AM Birmingham 2023 Show preview

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Automechanika Birmingham will welcome thousands of workshops and garage owners into the UKs largest aftermarket trade event from 9.30 on Tuesday 6 June, where visitors can try out the latest tools, access 192 hours of free skills training and hands-on demos, make valuable contacts, and take advantage of incredible show deals.

Within Hall 19, a focal point for garage owners and technicians, sits the Workshop Training Hub, in association with autotechnician magazine, Stand Q102. Delivering a packed programme of technical seminars each day, presented by respected specialists, and addressing the advancements and challenges facing automotive service, repair and maintenance. Covering a range of topics including engine

fault diagnostics, MOT, diesel, ADAS and much more. Read on to nd Hub timetables, exhibitor highlights, feature areas and some examples of the deals on o er at the 3-day event…

Venue:

Halls 18-20 NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT

Opening times: Tuesday 6 June 9.30am – 4.30pm, Wednesday 7 June 9.30am – 4.30pm, Thursday 8 June 9.30am – 4.00pm

Arrive before 10.30 to claim a FREE breakfast. Parking for workshop visitors is free of charge.

Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket, or visit https://automechanika-2023.reg.buzz/autotechnician

What’s on guide

Automechanika Birmingham 2023, introduces brand-new training hubs and show features Three training hubs have been designed to support garage and bodyshop business owners and technicians by o ering insights into trends, technical information, practical sessions and the latest advice and tips to futureproof businesses. Workshop, EV and Bodyshop Training Hubs providing technical training and demonstrations, new for 2023 is a Detailing Hub, Collision Repair Live and Paint & Spray Live plus Modern Garage and EV Parc, looking at garages of the future and electric vehicles.

Automechanika Birmingham’s Workshop Training Hub, in association with autotechnician, has a diverse programme of technical seminars, covering topics such as fault diagnostics, MOT, diesel, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The EV Training Hub, sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group, will highlight the requirements and opportunities of hybrid and electric vehicle service and repair with topics such as how to prepare your garage to o er repair services, health and safety requirements, tools and equipment for high voltage operations, battery technology, plus hydrogen internal combustion.

The Bodyshop Training Hub will provide the latest updates, advice and technical innovations in collision repair, covering ADAS, body repair, EV repair, paint, re nishing and BS10125 standards.

Workshop Hub highlights, Stand Q130 6th June - 14:00 - 14:25

A Whistle-Stop problem-solving tour of vehicle uid systems including A/C by Richard Doran, Primalec Leak Control & Air Conditioning solutions

This short talk will cover the many di erent methods, tools and liquids available for better diagnosis and repair, including: New ways to x damaged pipes; The role of A/Cs and Climate Control systems in EVs and Hybrids; Making sure you nd x and prevent all the leaks, including invisible refrigerant micro leaks; The di erences between old and new refrigerants; plus, everything you need to know about A/C lubricants but didn’t know who to ask!

7th June - 13:15 - 13:55

Remove the guesswork – Why ALLDATA makes complicated repairs simple, by Hayley Pells – IMI, James Dillon – Technical Topics, Tim Benson – Old elds Garage and Dave Shepherd – The Cognoscenti Partnership

Steve Derham, ALLDATA Technical Support Specialist leads a stellar panel as they each tackle the challenges associated with increasingly sophisticated vehicle technology and repairs. Learn how genuine and trustworthy OE data is a pivotal part of an independent technician’s day-to-day routine.

Technicians can get hands-on under the hood and inside the body of EVs at the EV Training Academy, in collaboration with the IMI, (Institute of Motor Industry), and gain guidance from EV experts. Modern Garage, in partnership with LKQ Euro Car Parts, will showcase how new technologies can be e ectively incorporated into a modern workshop, moving towards a digital future. There is also a Student Talent and Recharge programme in partnership with Autotech Group, o ering students CV writing tips and interview advice.

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced it will be hosting its rst Garage Awards in partnership with Automechanika Birmingham, celebrating the commitment and dedication independent garages and technicians have made to ensuring a ordable mobility in the UK over the past few years. This will be held on Wednesday 7 June at Hilton Metropole NEC.

