AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT 2024
Participants from more than 170 countries were on hand for the five-day trade fair, including some 4 200 exhibitors from industry, workshops and trade. This year’s event focussed on the topics of electrification, sustainability, digitalisation, connectivity, AI and recruitment.
Times of transformation increase the need for information and only those who are informed and stay on the ball will benefit. This is why Automechanika Frankfurt had more stages this year than ever before. There were numerous lectures presentations, panels and workshops – five in total this year. In addition to electrification and decarbonisation, companies in the aftermarket must deal with developments such as increasing digitalisation, the use of AI, new business and sales models like e-commerce, and the shortage of skilled staff. These were all topics of discussion
There was plenty on offer for body and paint professionals too. Practical workshops, live painting and lectures, as well as a lounge for technical discussions were had. On the Friday after-work event, for experts from the body and paint sector. Classic cars were a focal point as well with presentations for these beauties as well.
An outdoor area focussed on the “Future Mobility” and trade fair visitors got to experience new mobility solutions, alternative drives and innovative technologies first hand. This was supported by BYD, Elexon, Pirelli and B&M Marketing. They could also test-drive some models with an e-van that was equipped with innovative drive technology and powered entirely by solar energy.
Automechanika Frankfurt going the extra mile
This year’s Innovation Awards was well supported and saw 153 applicants with a jury of 17 international experts.
The new AMBITION event format invited Generation Z to experience the future of mobility up close. Under the motto ‘What’s up next…’, visitors were exposed to an exciting programme from gaming to eSports, hypercars to influencers and creators. AMBITION showcased the entire range of topics that interest GenZ today. There were three parties and live acts, including US hip-hop artist “Rich The Kid” that took place that week as well to ensure that Automechaika Frankfurt were talking to the younger generation as well and creating a bit of “sizzle” to attract future skills.
A stage was dedicated solely to sustainability where topics like production, the supply chain and circular economy were tabled. Remanufacturing Day put the spotlight on reconditioned and refurbished parts and the part they play now and in the future.
There was also an EMMA car sound finale to see who had the ultimate car sound system. A completely diversified show encompassing the technical, the innovative and trying to figure out AI and the future it will create in this industry.
Collision repair specific
Axalta was first up with their latest Axalta Nimbus. It connects all of Axalta’s tools and resources in a single platform helping customers to do business smarter. Customers have everything they need to power the refinish process in a single platform, including colour retrieval, product ordering, inventory management, training resources, and support. By working together in a single platform, comprehensive business insights provide actionable data that help owners and managers make informed decisions to increase profitability and performance.
PPG showcased its latest advancements in digital tools and sustainably advantaged technologies. They had three stands at the show, where people could see the demonstration of their digital tools. These all help increase efficiency and precision in the body shop. They also had their sustainable products on show which help customers achieve environmental goals while maintaining excellent quality on the finished job.
Glasurit, BASF’s premium paint brand, introduced the fully automatic mixing machine Alfa CR4/CR6, powered by Refinity, which offers a 100% digital colour retrieval experience for body shops. Painters can now complete up to six mixes in less than 15 minutes, which is a groundbreaking achievement in terms of speed and accuracy. The Alfa CR4/CR6 dramatically accelerates the throughput with 100 Line. Refinity, Glasurit’s cloud-based digital platform, offers body shops and painters an exclusive seamless digital experience for all their business solutions.
The team from Indasa were on hand to introduce their Ultravent – a unique and highly advanced dust-free sanding solution with the scope to transform the future of machine sanding. Ultravent adds value by saving time and providing a cleaner working environment.
Sagola featured their recently introduced their latest 4600 spray gun, as well as their whole range to showgoers. The 4600 ensures a more even and uniform paint distribution, from top to bottom, making it ideal for difficult base colours such as metallics, silver and pearls. It also minimises common paint defects like shadows, patch coats and striping. All of this is achieved while using less paint, less air, and less time, ultimately lowering your costs and boosting your profits.
Story and pics by Ian Groat
