Expectations for this year’s edition of Automechanika Shanghai are high following last year’s record breaking show, hailed as the most successful in its history. The show is scheduled to take place from 28 November to 1 December at the NECC in Shanghai, and the entire automotive world is preparing for one of the most important dates on the industry’s calendar.
This year, exhibition space is estimated to reach 350,000 sqm. Within the show’s halls, an expected 6250 exhibitors will cross paths with over 140,000 trade visitors. A growing number of participants in 2018 will represent the show’s stronger spotlight on various trends and advancements which are now becoming abundant across the industry, namely within the sphere of digital automotive innovations.
Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility – New for 2018
As one of the hottest topics for players across multiple industry sectors, show organisers said advancements in digitalisation are coming thick and fast. The likes of autonomous driving, car connectivity, electromobility and advanced systems all play a crucial role in moulding the future of the industry, and organisers said Automechanika Shanghai echoes this evolution in terms of visitors’ sourcing needs, exhibitors’ product developments and even with the show’s collection of fringe events.
Demonstrating the show’s strengthened emphasis on digital trends is the new area for ‘Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility’, which has been established in collaboration with the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce.
The area will feature the five most essential elements of car connectivity through exhibits, forums and interactive activities for private and public transportation. These are:
- People: This area will focus specifically on in-car well-being, including the latest interior electronics for improved safety, personal entertainment and driver comfort
- Vehicle: Visitors can explore several on-site car demonstrations, with a host of electric vehicles on display to bring the show’s connectivity concepts to life
- Road: The area will also promote infrastructure of connected roads for autonomous driving, and will also look at the standards and regulations of more developed countries
- Network: A number of leading international network and IT providers will gather in this area, demonstrating how connectivity continues to bridge the automotive sector with the online world
- Cloud: Data management will be a key aspect here, allowing visitors to explore the ways in which car connectivity data can enhance fleet management, car sharing, and smart cities
Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility also covers several aspects of new energy vehicle innovations, such as electric controls, charging infrastructure, battery technology, vehicle components and testing equipment. At the same time, various other industry sectors will demonstrate how these digital trends are filtering into many automotive markets. This includes the Parts & Components and Accessories & Customising sectors, as well as the Repair & Maintenance and Electronics & Systems sectors.
Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of show organiser Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, emphasised how Automechanika Shanghai continues to walk alongside the industry’s ever-changing trends.
“We have been lucky enough to witness a shift in attitude for automotive manufacturing in recent years. The industry’s ‘blue sky’ concepts are now a thing of the past, with the vast majority of innovations in digitalisation and connectivity coming to fruition across multiple sectors.
“The show’s representation of the entire supply chain, on top of its ability to attract the biggest names from around the world, allows us to represent this evolution in the most effective way possible,” she added.