Exceeding all expectations at Automechanika

The success of Automechanika Birmingham is undeniable, with more than 12,000 trade visitors in the three days of 6-8 June. With the vast majority of 2016 exhibitors having rebooked, along with new tier one manufacturers committing to 2017, GreenFleet reviews this year’s show.

Automechanika Birmingham has established itself as the annual automotive event uniting the UK automotive trade industry.

The show was opened by Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and Simon Albert, event director of Automechanika Birmingham with Detlef Braun cutting the ribbon in front of masses of media and visitors.

The show was supported by high ranking celebrities including current world endurance champion, Mark Webber; renowned F1 and Superbike presenter, Suzi Perry; and numbers expert and car enthusiast, Rachel Riley, all of whom had an active show presence in the first day, holding interviews and demonstrations on different exhibitors’ stands.

The seminar programme, the feature areas, ‘Workshop of the Future’ and ‘The Great British Manufacturing Stand’ as well as the exhibitor’s stands were all thriving with visitors and business was booming, with companies securing new sales and making new business relationships.

From strength to strength
Simon Albert said: “We are delighted with the success of Automechanika Birmingham. We listened to what the exhibitors and visitors wanted, and with significant investment in the marketing campaign, we delivered an all-encompassing event that exceeded all expectations. We have something unique here that the industry needed, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the overwhelming support of the exhibitors, visitors and trade partners.

“Next year the event will continue to go from strength to strength with 35 per cent increase in stand space, a supply chain specific area and will be co-located alongside Reifen, the world leading tyre exhibition.”

Mike Hawes, of the SMMT, said: “The UK automotive supply chain and aftermarket are among the world’s most competitive and productive and Automechanika Birmingham has provided a platform to highlight the growing strength and importance of two sectors contributing £16.5 billion to the UK economy and supporting 423,000 British jobs.

“The huge number of visitors to the NEC over the show’s three days highlights this was the right event, at the right time and in the right place.”

Exhibitors and other leading associations have also praised the success of Automechanika Birmingham. Wendy Williamson, chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, commented: “The show has been fantastic and we’ve met up with lots of our existing members and hopefully future members as well.”

‘Great success’
Neil Hilton, head of business development at Hella Gutmann Solutions, said: “We’ve had great success in this exhibition, because we’ve been involved in the ‘Workshop of the Future’, the seminar programme, as well as holding a very popular competition for a mega macs 56, so we’ve had a busy stand and a lot of business created from being at Automechanika Birmingham.

“We’ve managed to sell the full CSC tool kit with all of the boards on the ‘Workshop of the Future’ feature area for Hella Gutmann Solutions, which demonstrates the interest the visitors have in investing in their businesses and how much this event has to offer in progressing business relations.”

247 Lighting’s Danny Kirby, head of marketing, added: “It’s been a fantastic experience so far, it’s really highlighted our brand and it’s great to see 247 lighting among the exhibitors. We’ve met some really important business contacts and look forward to coming back next year.”

Myles Pemberton, Manbat’s marketing manager, said: “The best thing about exhibiting at Automechanika Birmingham is the opportunities we’ve received because everyone is here and everyone’s open to talking business and creating new business and relationships.

“We’ve certainly seen a lot of people interested in our stand because we have so many great brands such as Numax, Lucas and US Batteries and people are interested in our company because we’re also part of Ecobat, the world’s leading producer and recycler of lead, there are so many different connections and people to meet, it’s really exciting.”

Andrew Thomas, Voith’s sales and marketing manager, said: “Automechanika Birmingham has proven to be an amazing opportunity for gaining exposure to both VM’s and the supply chain. We have already rebooked a stand for 2017 and we look forward to the show next year.”

Sam Robinson, senior product and brand manager at Trico, commented: “Trico is one of the iconic British names in the automotive industry, Automechanika Birmingham was a new opportunity and one we felt we shouldn’t miss out on. The quantity and quality of visitors we’ve had to date, justifies that decision.”

Automechanika Birmingham is now planning for 2017 and it is clear that the success will only continue from this year’s event, as it is evident that this exhibition is something the UK and Ireland’s automotive industry needs.

For further press information please contact Gary Barak at Chicane on 01923 269490 or email: gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk