From 10 to 14 September 2024, Automechanika in Frankfurt is set to offer a wealth of opportunities for professionals in the body and paint sector. The event will feature lectures on electric vehicle repairs, practical workshops, live painting demonstrations, a lounge for expert meetings, an after-work event on Friday, and numerous presentations on classic cars, including a selection of show cars chosen by popular vote.
Central Stage in Hall 11.1
The body and paint industry’s focus on electromobility will be highlighted with presentations on the technical challenges and additional costs of repairing high-voltage drives. International representatives from leading paint manufacturers and key players in the bodywork industry will discuss the global development of the collision repair business. The ‘Schadentalk’ will feature decision-makers from the collision repair market discussing industry changes, extended this year by ‘Schadenspots’. Notably, paint manufacturers will return to Automechanika after a 20-year hiatus, exhibiting next to the stage.
In the outdoor area of Hall 11, Saicozero will feature a state-of-the-art paint booth, enabling live painting demonstrations for the first time during the trade fair. Professionals can also participate in free, certified workshops on topics such as high-voltage and fuel cell vehicle repairs, AI-driven repair cost calculation, painting and digitalisation, finishing techniques, ADAS calibration, and on-board electronics diagnosis. New topics include smart repair, sustainable plastic repair, bonding, and bodywork for electric and multi-material mix vehicles.
Interactive Workshops
Live experiences will be a focal point, with a high-class selection of classic cars, including one from ‘Nationales Automuseum The Loh Collection’, chosen by public vote. The cars up for election include a 19 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, a Bugatti Type 57C Aravis, Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F1-2000, and a brand-new Mercedes AMG One. Additionally, an Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ from collector Corrado Lopresto and two selected classic motorbikes will be displayed. Over 100 historic vehicles will also make a stop at the exhibition during the ‘Rhein-Main-Klassik’ rally.
Michael Johannes, Vice President of Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt, emphasises the importance of training, industry transformation, and emotional engagement, which are core themes of the Automechanika brand globally. The diverse and topical programme in Hall 11 reflects this commitment, developed with insights from industry insiders and media collaboration.
The highlight of the week is the Afterwork Friday event, inviting the entire industry to enjoy live music and a spectacular evening programme, fostering networking and industry camaraderie.
Classic, Collectible Cars
Classic and collectible cars will have a prominent presence. Panel discussions will feature young entrepreneurs discussing visions, new business models, and their passion for historic vehicles. Expert speakers like Professor Wolfgang Henseler and Andy Schwietzer will discuss investments in classic cars and motorbikes through tokens. Tobias Reichle and Florian Urbitsch will explain how they made Friedhelm Loh's world-class car collection accessible to the public. The entire stage program will be hosted by Eve Scheer, a presenter, actress, and racing driver.
Since March, the Automechanika Classic Car Podcast ‘Passion meets Business’ has featured speakers from the trade fair, discussing their business and personal anecdotes with paint expert and presenter Jürgen Book. Starting in June, episodes will be available in English, supported by the trade magazine FML and its editor-in-chief Wolfgang Auer.
Automechanika 2024 promises to be an enriching experience for professionals in the body and paint sector, offering a blend of education, innovation, and engagement. The event’s focus on electromobility, classic cars, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops ensures that attendees will gain valuable insights and skills to navigate the evolving automotive industry.
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