Heading to Automechanika
If you are into automotive servicing, parts or accessories, the bi-annual Automechanika Frankfurt at Messe Frankfurt is the place to be. This is the largest show covering the industry, and it is hard to comprehend the size unless you go.
Motor Equipment News has been lucky enough to attend the show a number of times. To cover it all you need at least three days, and that’s just to get around without much stopping and talking.
Obviously those in the industry will focus on their specific area (say workshop equipment), but will then need time to meet with potential or current partners in the palatial offices and catering facilities that many of the exhibitors build into their stand.
This year’s event runs from Tuesday September 16 through Saturday September 20. The last show in 2012 had a record 4,597 exhibitors from 74 countries, and around 148,000 visitors from 176 countries and covered 305,000 sq.m of space (about 75 acres).
The whole ASB Showground’s would fit in the floor space of one hall, and many have multiple stories plus some walking between each hall – main tip: take comfortable shoes!
This year one of the key themes is in Hall 10, which is themed “Mobility of the Future”, looking at alternative drive trains.
Olaf Musshoff, director, Automechanika Frankfurt comments: “Naturally, hybrid and e-vehicles will be on show, as will vehicles with other alternative fuel systems, such as hydrogen and gas. However, they are not the focal point. Instead, the emphasis will be on technology, as always at Automechanika.”
Apart from this, exhibits cover automotive parts and systems, both OEM and aftermarket, accessories and tuning, repair and maintenance (especially tools and workshop equipment), with a large refinishing section, IT and management, and the service station and car wash sectors.
There will be at least two Kiwi exhibitors there in Proform Plastics and Airplex Industries, plus we understand one or two more.
Motor Equipment News will be attending, so look out for coverage in October and November issues.
More details are available at www. automechanika.messefrankfurt.com