Finally, the international automotive aftermarket is getting back together in Frankfurt: from 13 to 17 September 2022 and then in even-numbered years. Numerous leading companies from over 60 countries have already confirmed their participation. Recent statements by major industry players have underscored Automechanika’s significance as the sector’s most important international meeting place. The Automechanika Innovation Awards have received a record number of submissions. And in-person networking is more important than ever, with additional networking lounges now available. Other areas of focus: automotive logistics, sustainability, training, professional development and recruiting.
Be it electromobility, connectivity, autonomous driving or digital solutions for workshops and car dealerships, manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive aftermarket have a wealth of new products and innovations on tap for the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt. Olaf Mußhoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, is delighted with the positive feedback from the sector: “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.”
No other trade fair covers the entire value chain of the automotive aftermarket like Automechanika Frankfurt. An international Who’s Who of the industry gets together at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. Companies such as Modula, G3, Peruzzo, Fabbri, Koni, Mc Guard, Edco, MF Transportsysteme, Climair, EAL, Tradekar, Gianso, Oto Konak and Gleddring will be showcasing product innovations in the Accessories & Customizing category. In the Body & Paint area in Hall 11, companies including BASF Coatings, Chemicar Europe, Mipa, SATA and ZKF (German Association for Bodywork and Vehicle Technology) will be presenting their products and services.
Exhibitors in the Car Wash & Care area include Otto Christ, Alfred Kärcher, Colourlock, AVW equipment, Interpump, Lavorwash, Comet, Innovative Chemicals, Koch Chemie, Washalia, MaFra and Soft99. The Diagnostics & Repair category features numerous companies showcasing their newest solutions, including MAHA, Snap-on, Blitz Rotary, Texa, Nexion Corghi Group, Hunter, Abrites, Hella, Robert Bosch, Mahle, ZDK (German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs), Rhinomotive, Dometic Waeco, Autocom, Carbon Zapp, Autel Intelligent (CN), Würth, DAT, Celette France, Solera, Carbon, Prodyver, CTP GmbH, LiquiMoly, ROWE and RAVENOL. HaynesPro, GTÜ, soft-nrg and other well-known companies from Germany and abroad will be presenting new solutions for Dealer & Workshop Management at the trade fair.
The entire spectrum of Parts & Components for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles will be presented by companies such as BPW Bergische Achsen, Jost-Werke, A.B.S. All Brakes Systems, Meyle, ElringKlinger, NTN-SNR, MS Motorservice, Heinrich Eibach, DVSE-Topmotive, Schaeffler and Continental Aftermarket. Osram, Clarios and Lumileds are among the companies showing off their latest developments in the Electronics & Connectivity area.
Recent statements by major industry players have underscored Automechanika’s importance as the sector’s international meeting place. Peter Wagner, Managing Director Continental Aftermarket & Services GmbH, explained: “There is no doubt that 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!” There will also be new players at this year’s event. Oliver Klinck, Managing Director, CEO eBay Germany: “As the leading online marketplace for car parts and accessories, eBay is delighted to be presenting the E-Commerce Lounge at Automechanika for the first time this year.” More industry insights and exhibitor statements can be found at automechanika.com/statements.
Today more than ever, the focus is on innovations and trends, and it’s not just the exhibitors’ stands where these can be found. The ‘Innovation4Mobility’ showcase presents pioneering solutions for connected vehicles and climate-neutral mobility. Another highlight: the products honoured by the Automechanika Innovation Awards. More products have been nominated this year than ever before. Show Director Olaf Mußhoff: “This sends a strong signal and shows just how innovative the industry is – something that is especially important with the current situation.” Mußhoff is also planning a forum focusing on automotive supply chain management, an area in which the industry urgently needs greater dialogue and new ideas.
Attracting young people and talents of all ages to the automotive aftermarket is another area where action is needed. That is why the fair’s management has put training, professional development and recruiting at the top of the agenda. Special events for pupils and newcomers are planned, as are accident repair management workshops and training for professionals. The industry’s new ‘Talents4AA’ initiative will be shining a spotlight on employment and career opportunities at the fair.
Sustainability is another area of focus. This is the second time that Automechanika will be hosting ‘Remanufacturing Day’. The event, which is held in collaboration with the international Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), takes place on 14 September and features experts presenting the latest developments in remanufacturing and the circular economy. The topic will also be present in the exhibition halls, with a special green remanufacturing logo identifying those exhibitors offering products and services in this area.
At the FIA Smart Driving Challenge sub-event sponsored by Automechanika that takes place in advance of the trade fair, the focus is on driving in the most sustainable and resource-conserving manner possible. Anyone who drives and also owns a smartphone is free to participate. The goal is to collect as many points as possible through intelligent and environmentally friendly driving – the winner will be honoured at Automechanika Frankfurt.
There will be nine Automechanika trade fairs in all this year, with four in June alone.