The upcoming 15th edition of Automechanika Shanghai is set to take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) on 3 to 6 December 2019 (Tuesday to Friday). The show expects to host over 6,270 exhibitors across the impressive 350,000 sqm of exhibition space, which will occupy the venue’s current exhibition area. A growing number of special sectors, zones and fringe programme events will amplify many of the latest advancements and rising trends throughout numerous areas of the industry.
Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “Over the past 14 editions, Automechanika Shanghai has continued to thrive alongside Asia’s automotive industry; China has now become the world’s largest auto market. When the show first opened its doors back in 2004, it hosted just 235 exhibitors and 9,000 visitors. In 2018, a staggering 150,568 visitors filtered through every corner of the NECC. It has continued to embrace change and nurtured development by way of new themes and elements. Looking to the future, we plan to collaborate further with research institutes, universities, industry organisations, finance and insurance firms, and the wider automotive community, so that we can work together and advance the fair’s automotive ecosystem.”
Developing an automotive ecosystem
Automechanika Shanghai will echo the progressing concept of the automotive ecosystem. The developing term comes as a result of rapid advancements in the industry that are currently remapping the automotive value chain. It zooms in on the concept of connectivity; not just through emerging technology, but also the notion of networks and knowledge sharing. As a result, Automechanika Shanghai will place more focus on digitalisation, future technologies and services, as well as shaping more opportunities in the fringe programme, to work closer with research institutes and the wider auto community.
Digital trends spark new opportunities
The Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility sector will, once again, become a central area of the fair to demonstrate the show’s strengthened ability for emphasising digital trends and connectivity. As such, the sector shines a light on communication between the vehicle, infrastructure, pedestrians and networks. With this in mind, exhibitors will cover the latest innovations for electromobility, intelligent vehicle technology, car connectivity, mobility services, as well as lightweight materials and more.
The evolving supply chain and aftermarket
The automotive service sector continues to be one of the most important aspects of the fair, as many maturing automotive markets, like China, are becoming more established. The rise of China’s automotive aftermarket will bring forward new business opportunities to its underlying sectors and will rely on the continuous smart transformation of the supply chain. On account of this, the Supply Chain and Chain Store zone returns to address many of the changing needs in the transforming local auto market.
Customisation continues to soar
Customisation is another area that is seeing a steady progression. Sitting side-by-side, Customising will span across Hall 6.2 and 7.2, to cover an expansive total of 44,000 sqm of space. The sector is set to include the latest trends for exterior, interior and high-performance customisation. It will feature sport exhaust systems, sport air filters, and sport chassis, as well as engine tuning, audio modification, seats, recreational vehicles (RV) and off-road vehicle modification. Personalisation will also be a key element in the sector with interior design, body work elements, car wrapping, spray painting, and airbrush systems on display.
Additionally, the automotive lighting industry has undergone a new wave of transformation. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED), laser and intelligent lights have led to more creative and technological innovation throughout the sector.
In addition to the Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility and Customising sectors, the exhibition will host thousands of other exhibitors across five other product categories. Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Accessories, Repair & Maintenance and REIFEN (Tyres & Wheels) will offer comprehensive coverage of the entire supply chain.