Automechanika Frankfurt organisers are introducing a number of new facets to the formula for its showcase event for the automotive aftermarket.

Most important is a focus on E-Mobility and Truck Competence, while practical training opportunities will also be in the spotlight this year.

“We cannot afford to sit back and depend on our past reputation to grow the show,” said Automechanika Director, Olaf Musshof in a recent online media conference. “We must innovate and continually listen to our customers. We must introduce what they want in terms of enhancing the value of our exhibition as the world’s premier trade fair for the automotive aftermarket.

“This year we are introducing two new focus areas which have been well-received by exhibitors and I am sure they will also have great appeal to our visitors. The transport industry is the lifeblood of many world economies and this is increasing the number of trucks in operation. These operators in turn have to look to the most efficient and cost effective methods of servicing and operating these trucks and buses. Hence our decision to launch Truck Competence which will offer a wide range of aftermarket products, as well as fleet management solutions,” added the Automechanika senior executive.

Exhibitors with products and services that fall within the ambit of Truck Competence will be listed in a special directory and will also have special identification on the stands themselves. There will also be many events for truck enthusiasts outside the exhibition halls. This will include a display of show trucks and race trucks of different kinds between Halls 9 and 11.

Truck Competence was included in the offering of an Automechanika trade fair for the first time in Dubai, earlier this year, and was an instant success. Musshof went on to say that E-Mobility is already a reality in many countries, with increasing numbers of electric and hybrid models coming to market. This will require specialised aftermarket support.

There will be E-Mobility displays outside on the Agora – a special display by Karabag, Linde and Still – while there will be further displays in and outside Hall 10 which have been organised by Messe Frankfurt and BEM e.V., a German Association in the field of E-Mobility. E-Mobility will also be a high profile topic at the aftermarket forum, where speakers will include a senior German government official.

The Galleria area is to be used for training this year, with seven workstations where practical training can be undertaken, with a big focus on body and paint. There will also be a station for practical training on servicing and repairing hybrid cars.

“Automechanika is a living brand and we cannot allow it to stagnate, so I am very proud at the way we have been able to increase the scope of our show this year to the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors,” concluded director Musshof.

Tags: aftermarket, Automechanika, Frankfurt