WE PROVIDE RELIABLE TEMPORARY COVER FOR ABSENT TECHNICIANS AND MOT TESTERS IN YOUR WORKSHOP.

• Business peaks, annual leave, training days and sickness cover

• Fully qualified and vetted vehicle technicians and MOT testers

• Contracts lasting from one day to six months at a time

• UK-wide network of over 450 contractors

• Flexible work patterns: early, late, night & weekend shifts SHORT-STAFFED?

Contact us today to book your contractor!

Tel: 01234 432988

Email: hello@autotechrecruit.co.uk

Web: autotechrecruit.co.uk

NEED FRESH TALENT FOR YOUR WORKSHOP? TAKE OUR INTERN TO CHECK THEIR POTENTIAL AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE.

• 6 to 12-month paid internships are a new, risk-free way of bringing new talent to your workshop

• Vetted candidates with a recent IMI Level 3 automotive qualification, equipped with a starter toolkit, basic safety workwear and uniform

• Assess your intern’s skills and work ethic before commiting to bringing them on as a permanent employee

• Over 200 candidates ready for an immediate start

We have interns ready to fill roles. Get in touch today!

Tel: 01234 432988

Email: hello@autotechacademy.co.uk Web: autotechacademy.co.uk

Workshop Training Hub schedule STand Q130

Tuesday 6 June | Day One

10:00 – 10:40 Workshop diagnostic tools strategy: To be, or not to be with dealer diag tools

James Dillon, Founder Technical Topics

10:45 – 11:10 Expert technical session, Bosch Automotive

11:15 – 11:40 Castrol’s response to OEM speci cations and hybridisation, Simon Gurney

11:45 – 12:10 ZF [pro]Tech: Technical Insights

12:15 – 12:40 Training mechanics to manage the changing face of vehicle repair head on, Solera Audatex

13:15 – 13:55 The modern garage, LKQ Euro Car Parts panel

14:00 – 14:25 A whistle-stop problem-solving tour of vehicle uid systems including A/C

Richard Doran, Primalec Leak Control and Air Conditioning solutions

14:30 – 14:55 Automated driving of the future, Pete Bradley, Hella's Head of International Technical Training and Ani Stepanyan, Head of Product Management

15:00 – 15:25 Oil basics, Drew Stinton, Shell UK

15:30 – 16:15 DPF do’s and don’ts, Barry Lawson, Lawson Autotech

Wednesday 7 June | Day Two

10:00 – 10:40 The challenges of hydrogen internal combustion for passenger cars

Andy Crook, Research Engineer, GotBoost

10:45 – 11:10 How to thrive in uncertain times: Insights, advice and actionable steps for success

Gavin Ruddick, Steer Automotive Group & Jessica Potts, BookMyGarage

11:15 – 11:40 Building a better future for the automotive aftermarket

Mark Ost & Tristain Hindle, Snap-on Diagnostics and Garage Equipment

11:45 – 12:10 TUNAP: The secret to EV aftersales pro t, Massimo Di Franco

12:15 – 12:40 DPF do’s and don’ts, Barry Lawson, Lawson Autotech

13:15 – 13:55 Remove the guesswork: Why ALLDATA makes complicated repairs simple

Hayley Pells, IMI; James Dillon, Technical Topics; Tim Benson, Old elds Garage; Dave Shepherd, Bodyshop Consultant

14:00 – 14:25 The MOT test: Today and tomorrow, Craig Scragg, RMI Technical Services Manager

14:30 – 14:55 How new vehicle technology will impact engine oil in 2023 and beyond

Mark Whitmill, Andrew Carter and Ed Gould, Comma

15:00 – 15:25 Running the shop: Driving value and e ciency throughout your business

Mike Bell, LKQ Euro Car Parts

15:30 – 15:55 Particulate measurement: Particulate number counting, Roy Prosser, Continental

