AUTOMECHANIKA SA 2022 PROVIDES A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR 2023

AUTOMECHANIKA SA 2022 PROVIDES A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR 2023

 Automechanika  Johannesburg 2022 proved the ‘dipstick test’ for the return of major one-on-one exhibitions in South Africa,” commented Michael Dehn, MD of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organisers of this event for the automotive aftermarket in Africa.

“The 2022 edition provided the long-awaited opportunity for the aftermarket sector to get back into action face-to-face. The unanimous feedback from our exhibitors was very positive, highlighting what exhibitions are all about: finding new customers at a sector gathering, understanding the market direction and investing in the branding and image building of the company,” explained Dehn.

The last two years have made it abundantly clear to companies how hard it is to achieve the above objectives through digital channels and that meaningful business interactions will mainly materialise during an exhibition.

The four-day event saw a total of 191 exhibitors spread over 8 600 square metres and attracted 5 488 visitors from 13 countries.

“Those who attended Automechanika Johannesburg – which was again co-located with the Futuroad Commercial Vehicle show, benefited from one-on-one meetings and demonstrations, while 425 pre-arranged business-to-business meetings were conducted over the show period – which is significant.

“The Automechanika brand has seen very promising indicators in recent shows, with Automechanika Istanbul closing on a high note and the launch of the UK Garage & Bodyshop event. There is already tremendous interest in our premier event, Automechanika Frankfurt 2022, which will take place from September 13-17, 2022,” explained Dehn.

“Overall, we are happy with the Johannesburg show as it enabled us to build a foundation for the future as we built trust and confidence with exhibitors and associations, while the good quality of visitors was favourably mentioned by several exhibitors,” said Tracy Gounden, the show director. “It was heartening to hear all the positive feedback from exhibitors, who confirmed their intention to take part in Automechanika Johannesburg in 2023.”