Automechanika Shanghai 2016 held an extensive list of top-notch industry events over its four-day show, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. According to the organizers, it has become the annual go-to event for information exchange, marketing, trading and education within the international and Chinese markets for automotive professionals. Unique fringe program events also add value to the four main industry sectors: parts and components, electronics and systems, repair and maintenance and accessories and customizing.
The past 11 editions of Automechanika Shanghai have earned the show a reputation for being a highly professional trade fair with high-quality products, globally-recognized brands and an ever-increasingly diverse fringe program. The show organizers say the events held during the show are meticulously chosen as modern and time-sensitive automotive industry issues. Recognizing the automotive needs of today, finding solutions plaguing the modern vehicle and presenting the developing trends in the industry are the objectives of the fringe program events being held.
In addition, new this year was an award ceremony for Chinese auto parts and components suppliers. In collaboration with the Auto Business Review and Betone Business Consulting Co., Automechanika Shanghai presented the “Ling Xuan Award – China Automotive Parts & Components Annual Contribution Award.” This award promotes and encourages innovative R&D results by Chinese auto parts and components suppliers. Highlighting these outstanding suppliers, the award aims to boost communication, networking and cooperation between manufacturers and local auto parts and components suppliers. It also enhances suppliers’ attention on R&D, connecting them with automotive manufacturers, thus expanding business internationally.
Broad list of business and brand-building events held this year
Organizers of Automechanika Shanghai constantly aim to boost the show and offer new events focusing on the latest technologies and programs within industry sectors. As a result, the show has become one of the best platforms for developing business and building brands within the automotive network. In addition, Automechanika Shanghai also is a prime location for information and technology exchange, becoming educated or instructing others about the latest developments in the industry and providing an optimal environment for marketing brands and new products through the extensive list of fringe program events.
Collaborating with many industry associations, leading enterprises and professional media, the extensive network of the organizers allowed for several topics to be discussed during the four-day show, including new changes and compositions of the industry developments. In addition, policy and industry market influences on supply chain management, channel transformation, industry differentiation and integration were examined.
These events provided opportunities to deepen exchange of information and promote the overall transformation and upgrading within the industry. Events included the AIAG Auto Parts Purchasing Leadership and Suppliers Summit, which is co-organized with the Automotive Industry Action Group, where several leading suppliers will be invited to the event, including purchasing department representatives and management from Borg Warner, Bosch, Delphi, Federal Mogul, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Johnson Controls, Lear, Magna, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and other OEMs and Tier 1s to speak about the sourcing strategy, needs and quality requirements, as well as the supply chain development trends for suppliers in Asia. Also, the Automotive Aftermarket Summit 2016, which is co-organized with the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), discussed how parts distributors restructure their product mix and standardize their services to meet repair shops’ development needs in terms of business expansion; overseas case studies; an analysis on the U.S. and Chinese aftermarket situation; as well as a panel discussion on the future trends in the global automotive aftermarket. In addition, the International Automotive Congress 2016, co-organized with the Vogel Automotive Media Group and the Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge (ika) RWTH Aachen University, discussed e-mobility, powertrain, intelligent vehicle, electric drive system, EPS Boost ADAS and more.
E-mobility and connected mobility are the key trends of the industry. The electronics and systems sector covered a broad reach, encompassing all elements of this market topic. This year, connectivity, alternative drives, automated driving and mobility services were amplified during the show, featured in Hall 4.1.
The Connected Mobility Roadshow Shanghai is a unique event and is part of the Connected Mobility Roadshow three-city tour starting at Automechanika Frankfurt in Germany in September. The event was held in Shanghai on Dec. 1 and highlight three main themes: Connected Cars, Connected Data and Connected Customers. Renowned speaker Aloke Palsikar, senior vice president and global head of manufacturing of Vertical Head. Tech Mahindra presented “Connected Car Data Monetisation – the Next Frontier” and Nicklas Raask, senior director of Asia Pacific IT of Volvo Car Group examined the topic of “Customer in the Driver’s Seat on the Digital Journey.” Other topics of discussion included digital disruption in the automobile industry, developments in the field of connected cars and the consequences of these trends on society. The third city to host the Roadshow will be Austin, Texas, in the U.S. in 2017.
The SAE 2016 Vehicle Electrification and Connected Vehicle Technology Forum was held at Crowne Plaza Shanghai. During the forum, engineers engaged in design, development and research of advanced automotive powertrains, vehicle electrification and vehicle connectivity, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn about technological advances, challenges and solutions encountered within the mobility industry. Presentations discussed the controls of electrified drivetrains, the integration of connectivity, autonomy and the impacts of the various systems. This forum was presented by experts from OEMs, integrators, first and second tier suppliers and academia.
The Repair and Maintenance sector had an educational platform with presentations and training activities primarily targeted toward repair shop managers and technicians. The repair and maintenance terminal chains were at the show to interact with procurement and supply chains to continue information exchange, business development and expansion. The Time of After Tax-for-Free Reform DRP (Direct Repair Program) Industry Summit, co-organized by China Automotive Maintenance and the Repair Trade Association, focused on the new market opportunity after tax-for-free reform in DRP. The summit offered after-sales maintenance service providers with policies and procedures for DRP implementation by insurance companies. In addition, speakers shared insights on international car insurance and maintenance, explored upcoming repair techniques, as well as business development directions.
Falling within the Accessories and Customizing sector, the fringe program included product presentations and seminars related to the changes and interpretations of the industrial policy of automobile customization in China. Many brand exhibitors, including Amsoil, Bilstein, LIQUI MOLY and Valvoline, presented new techniques, technologies and applications of their latest lubrication products. These brands focused on high-performance automobile engines to increase the power of sports car and motor racing engines. In addition, professional visitors also enjoyed participating in interactive activities enhancing their experience. The AUTOHAUS CHINA 6th International Dealer Summit 2016 examined topics including dealers’ after-sales service transformation under the new market environment, and used cars.
For more information about other participating fringe programs, click here.
