Autotechnician magazine October 24

Automechanika Frankfurt showcases a wealth of innovation

Driving Transformation

The international trade fair returned to Frankfurt with gusto mid-September, attracting 108,000 visitors to take in 4,200 companies’ parts, equipment and workshop support services across 26 hall levels and explore the trends of electrification, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems and digitalisation.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt: “Even in the midst of the digital transformation, the industry once again demonstrated its wealth of innovation, providing countless highlights over the course of the fiveday event. Together with our exhibitors, we were able to find the right players to present the most important topics – including alternative drive systems, sustainability and the use of AI and robotics in the automotive aftermarket – on the stages and in the exhibition halls."

Five stages played host to discussions of trends and developments in various industry sectors. In the Future Mobility Park and the expert forum Innovation4Mobility, visitors had the opportunity to experience vehicles with alternative drive systems up close – including electric, hydrogen and hybrid and get behind the wheel themselves.

Autotechnician spent two days visiting many of the key suppliers, click here to find out what they are introducing into the UK in the coming months to support technicians and workshops.

Innovation Awards

Awards were held on the first evening of the show to honour suppliers who have created technologies that focus on digitalisation, new drive technologies and sustainability.

Smart solutions for vehicle technology as well as for workshops were honoured, including the AVILOO Flash Test, a plug and play battery test for EVs and hybrids, Snap-on’s Tru-Point 3D positioning ADAS calibration accessory that enables and monitors the precise placement of ADAS calibration mats, Schaeffler’s E-Drive Stator Lift for dismantling electric motors and GS27’s AIsupported training software with language customisation.

"More than almost any other sector, the automotive industry is at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation. We need new technologies to help us - on the way to digital, efficient and sustainable mobility.