Messe Frankfurt says companies from more than 60 countries will attend this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt exhibition from 13 to 17 September. According to Messe Frankfurt, more than 80 per cent of exhibitors are from outside of Germany.
The Body & Paint section will again be hosted in Hall 11, with many of the world’s leading paint, equipment and consumables manufacturers and suppliers scheduled to appear.
Olaf Musshoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, said he is delighted with the positive feedback from industry. “I look forward to seeing numerous international key players and trade visitors from all over the world back here in Frankfurt. It is a long-awaited opportunity to do business in person and enjoy an up-close experience of new products and live presentations. We have created new formats for the occasion and put important trend topics on the agenda,” Musshoff said.
Peter Wagner, Managing Director of Continental Aftermarket & Services, said there is no doubt Automechanika is the industry’s leading trade fair. “This is where strategic discussions are held at the highest level, something that is finally possible again. That’s important, because the aftermarket is changing faster than ever. Whether it’s connectivity, data access, e-mobility, or sustainability, there is a lot to talk about.”
The event will also host the Automechanika Innovation Awards, with Messe Frankfurt saying more products have been nominated this year than ever before. “This sends a strong signal and shows just how innovative the industry is, something that is especially important with the current situation,” Musshoff said.
Musshoff is also planning a forum focusing on automotive supply chain management, an area he said urgently needs greater dialogue and new ideas.
To address the labour shortage and attract people to the automotive aftermarket, event management has put training, professional development, and recruiting at the top of the agenda. Special events such as accident repair management workshops and training for professionals are planned, while the industry’s new ‘Talents4AA’ initiative will shine a spotlight on employment and career opportunities.
Automechanika Frankfurt will also host ‘Remanufacturing Day’ on 14 September in collaboration with the international Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA). The event will feature experts presenting the latest developments in remanufacturing and the circular economy. There will also be a special green remanufacturing logo in exhibition halls identifying exhibitors offering products and services in this area.
The FIA Smart Driving Challenge sub-event, sponsored by Automechanika will take place in advance of the trade fair. The challenge focuses on driving in the most sustainable and resource-conserving manner possible, with the goal to collect as many points as possible through intelligent and environmentally friendly driving. Anyone who owns a smartphone and drives can participate for free, with the winner to be honoured at Automechanika Frankfurt.