Thursday 8 June | Day Three

10:00 – 10:40 The challenges of hydrogen internal combustion for passenger cars

Andy Crook, Research Engineer, GotBoost

10:45 – 11:10 Braking technology for EVs, Siti Abdullah, Brembo

11:15 – 11:40 Particulate measurement: Particulate number counting, Roy Prosser, Continental

11:45 – 12:10 How new vehicle technology will impact engine oil in 2023 and beyond

Mark Whitmill, Andrew Carter and Ed Gould, Comma

12:15 – 12:40 ZF [pro]Tech: Technical Insights

13:15 – 15:10 Talent and Skills Programme

Supporting the transition to EV service & repair

The EV Training Academy will practical advice on electric vehicles with demos and training delivered in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry and Our Virtual Academy. A series of 30-minute sessions will run throughout each day of the trade event.

Guests can get hands-on with two demo vehicles and ask EV experts anything about hybrids and EVs. The EV Training Academy programme will cater for all technicians with both beginner and advanced-level tuition on o er. The free sessions, delivered alongside training vehicles, include Essential EV Training; HV System Isolation (low-voltage service disconnect) for beginners and Advanced EV Training; as well as Plug-in Charging (proximity pilot circuit).

Essential EV Training will demonstrate the high-voltage isolation process using a low-voltage service disconnect, which is becoming an increasingly popular solution used by vehicle manufacturers. The Advanced EV Training session o ers businesses the opportunity to learn about the proximity pilot circuit used in Type 2 plug-in charging system.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI added: “This focus on EV skills is great news because our latest data shows that by 2030, 103,000 IMI TechSafe quali ed technicians will be needed to work with electric vehicles in the UK alone. However, we are currently predicting a potential shortfall of 4,500 quali ed technicians by 2029, increasing to a massive skills gap of 16,000 by 2032.”

Nash adds: “It is critical that consumer con dence in electric vehicles is not eroded by a lack of ability of garages to service, maintain, and repair the new drivetrain.”

A discounted one-year subscription to ALLDATA Repair with Labour Times is available to visitors who register their interest or sign up for a 14-day free trial on Stand R120 in Hall 19

As vehicle technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, access to data – and accurate data at that –is paramount. Correct testing procedures, DTCs, TSBs and wiring diagrams are all must-haves in today’s workshops; ALLDATA Europe is con dent that having this data at your ngertips will boost business e ciency, strengthen both knowledge and con dence in taking on complex repairs, and widen the menu of services.

ALLDATA Sales Director, Simon Frost, and Technical Support Specialist, Steve Derham, invite you to an in-depth discussion that comprises Old elds Garage Owner, Tim Benson, former garage owner and now IMI Policy Manager, Hayley Pells, renowned technical expert, James Dillon, and experienced bodyshop specialist, Dave Shepherd.

Each automotive professional will bring their unique, considered, and comprehensive experiences and

opinions to the fore – from repairing a vehicle in the garage to analysing current legislative challenges and pronounced industry trends – meaning all bases will be covered.

The 45-minute session will take place at 1:15pm on Wednesday 7th June at the Workshop Hub.

Giveaways & competitions

COMMA will be holding its biggest ever point giveaway on Stand F90 –giving every visitor to the stand the chance to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes after the show. Prizes include iPads, Bluetooth speakers, co ee machines, a team go-karting experience, and more.

Maverick Diagnostics will give away on-the-spot prizes on Stand L140, including discount vouchers worth up to £200, beanies and mugs.

Come and see the full-size WRC rally car on the CastrolStand S130 and each day there will be a barrel table and chairs set given away.

Take a spin on the wheel at the Bilstein Group StandP100 to win a bag of goodies.

Hands-on demos & training

Bosch on StandQ102 will highlight the latest developments for the DAS 3000 platform and experts will be on-hand to provide demonstrations at 10.30am, 13:30 and 15:30 every day and answer any questions visitors may have.

Merlin Diesel Systems will be showcasing the Hartridge Sabre Diesel test bench on Stand X100

Tyre changing and wheel balancing demonstrations will highlight the time and laboursaving bene ts of both Hofmann and Balco equipment on the ISN Europe Stand R70

Maverick Diagnostics will be demonstrating the AVILOO FLASH test on a Tesla Model 3 car on their Stand L140 – the rst independent EV battery tester available in the UK automotive aftermarket.

