June 2019

I t’s back, it’s big, and it’s the one you want. Yes, Automechanika Birmingham is back for 2019. Returning for the fourth time, the show has expanded its offering, while also providing even greater inducements to garage attendees . Make sure you enjoy it this year though, as it won’t be back until 2021, as the show will be taking on a new bi-annual timetable, rotating with Automechanika Frankfurt. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet though. It is 2019 and we want to enjoy this year’s show. Let’s look at the numbers. There will be more than 500 exhibitors at the show. Among this number will be 150 new exhibitors. Of the total, 105 will be from abroad, including companies from 21 countries around the world. This is already proving a draw. At the time of going to press, pre-registration for the event was already up 21% compared with the same time last year. Companies and organisations exhibiting at the show include ACtronics, Ecobat Battery Technologies (EBT), Schaeffler, ZF, DENSO, MAHLE Aftermarket, Delphi Technologies, Hickleys, Hella, Bilstein Group, MANN + HUMMEL, NGK, Yuasa, the IGA, IAAF, Apec Braking Ltd, BM Catalysts, Draper Tools, Hofmann Megaplan, Sigmavision, Launch Tech UK, LIQUI MOLY, MAM Software, MAN Software, Morris Lubricants, National Refrigerants, Snap-on, Walker Products, Texa UK and Total UK. Automechanika Birmingham will be divided into three distinct zones, making it easier to navigate. Vehicle Production is in Hall 20, Aftermarket in Hall 19, and specifically for garages in Hall 18, the Big UK Garage Event. Apart from the prospect of seeing the whole industry under one roof again, visitors are also being drawn by a host of new attractions and incentives including the Aftermarket Innovation Showcase, the Commercial Vehicle Showcase, the Remanufactured Showcase, and the Garage Equipment Showcase. Getting there has been made easier too, thanks to the Hosted Garage Programme. This has been designed to help motor factors bring customers, garage owners and their teams to the show. Factors that invite, register and bring five or more of garage customers get free parking and free breakfast too. If they bring more, Automechanika will help with travel via mini bus hire. Big UK Garage Event Once you are there, you want to make sure you get inside Hall 18 for the Big UK Garage Event. This has been set up with a view to provide a wider range of exclusive visitor benefits and specifically for the garage sector. As already reported in Aftermarket’s news section. Morris Lubricants brand ambassador, television personality and mechanic Guy Martin will officially open the Big UK Garage Event on Tuesday 4 June. You will definitely want to be there for that, and to meet Guy Martin too. Apart from that amazing opportunity, the Big UK Garage Event will feature a number of new features, including exclusive offers and giveaways. There is also the option of group registration, which will provide quick and easy registration for all staff at garages. The Big UK Garage Event also offers garages free parking, free breakfast on arrival and ‘Happy Hour’, meaning you can have a free drink every lunchtime. Cheers! You can also partake in CPD accredited training and demos led by the industry’s top speakers including Frank Massey, Andy Crook and James Dillon. The companies at the show will also be offering a wide range of offers and giveaways. Suppliers who will be setting up base in the Big UK Garage Event include Schaeffler, ZF, DENSO, MAHLE Aftermarket, Delphi Technologies, Valeo, Bosch, Hella, Bilstein Group, 30 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2019 AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM Returning to the NEC for its fourth outing, Automechanika Birmingham promises to be bigger and better than ever before Below: Last year at Automechanika Birmingham