AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 2023 Four years is a long time to wait, but finally Automechanika Birmingham has returned to the NEC, almost half a decade since it was last held. With the pandemic now firmly behind us, and the previously annual show now firmly in the calendar running every other year, we have three days of innovation, information and ideas to soak up, not to mention some tasty kit to see too. With more than 500 exhibitors from 23 countries and a packed seminar programme to enjoy, you won’t be short of something to see or learn about. A wide array of major names will be taking part, including parts makers, equipment suppliers and training providers, with representative organisations and many others looking to show you what’s new in the sector, whether that is new parts, tools, methods or technology. To make it easier to navigate, the show encompasses three areas; Aftermarket, the UK Automotive supply Chain Forum, and the Big UK Garage Event, with relevant exhibitors in these areas. Notable exhibitors are set to include ZF, Bosch, LIQUI MOLY, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Castrol, Hella, NGK, bilstein group, Snap-on, Delphi Technologies and BookMyGarage, with each set to provide its own unique offering. Beyond brand-specific stands, there will also be a wide range of training on offer, as well as a thorough programme of thought-provoking presentations. On the educational front, there are three training zones; The Workshop Training Hub will be focused on garages, while the Bodyshop Training Hub will be for the attention of those working in crash repairs. Finally, the EV and Hybrid Training Hub will focus on these growth technologies. In total, there will be 192 hours of training on offer, so you may want to keep one eye on the nearest outlet providing coffee. If you want even more mental stimulation, then the three-day Keynote Conference will offer up presentations and talks from some of the best minds in the industry. On the first day, the main focus will be on the automotive supply chain. Then the automotive aftermarket will be the subject covered on day two. Sessions will include presentations from LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO Andy Hamilton, IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field and GiPA UK Head Quentin Le Hetet, with a welcome address from SMMT Aftermarket Section Head Peter Lawton. This will be in association with Aftermarket magazine, so you will definitely want to attend. Alex Jones, Marketing Director at show organisers Messe Frankfurt UK noted: “It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room; EV is going to BACK FOR GOOD After a very long four years since the last show, Automechanika Birmingham is back for 2023 Above: Automechanika Birmingham is set to return following a four-year absence JUNE 2023 AFTERMARKET 31 www.aftermarketonline.net
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