Be the rst to get hands-on with the latest additions to the Snap-on Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostic Scan Tool Family on Stand P130

Visitors to Brembo’s Stand R102 can expect to see all its new products displayed and can take part in a quiz to test their knowledge to be in with the chance to win some gadgets

Its replacement braking programme is divided into four di erent product groups. Brembo Essential o ers the rst approach to replacement opportunities, including brake drums, shoes, hydraulic components and remanufactured calipers. Its premium line Brembo Prime is designed for customers seeking the best t for their car, LCV or truck and provides brake discs, brake pads, calipers, brake uid and additional brake accessories. Brembo Beyond is

dedicated to electric vehicles and includes the Brembo Beyond EV kit – a range of coated discs and pads that are quieter and more resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Brembo Xtra includes drilled and slotted brake discs, high friction pads, coloured aluminium calipers, and a new brake uid.

From 10:45 to 11:10 at the Workshop Training Hub on the 8th June, Brembo will present ‘Braking Technology for EVs.’ This will outline the braking system in EVs, trends and solutions so that workshops can prepare for the peculiarities for a professional service that is continuously updated with the evolution of vehicles.

Seegreat NEW products on StandR60

SmartSplice -thecrimp-free,solder-free secureleakrepairmethodforfluidand refrigerantcarryingpipesandhosesincluding A/Cs,TransmissionsandPowerSteering. Eye-See SightglassFilteredA/CDiagnostic set.Showsupimpuritiesandcontamination, lubricantandrefrigerantbreakdown.

Purifier-2 -thelatestadditiontotheAirco Shielddeodorising/sanitisingrangewith addedpowertocleansetheevaporator chamber,airchannels,cabinair,cabin surfacesandfabrics.

Glo-LeakFlash -Newsingledosesystem thatletsyouflashGlo-LeakUVintothe A/Cusingthesystem’sownrefrigerantfor fasterresults.

Testyourskillsandknowledgeinourdaily competitiononthestand.Andjoinusin theWorkshopHub - Hall19standQ130at 2pmonTuesday6thJune foraWhistle-Stop problem-solvingtourofvehiclefluidsystems includingA/Cs.

Exhibitor news

We highlight some of the product launches, demos and handson training planned across the three days of the show

LKQ Euro Car Parts will present its extensive product range, training platform and other garage solutions across four stands at the show. Its product range will be presented on its largest Stand N100 including its in-house component brands –Starline, MPM Oils, Pagid and Eicher.

The LKQ Academy will be inviting attendees to experience the garage of the future at stand N125, with live demos on air conditioning, wheel alignment, diagnostics, and garage management software. Expert advice for bodyshops will be available on Y100

It will introduce a unique new garage concept – 1Tec Auto

Hub – alongside seven other aftermarket suppliers, including MPM Oil, Pagid, Schae er, Shell, Valeo, Varta, and ZF, and subject experts will be sharing their knowledge within the interactive hubs.

Opus IVS, will have a vehicle on stand W70 for a live demonstration of their remote services. The Remote Assist Program (RAP) enables customers to use their DrivePro device with the support of OEM-trained master technicians. The Opus IVS DrivePro Elite diagnostic tablet o ers a remote services VCI and coverage for 64 brands. It comes with IVS 360 live support included.

Primalec will debut several new products at the show on stand R60, which is located right by the entrance to Hall 19.

Visitors will be able to watch or participate in demonstrations including a working A/C unit and see how easy the products are to use, including the new EyeSee Refrigerant Inspector.

Smart Splice is the canny connector system that facilitates speedy repairs and modi cations to pipes and hoses, enabling repairs to leaks in vehicle transmissions, power steering and air conditioning systems – typical repairs take just ve minutes. Smart Splice parts include straight, 45°- and 90°-line ttings, as well as hose to pipe, hose to hose, and line block-o ttings. You can even use Smart Splice to add a service port connector to an A/C line.

