Aftermarket October 2022

Above: Many of your aftermarket favourites were displaying their latest products at the show A fter an unprecedented four-year wait, Automechanika Frankfurt returned last month, with more than 2,600 exhibitors spread across eight halls. After years of uncertainty and amidst ongoing disruption that the sector is having to navigate, it was great to be back seeing what is new and exciting in the industry. The show kicked off with the CEO Breakfast. The event was held just before the doors were swung open on the first day, and featured Formula One legend Mika Häkkinen and F1 commentator and executive Mark Gallagher who were looking at how evolving technology has changed racing, and the aftermarket too. The CEO Breakfast was sponsored by ZF Aftermarket, and along with Head of ZF Aftermarket Philippe Colpron, senior figures from Schaeffler, Continental and MAHLE mounted the stage to help start the show off in style. Ringing a bell to symbolise the official opening of Automechanika Frankfurt 2022, Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, added: “We are going to restart the engine with personal encounters today.” With that, the show began. Sustainability One of our first stops during the trip was with MEYLE, who in 2022 have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of its HD steering and suspension product line. While the range has been providing coverage across the car parc for two decades, one notable new example came in the form of a control arm for the Tesla 3 and Tesla Y. A spokesman for MEYLE commented: “After increasing numbers of Tesla drivers all over the world reported annoying squeaking sounds, the MEYLE engineers analysed the problem and developed an alternative to the original part. In contrast to the Tesla control arm, MEYLE uses high-strength aluminium for the improved control arm, thus making it light and robust. The ball joint is designed for better distribution of forces. More importantly, the design forgoes the use of crimping. This prevents the entry of water and means that the Tesla stops squeaking.” The company was not solely focused on steering and suspension at the show, and gave ample room on the large stand to showcase its filters, braking and other offerings. 52 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2022 AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT 2022 REVIEW www.aftermarketonline.net FACE-TO-FACE Back at full-strength after four years, Automechanika Frankfurt 2022 was everything you wanted, and more