BIGGER, BETTER AND BOLDER
With a record of some 550 exhibitors at the Automechanika held in Birmingham UK this year’s expo held a myriad of product innovation, skills upgrading and technical talks. The huge packed halls were constantly entertained as the many technicians, auto body and mechanical engineers came out to see all that is both new on car repair and aftermarket technology that needs to keep pace with the vehicle ADAS revolution.
The 15 000 attendees were not disappointed in the three-day extravaganza where no less than 180 hours plus of specialist speakers covered vehicle detailing, new diagnostic systems for fast vehicle repair, plus an excess of some 50 or so new product launches with proof positive that just about all the things associated with collision repair are in a constantly changing mode right now.
With multiple levels of networking and social activities visible for all to see with major players like 3M, Indasa, AllData, Hella, Norton Abrasives, Prevost, Thatcham Research, Walcom and Sagola equipment powered up the dedicated body shop network lounges. Packed to the hilt with franchise groups and fast fitment centres, the live demonstration areas for the repair sector focused on small area repair innovation where detailers and refinish experts and professional repairers could come to see and use new repair-focused equipment.
The sheer size of the supply chain showed the usual ever expanding Asian manufacturers of parts, gaskets, etc., becoming world leaders in the business of automotive retail across the aftermarket parts supply business worldwide. While motivation and resource training hubs drew large audiences in the many talks that abounded across the show from the likes of Solera and Thatcham Training where 3M showed new clean sanding and seam replication systems and range of Cubitron II discs now available in superfine grits. The abrasive innovation class product leaders like Norton Abrasives showcased their customisable work stations designed to enhance body shop efficiency.
Snap-On launched an all-new wheel alignment V2180 package with honed rotating hubs.
Indasa were not to be outdone and showed line demonstrations of their new development of ceramic abrasive line for world markets.
The impressive Sagola spray gun stand offered the latest in line displays of virtual spray-painting technology.
The sheer size of the body shop repair line spectator schedule was massive. It combined a full line-up of experts from every sector for the full three-day expo that covered many specialist insurance speakers on the decline of major accident repair hits, the increase in small area repair dynamics, plus engaging in social media marketing. The complex repair process to eliminate corrosion pitfalls and get to OEM requirements to comply with demands in warranty procedures that all came under the spotlight.
All in all, this back-to-school emphasis proved very popular in the many sessions that were available at the Automechanika Birmingham UK in education and skills development. No one was left out.
Story and pics by Ian Groat
