The recent Automechanika Frankfurt reasserted after-market boom despite the current economic slowdown
The 2012 edition of Automechanika Frankfurt, held recently, struck the right notes with a couple of themes such as E-mobility and Training.
For the first time the expo observed an India Day on September 13, the third day of the event. The special programme was more to sell the Indian edition of Automechanika to be held in New Delhi next February.
Automechanika Frankfurt set a new record with 4,593 exhibitors participating from 74 countries, including 111 from India. The event drew more than 1,48,000 visitors from 174 countries and it ended on a reassuring note that even the automotive after-market is embracing the concept of ‘going green’ as it is sustainable, besides paying rich dividends in the long run. The show also underlined the fact that the after-market that encompasses after-sales service and spare parts is booming in spite of the current economic slowdown in many parts of the world. The scope for automotive after-market is growing continuously and it is evident from the fact that there was a significant increase in the number of visitors from East Europe and Russia while there was a decline in the numbers from the South European countries.
Klaus Burger, President of the Federal Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment, said, “Although visitors from South Europe had scarcity value, there was a very large number from Germany, the Benelux countries and East Europe.” As was to be expected, the German exhibitors and visitors view the current economic climate in a more positive light than their counterparts from other countries. According to Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, the after-market is booming and, despite the current economic disruptions, the show has proved to be a reliable constant.
The E-Mobility theme was supported with an array of exhibits, including batteries, alternative drive units, regenerated parts for passenger cars and also parts and service options for vintage vehicles. In addition, the event had a range of exhibits classified under different categories. For example, the exhibits under the Repair & Maintenance section included workshop equipment and tools, testing and measuring equipment, paintwork and corrosion protection, training, restoration and maintenance of vintage vehicles.
The Parts and Systems section displayed interior parts, infotainment, engine electronics, lighting, electrical systems, driver assist systems and vehicle safety. For the benefit of the visitors from information technology and management the expo offered several modules, including dealership planning and construction, finance and franchise concepts, claims management and controlling, dealer management systems, garage management and dealership marketing.
Also there were a regalia of general accessories for passenger cars, equipment for customised engine tuning options, special equipment for modifications, rims, wheels, tyres, spares and accessories for caravans.
In addition, Automechanika drew the representatives of industry, the workshop business and the trade together. Thomas Roth, Marketing Manager, Washtec, said, “Automechanika provides the platform at which we can reach all our target groups, such as oil companies/filling stations, car dealers, workshops, independent car wash operators and haulage companies, at once.”
Many of the exhibitors also utilised the event to introduce or re-launch their products due to the very presence of their target audience. For instance, Europe’s largest independent lubricant blending company, Wolf Oil Corporation, announced the re-branding and rebirth of their WOLF and CHAMPION brands. Elke Benner, Divisional Manager, Automotive, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, said that the company could hold fruitful discussions, thereby improving its customer relationships and contacts due to the presence of CEOs and decision-makers at the event.
Fuel injection major Denso has introduced a diagnostics resource, especially for garages and workshops, called the Denso Interactive Information and Communication Diagnostic Tool. According to Victor Schipper, Director of After Market Product and After Market Service Networks at Denso Europe, the tool will enable users to service Denso diesel applications, including pumps and injectors. The company plans to expand the applications next year for petrol injection systems as well, he said.
Global Tier-1 major Continental dominated its presence with a focus message: ‘First-class technology and globally strong service’. The company showcased several of its services and products, including drive belts for the automotive after-market. With new mobile information sources, dealers and workshops have key facts about the top technical products round-the-clock.
On its part, Federal-Mogul Global Aftermarket, part of Federal-Mogul Corporation, introduced its Goetze LKZ piston ring technology. The two-piece LKZ ring reduces oil consumption by up to 50 per cent and friction by as much as 15 per cent compared with the conventional piston rings. Paul Vure, Federal-Mogul Technical Services Manager, EMEA Global Aftermarket, said OE demand for the technology was increasing rapidly, so it was important that workshops were aware of the need to fit genuine products to maintain the performance, low emission and refinement of the engines they were working on.
The complementary programme of the event this year was even bigger. In addition to Automechanika Innovation Award, the Green Directory and the Automechanika Rally, there were also several special shows, including training events in metalworking and body painting.
The next Automechanika Frankfurt will be held from September 16 to 20, 2014.
The event ended on a reassuring note that even the automotive after-market is embracing the concept of ‘going green’ as it is sustainable, besides paying rich dividends in the long run
Story: Ellora Dasgupta and T Murrali
