Photo courtesy: Portalhaus | Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Petra Welzel
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024, the leading global trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, lived up to its theme of “Driving Transformation.” Held from September 10-14, 2024, this prestigious event attracted trade visitors from 172 countries, showcasing over 4,200 exhibitors from 80 countries. The event delved into a range of crucial topics such as sustainability, circular economy, electromobility, connectivity, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) that are shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 centered on transformation and sustainability, with exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products and solutions for both the automotive aftermarket and original equipment sectors. The event attracted car manufacturers, suppliers, and key players from the automotive aftermarket, focusing on innovations in remanufacturing and strategies for a circular economy.
Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket, highlighted the importance of global collaboration and innovation in this context, stating: “We must strike a balance between being locally rooted and globally connected. At the same time, we need to foster innovative partnerships to address the evolving landscape of Next Generation Mobility, characterized by Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electrified, Sustainable (CASE) megatrends. The aftermarket sector demands fresh business models, enhanced service concepts, and a deeper understanding of customer expectations.”
Commenting on the agility of the industry in responding to modern challenges, Enno Straten, Head of Automotive Aftermarket Business Segment at Continental, said: “This year’s Automechanika has impressively demonstrated how flexibly and quickly the industry is responding to the many challenges it faces—be it in terms of sustainability, digitalization, or alternative drive systems.”
The formation of collaborative associations like the Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability (FAAS) emphasized the growing commitment to sustainability in the automotive aftermarket. Frank Schlehuber, Senior Advisor at CLEPA, The European Association of Automotive Suppliers, noted, “As the newly founded FAAS association…we are counting on more active members to develop, discuss, and implement ideas for greater sustainability in the repair and service business.”[1]
A Future-Ready Automotive Ecosystem
Automechanika 2024 emphasized the future of mobility with hands-on experiences and forward-looking solutions. At the Future Mobility Park, visitors test-drove electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles, including the latest models from BYD and Volkswagen, offering a glimpse into the industry’s future. Under the theme “Experience. Utilize. Connect.,” the event showcased e-charging systems, battery technology, alternative fuels, and solar-powered innovations, including an electric truck that set a world record by reaching the highest volcano on Earth using only solar power.
The Innovation4Mobility expert forum featured engineers and developers discussing innovative solutions transforming the mobility industry, including e-mobility, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, vehicle-to-grid, AI in cars, and software-defined vehicles, among other cutting-edge topics.
Recognizing the skilled labor shortage in the automotive industry, Automechanika introduced a special program for Gen Z – Ambition – designed to inspire young people to pursue automotive careers, ensuring future talent for the industry.
The Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), organized by the Automotive Sub-council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), showcased major Chinese manufacturers like Geely, BYD, and CATL. The expo aimed at bridging the gap between Chinese manufacturers and European automotive markets, while underscoring the immense business potential of the EV market.
Photo courtesy: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Pietro Sutera
A major highlight at Automechanika was the Innovation Awards, which celebrated groundbreaking advancements across several categories such as Electromobility & Innovative Drive Technologies, Parts & Innovative Technologies, Data & Connectivity, and Workshop & Service Solutions. Over 150 entries were submitted for consideration, with a particularly strong emphasis on workshop solutions, innovative parts, electromobility and AI. The Green Award, which honored a product that demonstrated exceptional sustainability, was awarded to SAMPA OTOMOTIV A.S. for its innovative Braking Emission Storing Technology (B.E.S.T.). This technology filters brake dust particles, enhancing the longevity of brake systems and minimizing environmental impact.
Remanufacturing, Sustainable Materials, and Advanced Technologies
At Automechanika 2024, several major players in the automotive aftermarket showcased their innovative and sustainable solutions, with a focus on remanufacturing, sustainable materials, and advanced technologies.
