Automechanika Kuala Lumpur organiser Messe Frankfurt (HK) says the show’s return has revived a sense of business vitality in the automotive industry. Exhibitor numbers in 2023 rose by 13 per cent to 330 from 17 countries and regions compared to the previous show, while visitors jumped by 46 per cent to 10,267.
Sixteen strategic and industry partners provided a wide range of showcases, resources, and knowledge, cementing co-operation with the show to promote Malaysia’s prosperous automotive industry.
The show also attracted buyers from 76 countries and regions such as Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and Vietnam. Additionally, 24 local and overseas supporting bodies brought their networks to Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, offering an assembly point for six association meetings.
“It is great to see that the market is bouncing back in such a dynamic and active way,” said Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK). “Thanks to our close-knit network, we were able to recognise how global trends are taking shape in the region and communicate them in easily accessible ways.
“The main feedback we had from participants was that the rapid rate of advancement has led to assessing products and supply chains more regularly to meet ongoing consumer needs and ensure cost-efficient operational models. Because of this, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur offered an ideal platform for collaboration and trade. Likewise, having the advantage of attracting car owners to the show meant we extended the conversation one step further by putting buyers and suppliers directly in front of end-users.”
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur was held over 11,071 square metres at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (halls 1 to 5 and 7C). Covering the passenger and commercial vehicle markets, the show highlighted three major segments with huge growth potential from the rise of digitalisation and electrification – the Electric Vehicle, Auto Service and Maintenance, and the Commercial Vehicle. According to Messe Frankfurt (HK), the zones were popular, with exhibitors saying that buyers were focused and clear in their needs.
The Collision Repair Training Workshop was also popular, gathering more than 200 attendees. Sessions were highly praised as trainers applied theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. Many also appreciated that the course included emerging topics for electric vehicle repair and maintenance. For instance, ZF covered high voltage systems, Launch and Leng Kee Auto Academy touched on ADAS calibration, Celette discussed measuring systems, and Alientech spoke about ECU repair and tuning.
“This is my second time attending as there are not many professional courses in Kuantan where my workshop is based,” said Michelle Leong, Manager of Hoi Keen Auto Spray. “I brought along a few employees as I would like them to know how to repair and maintain electric vehicles safely. In-between sessions, I also explored exhibitor booths as I intend to upgrade our equipment based on the topics discussed. Aside from the hands-on training, the marketing and corporate culture session was very interesting. It made me think about some new ways to engage staff. The speaker, a local celebrity in our field, spoke about feasible ways to integrate social media into our communication channels.”
Chia See Yong, General Manager of Launch Future, said visitor traffic to his booth was very strong. “Many were interested in our electric vehicle scanners and solutions for ADAS calibration. Therefore, it was pleasing to have buyers place orders during the show. Electric vehicles are undoubtedly one of the biggest trends creating new demands for automotive services and maintenance equipment.
“With this in mind, training mechanics on repairing and maintaining electric cars is fundamental, and I believe Automechanika Kuala Lumpur can support this development. The combination of the EV Zone and Collision Repair Training Workshop helped introduce the technologies underpinning market transformation.”
Italian exhibitor Marco Trupiano, Managing Director of My Supercar Expert, said: “Over the past three days, I have had many productive business conversations with visitors from Malaysia as well as Australia, Bangladesh, Singapore, the UK, and all over South-East Asia in general. My company provides the knowledge, support, and devices for fixing European cars, as everyone has the right to repair them instead of relying on OEMs. There is definitely a niche in South-East Asia for this, so we joined the fair to create a presence in the aftermarket amongst independent workshops and car owners.”
The next edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will take place from 8 to 10 May 2025, incorporating new themes such as motorsport and high-performance technologies.