The 27th edition of Automechanika Frankfurt got underway, marking the return of the global automotive industry’s largest B2B aftermarket trade fair. It underscored the powertrains and the evolving aftermarket, writes Ashish Bhatia.
The unprecedented Frankfurt heat waves gave way to nip in the air. It was the perfect ambience for showcasing modern-day powertrains and shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. This year, the 27th edition of Automechanika Frankfurt lived up to its promise of being a transformative experience for industry professionals. The scale was bigger than ever, firmly establishing a strong comeback for trade fairs. Held with immaculate precision, the itinerary made each day more experiential than the previous day. From electrification to sustainability, and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in vehicle dealerships, the trade fair offered a unique platform for the industry to tackle key trends and mega trends. Olaf Mushoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, expressed optimism: “This is a time of great transition for the industry, and Automechanika is at the forefront of this transformation. We are excited to bring the entire value chain together to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth.” Indeed the trade fair did just that with a mega expanse over an area of 320,000 sq. m. and 26 hall levels to cover in a race against time.
Olaf Mushoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt
Key focus areas: Innovation, Sustainability, and Training
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 focused on five strategic pillars: innovation, sustainability, skilling, recruitment, and emotionalisation. These themes underlined the key challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry today. Innovation remains central to the event, with the prestigious Innovation Awards honouring ground breaking advancements in the automotive aftermarket. Over 155 products are known to have been submitted for consideration, covering a range of innovative technologies that aim to enhance the customer experience and drive the future of mobility. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt: “Even amid the digital transformation, the industry once again demonstrated its wealth of innovation, providing countless highlights throughout the five-day event. Together with our exhibitors, we were able to find the right players to present the most important topics – including alternative drive systems, sustainability and the use of AI and robotics in the automotive aftermarket – on the stages and in the exhibition halls. We are also delighted by growing demand from both German and international visitors.”
Sustainability is another cornerstone of the event, with a particular emphasis on the circular economy, remanufacturing, and the environmental impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs). A special day had been dedicated to remanufacturing, showcasing modern and sophisticated approaches to preparing parts for reuse, a shift from the traditional methods of recycling old parts. Training and recruitment were also high on the agenda, as the industry grapples with a rapidly evolving landscape. Automechanika made strides to attract and inspire the next generation of talent, particularly Gen Z. Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt: “Never before has Automechanika in Frankfurt had a supporting programme and range of events like this. Our roster of presentations and practical workshops covered a wide range of topics, including bodywork and paintwork, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, caravan repair, 3D printing, detailing and much else.” The event successfully offered hands-on experiences for students, giving them a firsthand look at the technological advancements reshaping the automotive sector in a bid to attract new talent.
AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT 2024
Global participation and networking opportunities
A global DNA, Automechanika Frankfurt’s 2024 edition was no exception either. With exhibitors from over 170 countries and a footfall of about 530,000 visitors, the trade fair proved to be a perfect opportunity for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. Approximately 66 per cent of visitors were from international markets, underscoring the event’s global reach.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the ‘Outdoor Drives and Experiential Test Drives’, where attendees could experience the latest vehicles and innovations in real-world settings. In the Future Mobility Park and the corresponding expert forum Innovation4Mobility, visitors had the opportunity to experience vehicles with alternative drive systems up close – including electric, hydrogen and hybrid – and even to get behind the wheel themselves. In addition, Happy Hours each day offered a more relaxed environment for networking, encouraging informal discussions and connections.
The role of China in the automotive industry
A notable trend at this year’s event was the increased presence of Chinese brands. Automechanika is positioning itself as a platform to provide visibility to lesser-known but innovative Chinese EV manufacturers. The aim is not to replicate a conventional car show but to give these new players a chance to showcase their vehicles and innovations to a global audience. Olaf Mushoff highlighted the importance of giving these manufacturers a platform: “We are ensuring that these new brands get the exposure they deserve. This is not just about showing vehicles; it’s about fostering innovation and showcasing the future of mobility.”
The aftermarket: A key growth driver
The automotive aftermarket remains a crucial component of the industry, with Frost & Sullivan data revealing that the average age of a car is now 10.3 years, which is a positive development for the aftermarket sector. The turnover of spare parts is expected to grow by seven per cent, reaching Euro 115 billion. By 2030, this figure is expected to climb to Euro 630 billion, driven by the increased longevity of vehicles and the growing demand for spare parts.
One of the key challenges facing the aftermarket is the dominance of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As the industry evolves, OEMs are increasingly pushing into the aftermarket to capture a larger share of this lucrative market. This shift has raised concerns about competition and the need for a regulatory framework to ensure a balance between authorised and independent garages.
Regulatory challenges and the future of ICE
Regulatory changes are also at the forefront of discussions at Automechanika Frankfurt 2024. With production volumes shifting towards Asia, there is an increasing need for a regulatory environment that ensures a level playing field between OEMs and independent repair shops. By 2028, it is expected that exclusive agreements limiting part manufacturers from selling their parts independently will be reviewed or eliminated.
This regulatory shift is critical as the industry moves towards electrification, with the future of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles hanging in the balance. The industry faces additional costs associated with the rollout of emobility, and greater competition in the repair market is required to ensure that all suppliers can contribute to the transformation.
Automechanika’s role in shaping the future
With over 4,200 exhibitors from 80 countries presenting their solutions for retail, workshop and industries and 400 events, Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 lived up to its promise as the largest edition ever, offering a comprehensive view of the entire automotive value chain. The event is not just about innovation but also about transformation—ensuring that vehicles can be used throughout their lives affordably and sustainably. As Mushoff noted, “Automechanika represents the drive to ensure that a vehicle can be affordably used throughout its life. We are in the midst of a dramatic phase of transition, and the challenges are immense. But we cannot confine ourselves to the digital realm; we must meet in person to address these challenges and drive the industry forward.”
Looking ahead: Future Automechanika editions
Following the Frankfurt edition, Automechanika will continue its global journey with key editions planned in Tashkent, Shanghai, Dubai, and Johannesburg over the next few months. Each of these events will build on the themes of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, further solidifying Automechanika’s role as a global leader in the automotive industry.
A Vision for the Future
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 is more than just a trade show—it’s a platform for the entire automotive industry to come together and shape the future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and the challenges of the aftermarket, the event provided critical insights and solutions for navigating this period of transformation. As the industry continues to evolve, events like Automechanika will remain essential in driving progress and fostering collaboration across the global automotive ecosystem. The powertrain mix and the evolving aftermarket directly correlate. ACI