ZF Aftermarket highlighted its ZF REMAN label, enhancing visibility for remanufactured products across all its premium brands. As part of its sustainability drive, ZF also presented CorExpedia, an online platform optimizing reverse logistics for returning used vehicle parts, crucial for remanufacturing processes. These solutions aim to extend product lifecycles and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Continental unveiled its expanding aftermarket range, including the CONTI NXT Multi V-belt, a groundbreaking product made from nearly two-thirds sustainable materials like recycled PET bottles and organic fibers. The ATE New Original line, tailored to modern brake systems and the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, debuted new friction pairings and the ATE SecuBrake brake fluid. Continental also showcased the UltraContact NXT tires, featuring up to 65% renewable and recycled materials, combining sustainability with high performance.
Brembo introduced its extensive braking solutions, focusing on the Beyond Greenance Kit and Beyond EV Kit, designed for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Beyond Greenance Kit reduces emissions by 80%, while the EV Kit minimizes noise and corrosion. Brembo’s Essential, Prime, Xtra, and Upgrade product lines cater to various aftermarket needs, from entry-level to performance-focused components.
Getac launched the Getac Assist Remote Expert Solution, a rugged platform supporting field workers with real-time remote collaboration. Utilizing advanced video streaming and a durable design, Getac Assist enables industries like automotive and logistics to overcome technician shortages and complex vehicle repairs through seamless expert guidance.
MAHLE Aftermarket took a creative approach with its Hollywood-inspired campaign, promoting its state-of-the-art equipment and parts for both combustion and EVs. Alongside its new BatteryPRO line and TechPRO® 2 diagnostic tool, MAHLE presented a CO2 A/C service unit featuring climate-neutral refrigerant, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and advanced workshop support.
Frost & Sullivan as Global Knowledge Partner
As the Global Knowledge Partner of Automechanika, Frost & Sullivan was a prominent presence, facilitating knowledge sharing through insights on market trends, technology, sustainable innovation, and business models that are driving transformative growth across the automotive value chain.
Photo courtesy: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jens Liebchen |
Frost & Sullivan Research Director and Head of Mobility Aftermarket and Digital Retail Research, Anuj Monga delivered an in-depth analysis of current market dynamics and the trends shaping the future of mobility at the Innovation4Mobility forum. In “Automotive Aftermarket Evolution in Future”, he explored how factors like Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electrified (C.A.S.E.) are transforming vehicle demographics, while the growing out-of-warranty vehicle population offers tremendous opportunity for the independent aftermarket.
He highlighted that by 2030, all vehicles sold in North America and Europe will be connected, 40% will feature L1 and L2 autonomous driving capabilities, and over 500,000 cars will enter the global shared mobility ecosystem. Additionally, more than 10% of vehicles sold by 2030 will have alternative powertrains.
Monga emphasized that this evolution will be driven by rapidly changing vehicle functionality and customer preferences. To remain competitive, aftermarket providers must diversify by investing in workforce development, product innovation, and R&D.
Frost & Sullivan’s Aftermarket Initiatives
Frost & Sullivan’s had a significant presence at Automechanika, its booth buzzing with conversations around the future of aftermarket mobility and its industry-leading analysts providing delegates with thought leadership on the evolving landscape of diagnostics as a service business model, uberization of vehicle services, digital retail, expansion strategies of Chinese OEMs, and information on the global category tracker.
Photo courtesy: Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan also showcased its dynamic automotive aftermarket data platform –“ Growth Generator: Automotive Aftermarket Data Platform” – a data intelligence platform that provides continuous data updates and insights on various categories such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensors & cameras, brake components, engine management sensors, filters, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), wheel hub & bearings, and wiper blades, among others. Attendees from the technicians and service industry exhibited considerable interest in Frost & Sullivan’s customer survey research capabilities.
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 truly embodied the spirit of “Driving Transformation”, providing a valuable platform for industry professionals to explore partnerships, share knowledge, and drive the future of electrification, digitalization, and sustainable mobility.
For more information on Frost & Sullivan’s services and solutions for the automotive aftermarket, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
With inputs from Amrita Shetty, Senior Manager, Communications & Content – Mobility
[1]Quotes courtesy Automechanika Frankfurt, 2024
