By Mark Phillips
Automechanika Frankfurt 2016 kicked off Tuesday with an overview of the biggest trends in the automotive aftermarket, namely technology.
Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, the show organizer, told the official show daily newspaper that connectivity, automated driving and mobility services are the trending topics at this year’s show.
“Many of our exhibitors are presenting products and concepts that meet customer needs and vehicle requirements with increasing efficiency and individualization because they are automated and virtualized in parts,” he said.
Braun credits the show’s continuing success, in part, to the promotion of internationalism. “The number of visitor nations has kept on rising, and has reached a record level of around 170 countries. Our trade fair is known all over the world, and it stands for a whole country’s strength for innovation, for consistent brand management and sustainable brand marketing.”
Recipients of the Automechanika Innovation Award were recognized during Tuesday morning’s opening ceremony. The winners, with their respective categories, are:
Category: Parts & Components
Robert Bosch GmbH with M Li-ion motorcycle battery (12 V starter battery LTX12-BS)
Category: Electronics & Systems
ON BOARD DEFENCE with PORTECTOR
Category: Accessories & Customizing
Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH with WinterContact TS 850 P with “Taraxagum” dandelion rubber
Category: Repair & Diagnostics
NGK Spark Plug Europe GmbH with NCEM (NTK Compact Emission Meter)
Category: Repair & Maintenance
Corghi S.p.A. with UNIFORMITY
Category: Management & Digital Solutions
AVL DiTEST GmbH with AVL DiTEST Smart Service 4.0
Category: Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning
WashTec Cleaning Technology GmbH with MultiFlex side brush
Category: OE Products & Services
VALEO with Valeo SCALA laser scanner
If you’ve not attended Automechanika in Frankfurt before, a biennial show, it can feel like a family reunion. Many familiar faces that are seen at AAPEX are also seen around Frankfurt. And while AAPEX is held in one – albeit large – building, Automechanika is held throughout roughly 26 buildings and levels throughout the massive Messe Frankfurt complex, both inside the trade halls and in massive parking lots.
At a glance, Automechanika covers:
- Management and digital solutions – covering things like car dealership/gas station concepts and designs, franchise concepts, shop marketing
- Parts and components – powertrain, chassis, bodywork, hard parts
- Repair and maintenance – workshop equipment and tools
- Accessories and customizing – accessories of all types for motor vehicles
- Car wash, care and reconditioning – washing, vehicle care and detailing
- Electronics and systems – engine electronics, on-board electrical systems
Much like at AAPEX in Las Vegas, the organizers of Automechanika have intellectual property experts on-hand to assist exhibitors that lodge complaints against purported intellectual property theft as well as an emergency service that provides legal help for companies that believe their protected product ideas are being stolen.
On Tuesday, the first day of the show was hot, to say the least. Many showgoers had ditched their suit jackets due to the rising temps sweeping through Germany and other parts of Europe.
The show continues through Saturday.
