Automechanika Birmingham presents UK industry with educational, networking opportunities

May 30, 2018
As the United Kingdom’s largest industry trade show, June’s award-winning Automechanika Birmingham is expected to host more than 500 exhibitors making OEM and aftermarket business connections with executives from across the globe when the show doors open June 5.

As the United Kingdom’s largest industry trade show, June’s award-winning Automechanika Birmingham is expected to host more than 500 exhibitors making OEM and aftermarket business connections with executives from across the globe when the show doors open June 5.

Nearly 80 percent of the 1.67 million cars produced last year in the UK were destined for overseas buyers in 160 worldwide marketplaces, the highest level of British vehicle exports since 2012. With some 169,000 Britons employed directly in manufacturing and 814,000 across the wider automotive industry, the segment includes more than 30 automakers building 70-plus vehicle models supported by 2,500 international parts vendors.

About £7.9 billion ($10.6 billion U.S.) worth of assorted components are annually imported into the U.S. from the UK. In 2017 the Commonwealth’s engine output of 2.7 million units was up 6.9 percent over 2016’s sales numbers – 54.7 percent of the motors were shipped to overseas auto and van plants.

“World class engineering and products, a supportive government and massive investment have helped establish the UK as one of the most productive and innovative places in the world to develop and build cars,” says Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a co-sponsor of the Messe Frankfurt-produced convention held at Birmingham, England’s vast National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

The UK’s auto industry achievements “underline the highly integrated nature of the global automotive sector, with interdependent supply chains and mutually beneficial trade delivering choice to car buyers,” Hawes explains. “It is vital that we maintain open trade links with the U.S., as well as our EU partners, for the benefit of consumers and our respective industries and economies.”

This year’s figures are not yet in, but in 2017 Automechanika Birmingham attracted 800 exhibitors and 12,000 decision makers representing OEMs, component manufacturers, dealerships, parts distributors, parts retailers, service chains, independent mechanical repairers, body shops and other associated enterprises.

Of last year’s roster of attendees, 78 percent had purchasing authority at their firms and 77 percent had senior management status; 85 percent of all the visitors said they intended to return for 2018’s third edition of the expo.

“Automechanika Birmingham is a great platform for us to showcase new products and developments, network with our existing customers and meet new prospects,” reports Julian Goulding, Delphi’s UK marketing manager.

Other vendors expected to participate next week include Bosch, HELLA, Gates, MANN + HUMMEL, TEXA, Liqui Moly, Total, Michelin Lifestyle, Draper Tools, Group Auto, Euro Repar Service, Dura, JHM Butt, Hofmann Megaplan, J&S Products, SATA, Ecobat Battery Technologies, TR Fastenings, Magal/Arlington, SLM and JVC Kenwood.

Liqui Moly increased its booth space this year because “we need to increase our profile in the UK and Automechanika Birmingham is the best platform in the market,” according to the company’s Export Area Manager Ibrahim Memis.

“We were so pleased with the show in 2017 that we immediately booked for 2018, when we will be exhibiting at both Automechanika Birmingham and Automechanika Frankfurt,” notes Draper Product Manager Guy Foster, commenting during the lead-up to Automechanika Birmingham. “We are looking forward to another busy show, meeting more high quality distributors and end users, who last year were queuing up to ask questions about our products.”

Clarity on issues

Two main topics of interest to this year’s attendees are ongoing governmental rulings regarding “MOT” and “GDPR” standards.

GDPR is a European Union-promulgated General Data Protection Regulation dealing with individual privacy rights and concerns over hacking of computerized vehicle systems.

MOT, short for the Ministry of Transport, is the term applied to Britain’s environmental and road-safety tests mandated for every auto that is more than 3 years old, an important driver of aftermarket sales aimed at assisting motorists in their quest to obtain compliance.

“With changes affecting the running of garages,” says Simon Albert, a Messe Frankfurt managing director who oversees the show, “Automechanika Birmingham is perfectly positioned to provide much needed clarity on issues affecting the trade. With so much happening in the trade, the event has become a must attend for automotive personnel looking to develop their business now and in the future.”

Noting that the show provides an opportunity “for every company in the aftermarket to come together, share ideas and express opinions on how to move business forward,” Albert points to an enhanced dedicated Garage Quarter to better serve repairers, extended hours of operation, a facilitated meetings program allowing attendees to pre-arrange conferences with exhibitors, and other innovations such as live technical demonstrations, free training and a comprehensive lineup of relevant industry speakers.

“We have shaped it to meet the needs of the UK automotive industry to deliver another hugely successful business event,” he says, citing a series of informative seminars, high level networking get-togethers and interactive product demos.

Accompanied by a Garage Social area to induce collaborative conversations and perhaps hoisting a pint or two, the Garage Quarter emphasized the benefits of “hosting tools and garage equipment suppliers looking to meet thousands of decision makers from independent workshops, fast fits and autocentres in one dedicated area,” says Albert.

He additionally highlighted the cash prizes disseminated to winners of the Garage of the Year contest for independent shops covering six categories: Best Small Garage, Best Large Garage, Best Community Initiative, “Auto-mechanik” of the Year, the Technology Innovation Award and the Business Innovation Award.

“These awards present garages from all over the UK with the unique opportunity of recognizing the hard work and contribution they give to the automotive industry,” Albert points out. “They are often the unsung heroes, and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate and champion the diversity of UK garage businesses.”

Though just in its third year of operation, Automechanika Birmingham has collected a mantel-full of prestigious honors from the overall convention industry – above and beyond automotive-oriented events. In 2017 it clinched Best Trade Show at the exhibition segment’s AEO Awards, which also bestowed to Albert’s crew its Organiser Team of the Year accolades. Exhibition Newslauded the event with its Brand Expansion award and Best UK Trade Show Newcomer designation.

The 2018 edition of Automechanika Birmingham has been nominated for an additional round of exhibition industry trophies yet to be decided upon.

“I am delighted that the team has been recognized for its dedication and sheer hard work in making the show the success it is,” says Albert. “To have achieved the level of recognition we have had already, in barely our third year, is a testament to that commitment.”

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About the Author

James Guyette

James E. Guyette is a long-time contributing editor to Aftermarket Business World, ABRN and Motor Age magazines.

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