welding and more. Another new element, Paint & Spray Live, provided by MasterFlo UK, will provide paint and spray demonstrations in the show’s fully ventilated spray booth.
In another new component of the show, UK Detailing Academy, presented by Detailing Hub Live, will host practical demonstrations and discuss the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
During the National Paint Championships, eight finalists will design a vehicle bonnet in a bid to win the coveted title. The design must be executed to the highest standards but not exceed 50 hours in total to produce.
Using the theme Mobility Royale, the bonnets will be on display during the show with the winner to be announced in a live ceremony on 6 June.
The judging panel consists of six experts from within the body shop industry, including Rachel Murray, finisher and owner of Paint by Rach; Michael Massey, Global Paint Finishing Platform Application Engineer for the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division; Simon Wait, Head Of Editorial at Bodyshop Magazine; Jordan Salt, Managing Director of R+R Coatings; Sunny Yip, Car Body Repair Technician of Auto Spray; and Craig Bourke, The Specky Painter.
Additionally, the public is invited to vote for their favourite design for the People’s Choice Award.
All finalists are automatically included in both the National Paint Champion and People’s Choice categories, and the National Paint Champion will be invited to attend Automechanika Frankfurt in 2024.