Automechanika Frankfurt, the world's leading trade fair for the
automotive industry will be held in
Frankfurt am Main, on September 11-16, 2012 one week earlier than
had been announced so as not to conflict with the
64th IAA Commercial vehicles show. The IAA is the world's most
important trade fair for mobility, transport and logistics, and
is
organised by the German Association of the Automotive Industry
(Verband der Automobilindustrie – VDA). It will be held in
Hanover
from September 20-27, 2012.
“By taking this step, we relieve not only the pressure on the
fair and
exhibition calendar for September 2012 but also comply with a
request of the automobile industry”, explains Detlef Braun,
Member
of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt. “Thus, our
customers will be able to take part in Automechanika Frankfurt
and
use the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover to make
presentations and expand their business relationships.”
An overlap between two such important events for the same sector
would be of significant harm to both the industry and the German
fair
and exhibition business. “Therefore, we considered it our duty as
organisers of the Automechanika to take the necessary steps.
Hence, we conducted open and constructive discussions with the
VDA, and sought and found a good solution for both sides”, adds
Braun. VDA President Matthias Wissmann emphasises, “This means
that visitors interested in the Automechanika and the IAA
Commercial Vehicles Show will be able to attend both events. Our
member companies welcome this solution, too.”
Klaus Burger, President of the Federal Association of
Manufacturers
and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment (Bundesverband
der Hersteller und Importeure von Automobil-Service Ausrüstungen
ASA e.V.) and General Manager of Maha Maschinenbau
Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG, explains, “As ASA President, I am
very pleased about this decision. The change of dates is very
much
in the interests of workshop-equipment suppliers who will now be
able to exhibit at both events without difficulty.”
Thomas Fischer, Chairman of the Association of the
Independent
Parts Market (Verein Freier Ersatzteilemarkt e.V. – VREI), is
also in
favour of the change. “Given the situation, I consider Messe
Frankfurt’s decision to be logical and correct. By making this
change,
it has shown that it takes the needs of the industry seriously
and is a
reliable partner.”
Dr. Axel Koblitz, General Manager of the Federation of the German
Motor Vehicle Trade (Zentralverband Deutsches
Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe
– ZDK) says, “The decision to move the Automechanika
dates forward is a good and unbureaucratic step, which I
wholeheartedly support. I think that Messe Frankfurt has acted in
the
interests of the sector as a whole.”
To avoid overlaps in the future, Messe Frankfurt and the VDA have
agreed to coordinate future events closely at an early
stage.
Further information about Automechanika Frankfurt can be found on
the at www.automechanika.com.
