Following its overwhelming debut in June 2016, Automechanika Birmingham is shaping up to be another huge success in 2017, the event organizers have reported. The exhibition will not only double in size but also will offer an improved hall format while co-locating with REIFEN, the premier global fair for the tire sector in 2017.

New format

New halls announced recently, hall 6 and hall 17-20, are comprised of three dedicated zones: Aftermarket Zone, Supply Chain Zone and REIFEN, triggering an improved layout. These designated areas allow ease of navigation and will drive the right visitors to exhibitors. Just over two months into booking exhibitor stands for the 2017 event, 90 percent of 2016 exhibitors have already secured their location, leaving less than 20 percent of space remaining in the aftermarket halls.

The who’s who of the industry have assembled again and among others, exhibitors who have rebooked into the Aftermarket Zone include Schaeffler, ZF, HELLA, Valeo, DENSO, Delphi, NGK, Unipart, Osram, MANN + HUMMEL, bilstein, Mapco, Draper Tools, JHM Butt, Michelin and, new for 2017, LIQUI MOLY, Crypton, Pioneer, Mutlu, FTE Automotive GmbH and Comline Auto Parts.

Helen Nixon, media coordinator/automotive aftermarket from MANN + HUMMELL, said, “The fact MANN+HUMMEL (UK) LTD has already rebooked for 2017’s event is a real testament to the show. The combination of the organization and promotion of the show, the quantity and quality of the visitors during the show and the variety of the exhibitors ensured that Automechanika Birmingham was a resounding success.”

Aftermarket buyer attraction

In 2016, Automechanika Birmingham attracted senior aftermarket buyers from Halfords, Kwik Fit, Groupauto, Motaquip, Andrew Page, UAN, GSF Car Parts, The Parts Alliance and Euro Car Parts, who networked with exhibitors and attended key seminars. Jemma Billings, procurement manager at Halfords Auto Centre, said, “Automechanika Birmingham is the showcase of the future; I’m here to see trends and learn the movements in the industry from both exhibitors from OEMs and the aftermarket.”

After the success of Automechanika Birmingham 2016, key feedback from exhibitors and visitors demanded a clearer hall layout to meet the needs of senior aftermarket buyers as well as independent workshops and garages, show organizers said.                   

Event Director Simon Albert said, “In the interest of 2017 exhibitors, the change in layout, increase of hall space and three discrete zones will help us to attract the right type of visitors to Automechanika Birmingham. We are working on an intensive marketing campaign with specific promotional messaging to focus on attracting more independent garage owners and technicians in 2017. As well as this, the show will house an aftermarket focused theatre offering seminars and demonstrations attracting more aftermarket visitors and therefore ensuring the buyer footfall is kept to an outstanding level for exhibitors.”

The Aftermarket Theatre, located in hall 19, will offer educational content covering the latest trends, industry developments, business advice and technology showcases shaping the future of the industry. Offering keynote lectures and engaging discussion topics, the Aftermarket Theatre is a great pull of attraction to garages, motor factors and dealers in the industry.

SMMT attracts key buyers

Again in 2017, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) will be supporting Automechanika Birmingham, bringing their flagship event, Open Forum. As a key automotive industry event on the calendar, Open Forum attracts a few hundred senior executives from the U.K. automotive aftermarket and will enhance networking opportunities for all exhibitors and visitors attending Automechanika Birmingham.

From June 6-8, 2017, the industry’s annual event, Automechanika Birmingham will take over halls 6 and 17-20 of the NEC Birmingham attracting more than 15,000 relevant buyers. With less than 20 percent space remaining in the Aftermarket Zone, Automechanika Birmingham 2017 is selling out fast. To secure a good location within the hall, contact the sales team [email protected] or for further information head to automechanika-birmingham.com.