Primalec’s unique vacu-can injection system has been repairing micro A/C leaks with Airco Seal Pro for over 20 years and now you can use it to inject ExtraCool A/C rejuvenator, and Glo-Leak Flash UV leak detector dye as well. Primalec’s system mixes with the system’s own refrigerant before injection, giving faster circulation and avoiding any risk of clogging the compressor.

Puri er-2 – the latest addition to Primalec’s deodorising/

sanitising range is on show too, along with Nitro-Trace, Leaktronic and the sought after Snow Leopard oils.

If you’re at the Show on Tuesday afternoon, join them on the Workshop Hub (Q130) at 2pm for a whistle-stop problem-solving tour of vehicle uid systems.

MEYLE’s stand will be in Hall 20, E60, where the focus will be on their HD product line and their new eSolutions. Among the highlight products, visitors will nd automatic transmission service kits as well as the new and MEYLE HD control arm for Tesla Model 3 & Model Y, which provides a durable solution. A comfortable meeting area invites visitors to sit down and chat with experts over a cup of co ee to learn more about how its spare part solutions make car repair and maintenance easier and more e cient.

The KalimexStand K107 will feature new product launches, giveaways and show deals throughout the three days. The team invite readers to nd out about cost-e ective DPF cleaning solutions from JLM Lubricants plus the latest additives for AdBlue, GDI engines and emissions reduction. Visitors can also pick up an exclusive goody bag, including a limited edition mug stu ed with sweets. The rst 50 visitors to its stand each day will also get a free stick of Quiksteel Epoxy Putty.

Maverick Diagnostics o ers to help visitors modernise their workshops on Stand L140, providing practical advice on OEM tooling, technical support, training, and EV battery diagnostics.

Whether you are just considering specialising or are already experienced in using dealer diagnostics, its team of experts will be on hand to o er advice and business support. It will showcase its range of OEM tooling and technical support, while its sister company, Automotive Training Academy will present its comprehensive training program, including dealer tool and EV training.

It will also launch its new EV battery diagnostics products from AVILOO, carrying out live demonstrations on a Tesla Model 3. Visitors can enter a competition to win a £7,000 JLR dealer diagnostics and support bundle (preregistration is required, simply email laura@maverickdiagnostics.com), as well as giving away IMI EV training for two technicians. Plus, special discounts will be o ered to existing and new customers.

Niterra UK – owner of the NGK and NTK vehicle electronic brands – will have a host of attractions on Stand E90 and will focus on its NGK Academy training initiative and its EGR valves range.

Garage visitors will also be able to test their skills on a race car simulator when the fastest competitor will win the Niterra Trophy, walk away with a BoxClever gift bag, and have the chance of meeting some of the company’s motorsport ambassadors.

British racing driver Nic Hamilton, who has con rmed he is to drive Team HARD. Racing’s Cupra Leon in the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season, will be on the stand on Tuesday, June 6. Hamilton, the brother of seven-time World Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has a long-standing relationship with the NGK brand and will be available to meet visitors as will North Yorkshire based racing car driver Max Coates, who will be on the stand on Thursday, June 8.

British racing driver Nic Hamilton will be on the NGK Stand E90 on Tuesday June 6

our stand?

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OSRAM and Ring will be sharing Stand M111 in Hall 19 with an extensive display of their products, including a focus on the original equipment lighting solutions OSRAM provides, and Ring’s aftermarket battery care, workshop tools, and inspection lamps.

New product highlights include the Osram Night Breaker 200, its Professional Series of working lights and Ring’s coloured inspection lamps, cordless tyre in ator, pro jump starter and RWL400, RWL600 and RWL1000 work lamps.

The stand will host interactive features and experts from both Ring and OSRAM will be on hand throughout the show to discuss products, o er advice and perform product demonstrations if needed, and there will also be the chance for visitors to win prizes on the stand.

