Back after a four-year absence, this year’s Automechanika event in Birmingham has been praised as “the best to date” as thousands from across the automotive trade industry headed to the NEC.
A total of 511 suppliers from 23 countries – including key leading brands – showcased cutting-edge technology, product innovations and services to more than 14,400 people.
“This is undoubtedly the best Automechanika Birmingham to date,” Simon Albert, managing director of event organiser Messe Frankfurt UK, said, “not just because of the quality and number of attendees, but because of the overwhelming positive feedback we have received from exhibitors and visitors alike.
“This has been incredibly rewarding for my team, our exhibitors, partners and suppliers, who have all collaborated closely to deliver the event.”
With the automotive industry facing huge legislation changes, the exhibition also hosted the first ever Automechanika Birmingham keynote conference, with speakers including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’s head Mike Hawes, in addition to the 190 hours of free skills training.
The event also provided an array of skills training and practical demonstrations, with 192 hours of sessions and interactive features such as the Modern Garage, Paint & Spray Live, Collision Repair Live and the EV Training Academy.
And to celebrate success, there was the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts.
Sentiments from Mark Field, chief executive of the IAAF at the end of the awards, summarised the feeling of the automotive industry. He thanked the organisers for giving the automotive community a national scale event “they could be proud of”.
“A great success”
Turbocharger experts Melett was one exhibitor to praise the event. Country manager Tom Irving said: “The high attendance of the exhibition proves that the sector is continuing to thrive despite challenges of supply chain disruption, the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical events.
“Birmingham is a key, international hub for aftermarket activity connecting important markets for the business, and we’ll look back on Automechanika Birmingham as a great success.”
Garage management TechMan was another to hail a “winning return” to the long-halted event. Pete Mcilhiney, aftersales director said: “Being back at Automechanika Birmingham and meeting our customers face-to-face again was invaluable. It really showed everyone that despite being able to do everything online, you just can’t beat an in-person meeting.
“Our sales team were on-hand at the show to demonstrate our garage management system to visitors and offer insight into how having a system can improve processes and futureproof businesses. The return of the 2023 trade event was a real winner for us.”
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