New concept for Automechanika Innovation Awards

Pioneering products given even bigger role with new concept

In September 2022 Automechanika Frankfurt will be honouring pioneering products and solutions with a new concept for the Automechanika Innovation Awards. Be it electromobility, mobility services, autonomous driving or intelligent software for workshops and car dealerships, manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive aftermarket have a wealth of new products and innovations on tap for the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt. Products that are particularly notable are honoured with the coveted Innovation Awards. The 2022 event also features a new awards concept. “In times of radical change, innovations are more important than ever. That is why we will be doing even more this year to highlight the products and solutions that are submitted – not only during the trade fair itself, but also in the run-up to the event. We have also adapted the categories in keeping with the latest developments in the automotive aftermarket,” Automechanika Frankfurt Director, Olaf Mußhoff, said. Digitalisation, networking, sustainability, electromobility and other alternative fuels are megatrends that have long since arrived in the automotive aftermarket. Innovative products and solutions can be expected not only in electromobility and other alternative drive systems, but also in in the area of data and connectivity – including for commercial vehicles. That is why the new ‘Innovation4Mobility’ showcase will be making its debut alongside the Innovation Awards. Here, industry, science and start-ups present their solutions for networked vehicles and climate-neutral mobility in tech talks, networking sessions and product showcases, including with the award-winnaing submissions from the Automechanika Innovation Awards. This year’s exhibitors can submit their innovations in nine categories: E-Mobility, Data and Connectivity, Workshop and Service Solutions, Parts and Technology Solutions, Body and Paint, Car Wash and Care, Accessories and Customizing, Commercial Vehicles, and Motorcycle. The submitted products will be examined and evaluated by an independent panel of experts. This year’s panel has been expanded to include international aftermarket experts, including representatives from the industry, retail and associations and includes Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity. Products will be evaluated according to the following criteria: degree of innovation, excellence of the solution, functionality, user-friendliness, user benefit, cost effectiveness, relevance to the aftermarket, safety, durability, and quality – as well as contributions to climate protection, environmental protection, resource conservation and sustainability. To generate even more publicity for the innovations submitted, this year’s award will be conferred in three classes for each category: ‘Nominee’ for those products and solutions nominated for an award, ‘Finalist’ for second- to fifth-place finishers in each category, and ‘Winner’ for the top product in each category. The finalists and winners of the Innovation Awards will be showcased for the media, with the winners and their innovations being suitably honoured at the awards ceremony which will be held on the first day of the trade fair, 13 September 2022, at 5:00pm. For more information, visit www.innovation-award.automechanika.com

TAFE NSW APPRENTICE URGES WOMEN TO TAKE UP AUTO

Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in automotive

TAFE NSW Automotive apprentice Rachel EadeShea is encouraging other females to consider a career in the automotive industry. The 20-year-old is a second-year apprentice studying Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at TAFE NSW Hornsby after securing a coveted apprenticeship at Porsche Willoughby. Rachel said she had explored more traditional career pathways before ultimately pursuing a mechanic apprenticeship. “I didn’t grow up around cars, and I had zero experience with them, but I’d always been fascinated with how they worked. So, my family just about fell over when I told them I wanted to be a mechanic, they considered it such a left-field career choice,” Rachel said. “But I love it, I learn something new every day, and I like the hands-on practical elements and the challenges of problem-solving. The industry is constantly evolving and advancing in technology which means I’ll always be learning something new.” As the only female in her class, Rachel says she is grateful for the supportive learning environment at TAFE NSW. “Class is just business as usual. I love how the teachers share their industry experiences in class so we can put the theory and skills we learn into real-world situations, giving it context to build our understanding,” Rachel said. “My advice to other women interested in pursuing a career in a male-dominated trade is to push for what you want, work hard, and don’t give up on your passion.” TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Automotive, Richard Leach, said now is the perfect time to pursue a career in automotive, with the Australian automotive industry forecast to employ more than 287,000 people by 2025. “There is a diverse range of job roles available in the automotive industry, including light automotive, electric and heavy vehicles,” Richard said. “At TAFE NSW, we train students using the latest technology to gain the hands-on skills they need to hit the ground running in the workshop. “Female mechanics represent only one percent of the workforce, and we’re seeing more female students, like Rachel, take advantage of the strong demand for workers to support our critical supply chain industry.” To find out more about studying automotive at TAFE NSW, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au