Exhibition organiser Messe Frankfurt has announced the long-rumoured plan to hold a regional UK edition of the vast trade fair.
The event has been scheduled for 7-9 June 2016 at the NEC and is to be held in partnership with SMMT. One of the reasons for deciding to hold a show is an increased volume of car manufacturing in the UK with the corresponding need for replacement parts from domestic market suppliers.
Detlef Braun, Messe Frankfurt’s Member of the Executive Board, said: “We have conducted extensive research at our Frankfurt show, which informed us that there was a huge appetite for an event which focuses on the buoyant UK automotive sector. In SMMT we have a strong supporter to help us deliver an exceptional event.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive added: “Automechanika Birmingham will help British companies promote their credentials and enable them to seize the significant opportunities arising from the renaissance in UK vehicle manufacturing. SMMT looks forward to hosting a high-profile event that will help support jobs and growth in the sector, and broaden the UK’s international appeal.”
The UK edition of the show will be organised under licence by Forest Exhibitions. It will be in the NEC’s Hall 9 and predicts 250 exhibitors and 5,000 domestic visitors.
For more details, contact:
Rob Sherwood
Forest Exhibitions Ltd
01483 483983
Great news for the industry and I’m delighted with this decision. We tried to launch this very show several years ago in conjunction with Automechanika (Messe Frankfurt)who were right behind it, but the SMMT weren’t happy with it as it could have competed with their own show. Funny how things and decisions change! Well done to the SMMT for seeing what’s best for the aftermarket though as far as this event is concerned …. eventually. So AutoExCeL in association with Automechanika did have legs in one way or another after all.