Automotive community gathers in record numbers
Following a four-year absence, a record number of UK automotive professionals came together at Automechanika Birmingham, the most important trade event for the UK automotive industry. The 14,402 visitors record attendance was an increase of 19% on the 2019 show, re-confirming that face-to-face B2B events are a critical way for professionals to learn, do business and network. The total of 6750 garages, workshops and bodyshops, was also unprecedented.
A total of 511 suppliers from 23 countries – including key leading brands – showcased cutting-edge technology, product innovations and services to senior decision makers from end users to distributors, motor factors, retailers and vehicle manufacturers.
Simon Albert, managing director of event organiser Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “This is undoubtedly the best Automechanika Birmingham to date – not just because of the quality and number of attendees, but because of the overwhelming positive feedback we have received from exhibitors and visitors alike. This has been incredibly rewarding for my team, our exhibitors, partners and suppliers, who have all collaborated closely to deliver the event.”
With the automotive industry facing huge legislation changes, the exhibition hosted the first ever Automechanika Birmingham keynote conference in addition to the 190 hours of free skills training, where visitors could debate and address the big challenges facing the sector, from electrification, the future of the MOT and all pertinent topics.
The event also offered the perfect opportunity for all levels of the industry – including students and the next generation of talent – to upskill, with Automechanika Birmingham’s Talent and Skills Conference providing insight and expertise from the sector’s leading professionals. More than 100 people joined the Women Automotive Network drinks reception focusing on how to attract a more diverse workforce.
The event provided double the amount of skills training and practical demonstrations, with 192 hours of sessions and interactive features such as the Modern Garage, Paint & Spray Live, Collision Repair Live and the EV Training Academy. And to celebrate success, there was the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts.
Sentiments from Mark Field, chief executive of the IAAF at the end of the awards, summarised the feeling of the automotive industry when he thanked the organisers for giving the automotive community a national scale event they could be proud of.
With exhibitors delighted by the value derived from the show, more than 80% of Automechanika Birmingham 2025 space has already been booked up – with many also exhibiting at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Show, in June 2024, also located at Birmingham NEC.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is designed as a different event to Automechanika dedicated to just the end users of the automotive aftermarket with a focus on tools, training and technology.