Henry Bisson, Marketing Director at Ring, said: “Automechanika Birmingham is always an excellent show for us to communicate with current and new customers about what we can help them with, whether that’s lighting solutions or one of our other ranges… for workshops, it’s vital that technicians have the best tools to hand at all times, if a vehicle has a battery/starter system fault, they need to diagnose and identify it quickly and e ciently to be able to get on with their job for instance.”

TOPDON UK on Stand N62 will provide answers to your questions on its range of diagnostic products, whether it be ADAS, Diagnostic tools, Remote diagnostics solutions or the newly introduced Thermal Imaging and battery range of products.

Steve Scott from the renowned Simply Diag Network and Diagnose Dan will also be on the stand to chat with visitors. Three prizes will be given away in a competition to win a Phoenix Lite 2, T30000 Battery Charger and TC005 Handheld Thermal Camera. Goodie bags will also be handed out!

Visit Stand S90 to view a huge range of Sealey products, their current promotions and the latest 1,432 page edition of The Tool

Catalogue, containing over 12,000 products designed for use in the trade with 1,100 brand new products. There will also be some show deals to take advantage of.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) supports members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and ensures the sector’s voice is heard at Government level.

IGA members have access to a wealth of services, advice and resources; including a dedicated member helpline, legal and HR advice, technical training, MOT QC and Health & Safety schemes, online technical forum and helpline, customer conciliation and arbitration, exclusive commercial services and o ers, preferential training rates at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills, and more.

Members receive regular communication via email, post, and telephone about important industry updates, and are sent straightforward advice when new issues a ecting the sector emerge.

IGA members can also join Trust My Garage, the IGA’s nationwide consumer assurance scheme that acts as a badge of quality for independent garages. The scheme is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and backed by extensive nationwide advertising, giving local garages a national pro le.

You can talk to the IGA team at the show on Stand G122 about the bene ts of IGA membership, to ask any industry questions you may have or to discuss the issues they are lobbying for on your behalf.

As one of the event’s Platinum partners, on Stand Q90 in Hall 19, HELLA will exhibit its workshop equipment for vehicle diagnostics and advanced driver assistance systems, as well as its OE replacement parts programme, that includes a wide range of vehicle electrics and electronics.

“With the complexity of modern vehicle technology aligned with the vehicle manufacturer’s drive to lockout independents,

workshops need diagnostic equipment that not only tackles the technology, but also provides a solution for the cyber security management (CSM) barriers they encounter,” explains HELLA’s Ian Boyle.

“So, to both highlight these issues and demonstrate that there are viable, cost-e ective solutions to them, is why we’re exhibiting and this means that the Hella Gutmann mega macs X and the macsRemote, as well as the latest CSC Tool-Digital for ADAS calibration that we o er, will take centre stage during the event.

HELLA will also deliver ‘Automated driving of the future’ and ‘High voltage expertise’ presentations from both the Workshop Training Hub (Q130) and EV Hub.

BM Catalysts’ will highlight the latest Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) references alongside its already established range of catalytic converters, diesel particulate lters and front pipes in Hall 19, Stand M70

Mark Blinston, commercial director at BM Catalysts, said:

“Demand for SCRs is only going to increase, as many of the newer Euro 6 vehicles feature this technology and will be entering the vehicle parc over the next few years. It is therefore imperative that the aftermarket is fully informed and has readily available access to high-quality SCRs.”

The team will share information on changes to emissions legislation, including the proposed changes to MOT testing on

diesel vehicles, and the opportunities that are appearing within the aftermarket as a result.

Technicians visiting the stand will have the opportunity to get a practical insight into the company’s manufacturing processes, assembling a catalytic converter using a demonstration jig.

Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner, invites visitors to get hands-on with its latest innovations on Stand R64 in Hall 19. New-to-range parts, including a Tesla suspension arm, a raft of rst-to-market brake components, and new bi-metallic, highcarbon alloy brake discs will be set out, alongside a complete programme of workshop support in the form of Masters of Motion and Delphi Academy.

