Automechanika Frankfurt Digital Plus starts on 14 September 2021 and marks the return of the renowned automotive aftermarket trade event after the pandemic, although in a different and scaled back format. 

While huge numbers of Irish visitors will not be travelling to Frankfurt this year, the three-day event, in a hybrid format, combining a compact exhibition on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds with an online platform, will allows exhibitors and visitors to participate and network digitally. In addition, to product innovations, the focus will be on the topics and trends impacting the automotive aftermarket today. There will also be a three-day programme of events supported by numerous partners and sponsors. 

Some 300 companies are involved in the event with half attending in person. Information on these can be accessed on the website and in the Automechanika Digital Plus Navigator app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple Store free of charge. 
 
Speaking about the digital side of the show, Olaf Musshoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, explained, “ Our digital platform allows everyone to take part in the extensive three-day supporting programme not only here in Frankfurt, but also around the globe. This helps to ensure the international reach of our event.” 

Digitalisation in the aftermarket is one of the key topics to be discussed. During the course of the ‘Let’s talk business’ panel discussion on 14 September, representatives from Bosch, AVL DiTest, Carbon and Hunter will be joining with Olaf Mußhoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, to discuss innovative workshop solutions during a time shaped by digitalisation and the mobility transition. 

Energy4Mobility, will be another important area. Experts will be discussing which fuels are best for particular modes of transport in the next instalment under the theme of, ‘Decarbonising modes of transport – challenges and solutions’ on 14 September. 

Sustainability and the role of the circular economy are in the spotlight at the first Remanufacturing Day on 15 September, which is being organised in cooperation with the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA). This is where experts address this multifaceted topic and answer questions posed by participants.

Industrial 3D printing opportunities will be in focus on 16 September at the ‘Discover3Dprinting’ seminar, offering a comprehensive look at additive manufacturing methods, presenting exciting application examples from various fields in the automotive industry. 

For the bodyshop sector ‘Collision talk’ – the challenges facing the accident repair market today is on the 16th of September and will be addressing how body and paintwork shops can meet the challenges of today’s accident repair market. It will look at slow volume, rising costs, and shrinking margins in the sector.  

There are many more fascinating presentations, lectures and panel discussions available. To find out more go to www.automechanika.com/eventkalender.

For those who can attend in Frankfurt, strict hygiene protocols are in place. At the same time, all exhibiting companies will also be presenting their products online, with participants having the opportunity, for example, to make new contacts through digital matchmaking, communicate with one another using live chats and one-to-one video calls, and participate in the events being streamed live. 

To visit the trade fair in person or access the online programme, visitors will require a single-day ticket. This year these will only be available from the online ticket shop. The single-day ticket not only entitles the ticket holder to visit the event in Frankfurt, but also allows them to take advantage of the full Automechanika Frankfurt Digital Plus programme as a live stream on all three days of the event – including the ability to contact exhibitors, find out more about products and network with other industry experts.