Automechanika will leverage its events around the globe to establish a new B2B network in the classic car sector. The effort will commence in Frankfurt in September, where more than 300 exhibitors will present classic car products in the trade fair’s Parts & Components, Diagnostics & Repair, and Body & Paint exhibition areas.
Various panel discussions and presentations featuring respected international industry identities will also occur. Discussion topics include:
- How to attract young people to the classic car industry and help them with training / qualifications
- Digital solutions deployment in the private customer segment
- How to ensure a successful business in future
According to Automechanika, demand for classic cars is a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing. Worldwide sales increased by an average of 8.8 per cent annually over the past four years, reaching a value of US$39.9 billion.
Olaf Musshoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, said properly equipped and staffed workshops are essential for the maintenance and restoration of classic vehicles. “At Automechanika in Frankfurt, interested workshops can network directly with the professionals in the classic car sector and share ideas on such important topics as parts procurement, trends and changes in the field, along with a variety of other relevant subjects like finding the right paintwork solutions. To make this possible, we are working with our partners and experienced experts to create a programme that has a lot to offer,” he said.
In addition to networking, training and professional development, the event will offer opportunities to see historical vehicles, with Italy’s world-class collector Corrado Lopresto to exhibit selected show cars, including award-winning vehicles. In addition, the first Rhine-Main Classic Rallye and its 100 participating classic and collectible cars will also visit the Frankfurt exhibition grounds, while there will also be exhibits for motorcycle fans.
AUTOMECHANIKA CLASSIC CAR PODCAST
To help exhibitors and visitors gear up for the event, Automechanika introduced a new platform – the Automechanika Classic Car podcast, which went online in March. Initiated and moderated by classic car expert Juergen Book, the new Automechanika format is supported by trade journal FML and its Editor-in-Chief, Wolfgang Auer.
Every month, the podcast will feature classic car enthusiasts who visitors can meet in person at Automechanika Frankfurt. The podcast’s six episodes will focus on topics such as business models, challenges and visions, as well as personal anecdotes.
The roster of guests includes Ande Votteler and his successor, Dennis Kissling, who believe that vehicles should be left as close to their original state as possible. In an episode of the podcast they also report on how they successfully managed the handover of their business to the next generation.
Other podcast guests include Mike Kastrop and Pauline Louwman from the Netherlands whose Talents4Classic foundation helps young people deal with difficulties encountered when entering the classic car industry. “While working together on historical vehicles, we want to inspire talented young people, revealing new perspectives and helping to build their confidence,” said Kastrop.
In another episode, Tobias Reichle and Florian Urbitsch, Managing Directors of the Nationalen Automuseums – The Loh Collection, will discuss the origins of their world-class museum and how a professional development concept for classic car experts supplemented their mission.
The list of podcast guests also includes Wolfgang Henseler, Professor for Intermedia Design, Managing Creative Director at the Sensory Minds agency, race car driver, and a passionate classic car fan; and Robert Mueller who works with his newly established Clubrebellen consulting agency to free the classic car business of its musty image.
Additionally, representatives from Eucon Group will tell how they expanded their global automotive data portfolio to include information about classic and collectible cars. This includes technical specifications, component groups, and spare parts, as well as where they can be obtained.
All of the podcast episodes, which will initially be created in German with English possibly to come, will be made available at automechanika-classics.com, as well as on Spotify, Amazon Music and Castbox.