With the accelerator pressed firmly to the floor, Automechanika Shanghai is speeding ahead for another record-breaking year. From Nov. 28, the 14th edition will be the largest edition ever seen, as the show hosts a gathering of exhibitors, buyers and visitors who are eager to explore the latest advancements across the entire automotive ecosystem.

The fair will cover 350,000 square meters across the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

The fair has seen growth in every aspect of the show in 2018, which not only highlights the speed at which the Asian automotive industry is growing, but also the international market’s ambitions in expanding their reach in Asia and the rest of the world.

This is evident in the show’s increased number of exhibitors, which has risen to 6,269 and represents a 4 percent rise from the previous year.

From this, there is an exhibiting presence from 43 countries and regions. What’s more, the fair will host many international visitor groups, with an expected overall total of 140,000 visitors, which has increased by 7 percent from last year.

This year, there are a total of 19 overseas pavilions from both developing and established auto markets. These consist of France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the USA. India will also be retuning in this year’s line-up. Many pavilions comprise of globally recognised brands, including Amboss, BASF, DEKRA, PROFI-TECH, Toshiba, Industrias Dolz SA and more.

The show will also feature corporate pavilions at the fairground. For example, the Hyundai Motor Group will have its own dedicated area for the first time, featuring its various OE parts suppliers and subsidiary companies, including the likes of Hyundai, Hyundai Mobis and KIA Motors.

Cheng Yongshun, Vice General Manager of co-organiser the China National Machinery Industry International, said: “The automobile market is undergoing a further transformation and technological advancement backed by support from the Chinese government. This has undoubtedly benefited the aftermarket sector as well. To fully capture the favourable market, we need to acquire knowledge in the evolving market trends and industry developments. Automechanika Shanghai provides a platform for every stakeholder in the aftermarket to discuss and exchange these new ideas, meaning the industry can prepare itself to grasp more new and profitable opportunities.”

Show highlights and specialised zones

The fairground is filled with thousands of exhibitors providing comprehensive coverage of the entire automotive supply chain, and halls have been categorised into different industry segments to focus attention on the extensive range of products, services and technologies. These segments include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility, Repair & Maintenance, Accessories & Customising and REIFEN. Additionally, there are many individual zones featured across all halls to spotlight specific themes in different sectors.

One new aspect this year is the Tomorrow’s Service and Mobility sector, situated in the North Hall of the fairground. This area is a hotspot for innovation, with prominent manufacturers and suppliers presenting their solutions and products on the themes of digitalisation, car connectivity, alternative drives, autonomous driving, new mobility services, as well as advanced composite materials for new energy vehicles and body lightweighting.

Another debut this year is the Chain Stores Zone at Hall 7.2, which has been established in response to the supply chain’s evolving distribution network. Meanwhile, the returning REIFEN (Tyres) area has seen a 43% increase in exhibiting space, where the latest tyre, wheel and rim products as well as repair products and services will be displayed. These two zones will sit together for exhibitors and visitors to capitalise on the interconnections between the global tyre and post-sales automotive sectors.

Exhibitors in the Auto Manufacturing Zone will showcase their latest manufacturing tools and equipment. This includes robotic products and robot arms, optical inspection equipment, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, and cleaning equipment.

In terms of the show’s fringe programme, this year the show boasts an impressive 57 schedule events taking place throughout Automechanika Shanghai. The topics discussed in the conferences, seminars and interactivities are underpinned by sector themes that run across the fairground floor.

Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of co-organiser Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, shared her views on this year’s edition, saying: “Automechanika Shanghai has become a benchmark for the development of the automotive industry by not only supporting exhibitors, but by encouraging them all to stay up to date with current market needs. As organisers, we strive to stay two steps ahead by continually introducing and repositioning our sectors, zones and fringe programme events. It is our mission to help industry professionals examine and explore the latest trends and provide them with the tools to plan and deliver their business objectives, which both meets the customers' current and future needs, while being able to adapt to policy updates and environmental changes”.  

Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd (Sinomachint). It is one of 17 Automechanika fairs held across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.