“Automechanika is a golden opportunity for garages to see what’s happening in our industry,” said Nigel Du eld, UK Country Director at Delphi. “We’ll be demonstrating how we’re helping garages service increasingly complex vehicle systems through the supply of premium quality parts, OE-level diagnostic equipment, technical support and training.”

To celebrate its Alpine sponsorship, visitors will be invited to compete for the best lap time on an Alpine F1 simulator and reaction time on a Batak machine, with daily prizes for the top performers. Elsewhere at the exhibition, Delphi’s Technical Services Manager Luke Garratt will be presenting ‘Hydrogen Internal Combustion – Is this the future?’ as a keynote speaker on Wednesday 7th June.

“The simple fact is nothing beats showing garages our products,” said Steve Prince, MD at Pichler Tools. “They then instantly see for themselves not only the manufacturing quality and professional durability of Pichler Tools but also understand exactly what speci c jobs particular products do and how they work so well.”

Steve explains that Pichler’s tools are designed to improve safety, speed, and quality of work, or simply help retain jobs that otherwise couldn’t be done on site. “Pichler Tools was rst known for specialist injector and glow plug removal kits,” said Steve. “There’s now a lot more products in our range to help garages grow their pro ts.”

Pichler Tools, on Stand S88, will bring their best-selling heavy duty heat inductor, the workshop coil spring compressor, an automatic brake bleeder and their wheel bearing removal kits –for all main generations of vehicle wheel bearings.

The Veri cation of Lubricant Speci cations (VLS) will celebrate ten years of protecting lubricants users at Automechanika Birmingham this year on Stand S60

Back in 2013, VLS was formed amid concerns that some lubricant products were being sold with claims that did not seem believable. Closer inspection found that substandard formulations were occasionally passed o as the latest speci cations or even failed to perform e ectively. Most lubricants sold in the UK market at the time were fully compliant. However, out of this concern, reputable lubricant blenders and manufacturers came together to launch VLS.

Since then, VLS has investigated 86 di erent lubricant complaints from cold weather properties to compliance with industry standards and market regulations. The work is ongoing, with eight cases currently under review.

At Automechanika, CDTi will present its new pre- lled PatFluid Bag Range for the rst time, speci cally designed for vehicles that use on-board DPF additive (Fuel Borne Catalyst) dosing systems. Some of these vehicles require a exible bag or pouch to hold the additive which can be quickly replaced with a new one when it runs out. Find out more in Hall 20, Stand G78

The Motor Ombudsman will be operating a case clinic on Stand F117 in Hall 20 each day of the event. Members of the organisation’s Dispute Resolution and Business Services team will be on-hand to discuss the bene ts of being accredited to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice, and to provide information and guidance on best practice for resolving consumer disputes fairly and quickly without having to resort to legal action.

Ecobat Battery will be exhibiting on G90 in Hall 20, which will be divided into ve areas: Automotive, leisure, mobility/ motorcycle, chargers/invertors, with a fth being dedicated to sister company Ecobat Solutions, which o ers an integrated EV battery logistics, re-engineering and recycling service to manufacturers.

“Alongside best practice battery advice, such as to check the battery of every vehicle that enters the workshop and to make sure the battery is supported when carrying out diagnostic tests for the installers present,” says Ecobat Battery’s Commercial Director, Paul Payne. “We’ll also be presenting charging and solar solutions for the leisure sector, products to cater for the motorcycle and mobility sectors and even addressing the EV market with an EV lithium battery pack."

Community-driven garage management software, Garage Hive will be encouraging stand visitors to interact with the software during live demonstrations Stand P60 in Hall 19. There will also be plenty of freebies up for grabs including a chance to win a free ticket worth £100 for The Blend 2023, its annual conference and networking event for independent garage owners taking place on Saturday 7th October in Birmingham.

Garage Hive director Alex Lindley, alongside other team members, will be on-hand to issue expert advice for independent garages keen to boost business performance. “We’re really looking forward to the return of Automechanika Birmingham,” said Alex. “It’s an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded garage owners, re ect on shared challenges and discuss garage growth potential. We’ll also be launching a new parts supplier integration at the show, which will bring further timing-bene ts for workshops.”

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