Plugging the gap in the automotive calendar

An exhibition with potential
The new UK exhibition reflects the huge success generated by the original Automechanika event at the Frankfurt Messe, which has now expanded into exhibitions at 15 international locations, making it the most successful automotive trade show series globally. The UK version will become the largest Automechanika debut show in history outside of Frankfurt.

Simon Albert, event director, said: “We have been staggered and delighted by the response from the automotive industry and we wish to thank all of our wide range of exhibitors for supporting this, the first UK Automechanika Birmingham event, which we firmly believe will become a staple and yearly event in the UK automotive calendar.”

Not‑to‑be‑missed seminar programme
An extensive seminar programme has been planned for visitors, addressing many of the key issues facing the automotive business with presentations by key industry leaders. There will be three separate theatres running over 60 presentations throughout the three‑day event – Keynote Theatre, Aftermarket Theatre and Technical Theatre, the latter covering both aftermarket and supply chain. The Keynote Theatre will focus on important industry developments, topics and issues with presentations from a variety of sources, including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the IAAF, IMI, Frost and Sullivan and the Automotive Council.

The Aftermarket Theatre, sponsored by Aftermarket magazine, will have over 30 presentations delivered by industry experts and technical personalities from the automotive aftermarket. The subject will include technology and the retail sector, business seminars for workshop staff plus staff skills, training and apprenticeships.

The Technical Theatre will also feature a variety of relevant subjects relevant to both the aftermarket and supply chain. These will range from high value manufacturing, lightweight technologies and composites plus the key areas of low carbon and electrification and importantly the impact of regulation on business, plus the shape of the workshop of the future.

The not to be missed presentations include the Frost and Sullivan ‘mega trends’ issues affecting mobility, the car of the future and the aftermarket. Additionally, Suzi Perry will be joining Steve Nash of the Institute of the Motor Industry to cover the topic of professional registration for technicians and the pair will be joined by a well‑known guest star courtesy of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket. And also, a very important presentation from the DVSA concerning the modernisation of the MOT.

Support from the SMMT
The exhibition is being organised in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) who will provide yet more of an incentive for visitors by hosting its popular and well attended flagship events: Meet the Buyer and Open Forum at the show.

Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, said: “The huge interest in Automechanika Birmingham demonstrates this is the right show, at the right time and in the right place, signalling the strength of the UK automotive industry. Last year was another 12 months of manufacturing success in Britain and with the continued drive to reshore suppliers, this global event comes at an important time for UK suppliers.”

Endorsement from UK car companies
The UK event has been endorsed by some of the UK’s biggest vehicle manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Vauxhall, demonstrating the value and importance on the UK automotive industry and its supply chain.

According to Jaguar Land Rover: “This is a great opportunity for our UK automotive suppliers and buyers to participate in the largest automotive focused event in the UK, the like of which we haven’t seen in the UK for many years. We look forward to celebrating and building upon this success with our current suppliers and meeting new suppliers.”

A spokesman for Vauxhall said: “Automechanika Birmingham highlights the continued resurgence of the UK on the global automotive map. With a proud heritage of Vauxhall manufacturing in the UK, we are delighted to see a major event being organised in General Motors fourth largest market, showcasing the best the industry has to offer.”

Nissan added: “Nissan fully supports the arrival of Automechanika Birmingham in June this year – an event dedicated to showcasing the UK’s automotive capabilities. With the recent announcement of the next generation Nissan Juke, this will be a good opportunity to discuss potential new partnerships and reinforce existing relationships.”

Strong support from the automotive aftermarket
In terms of the automotive aftermarket, a very vibrant and successful part of the UK automotive business sector, Halfords Autocentres, said: “It is fantastic that Automechanika will be in the UK in Birmingham. As Halfords Autocentres is a full service garage group looking after one million private and fleet vehicles, there is a lot we are looking forward to. Not least the opportunity to spend time with so many of our suppliers and supporting businesses – we hope to meet old friends and new.”

The Parts Alliance added: “The arrival of Automechanika in Birmingham has created a great buzz of excitement across the whole of the aftermarket and it’s no surprise it’s a sell-out. It’s a fantastic showcase for the industry; one that will provide an excellent opportunity for all those exhibiting to welcome valued customers and key supply partners, while also forging new friendships. As one of the leading autoparts distributors in the UK we just had to be there.”

Visitors planning to attend the inaugural event, to be held from the 7-9 June, are now able to register for free by visiting the website. The site also contains full details including a comprehensive visitor brochure containing comprehensive and valuable information on the exhibition and related activities. L

Further Information
www.automechanika-birmingham.com