Automechanika Shanghai 2016, the world’s second largest Automechanika brand show after Automechanika Frankfurt, has reported a 10% increase in visitors and a 7% increase in exhibitors.

Held at the National Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai), China, from November 30  to December 3, 2016 the four-day trade fair saw 5,756 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, representing a 7% increase in the number of exhibitors over 2015. The event was spread across 312,000 square metres of exhibition space as well as expanded to 13 halls, representing a 12% increase on 2015. There were a total of 120,671 visitors from 140 countries and regions while the top 10 overseas visiting countries and regions, in order of highest attendance, were Taiwan, Korea, Russia, Malaysia, the US, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Turkey and India.

Commenting on Automechanika Shanghai 2016, Jason Cao, chairman of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Ltd, said: “The results are tremendous. It is not only a testament to the development of the robust automotive industry in Asia and the rest of the world, but highlights the show as a global hub in the automotive industry which draws high-level participants from across sectors and the world. The show is also sensitive to the market needs and keeps evolving by introducing new elements and new topics to the show. We had organised specialised zones for e-mobility and infrastructure, connectivity and performance vehicles to keep the participants abreast of the market trends. The development of the show is well-matched with the specific needs of the downstream customers." 

Han Xiaojun, general manager of China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO), said: “We are happy to see that the partnership between Messe Frankfurt and CNAICO and our efforts have paid off. We have also seen many products that were newly launched in Asia and China here, which further affirms Automechanika Shanghai’s prime position as a one-stop industry platform offering opportunities for information exchange, marketing, trading and education in the automotive world.”  

E-mobility, connectivity attract showgoers

Several new zones were added to the fair, including e-mobility and infrastructure, connectivity and motorsport and high performance along with wheels and rims. In addition to the new zones, the show provided comprehensive coverage of the entire industry chain of OE and aftermarket for the parts and components, repair and maintenance, accessories and customising, and electronics and systems sectors.  

Following the latest trends within the automotive industry, the new zones were added to fulfil the needs of a growing consumer base seeking smart technology, new energy solutions and high performance. Connectivity Zone organiser Dr Lawrence Poon of the Hong Kong Productivity Council invited its members to join this new zone. Dr Poon said: “We were impressed by the scale of the show and found its content was rich and truly reflected the Chinese automotive industry. There are certainly good business potentials for electric and 5G vehicles in China, which provides good business opportunities.” 

Bigger and better

Automechanika Shanghai 2016 saw an 8% increase in exhibiting countries and regions. The 42 countries and regions included Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US and Vietnam.  

The 12th edition of Automechanika Shanghai saw many new industry players participate including ACDelco, AMSOIL, Baturu, Huf, Interstate Batteries, KYB, Mercedes-Benz, Olympus, Potevio and STP. A new exhibitor from the US in electronics and systems, Interstate Batteries had a successful introduction to Automechanika Shanghai and the Asian automotive aftermarket, according to Kevin Ni, WD Operations & Development Manager – China. He said, “Interstate has been looking for a platform with broad coverage to promote our brands and uncover high-potential dealers to further our penetration into the market. We found Automechanika Shanghai to be the most professional and sizeable automotive fair in the region, with strong influential power. It far exceeded our expectations in terms of amount and quality of visitors. We met so many high-quality dealers at the fair.” 

German brand Hella Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd showed high activity with a new product introduction for car maintenance and lighting solutions, as well as presented a Hella workshop in their booth at Automechanika Shanghai. The company, which has a strong commitment to supporting workshops in China as a solution provider, launched new brake parts with partner TMD, engine oil, ATF oil and new Thermal applications with some of the products specifically catering to the Chinese market. Calling Automechanika Shanghai a unique platform to connect with high-level sourcing agents in the automotive industry, Hella general manager Philippe Thegner said the show allows the company to share news about their brand, showcase product launches and benchmark. He said: “Automechanika Shanghai is a highly efficient event and the best place to introduce new ideas, communicate business direction and discuss strategies with other industry players. We can meet lots of business partners and media and achieve many goals in a short period of time, in one single place.” 

Another German brand, Bilstein participated in Automechanika Shanghai and brought its full range of products to the show. Michael Hartmann, Marketing Key Account Manager, Asia, Africa, Oceania at thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH said, “Automechanika Shanghai is one of the top fairs we participate in and that is why we choose this platform to launch our full range of products, including the Bilstein B4 air suspension module. China is a huge market and we need to stay close with dealers and rely on them to introduce our brand value as well as expand the network of dealers and workshops in different cities. We are really happy with the result we have achieved here.” 

Fringe programme events 

There were 56 unique events during this year’s fringe programme for Automechanika Shanghai. Through these events, the trade fair platform is extended and all services are enhanced. The theme of this year’s Automechanika Shanghai was Connectivity and there were several events on the subject, namely the Connected Mobility Roadshow Shanghai, a unique event that is part of the Connected Mobility Roadshow three-city tour, which started at Automechanika Frankfurt in Germany in September and continues to the US in 2017.  

Following the key trend of the automotive industry future, the Connected Mobility Roadshow highlighted three main themes: Connected Cars, Connected Data and Connected Customers. Connected Mobility attendee Mr Jonathan Law, Project Engineer, Research & Development at Hong Kong EV Power Ltd attended the presentation by Mr Nicklas Raask, Senior Director Asia Pacific IT of Volvo Car Group, “Customer in the Driver’s Seat on the Digital Journey”. Mr Law commented: “It gives me a glance into how the carmakers are dedicated to connect the driver and the vehicle. Through this conference, I’m able to learn more about what other people in the industry are studying. The scope of the topics discussed and the quality of speakers are definitely high.” 

The multifaceted fringe programme focused on experience-sharing sessions to promote dialogue between exhibitors, users and buyers. There were also ample opportunities for education and networking among business leaders involved in the future of the automotive industry. Organisers collaborated with several industry associations, leading businesses and media to arrange an extensive fringe programme.  

Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). It is one of 16 Automechanika fairs held in Africa, Asia, Europe and North, Central and South America. The 2017 edition of the show will be held 29 November – 2 December 2017 at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), China.