Automechanisa 2024 – the highlights

Automechanisa 2024 – the highlights

The organizers of Europe's most important aftermarket trade fair, Automechanika 2024, have set themselves the goal of supporting car dealerships and workshops in coping with the transformation. The central program item in Frankfurt will be the special show 'Workshop of the Future', which was developed in cooperation with the Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry (ZDK) and the Future Workshop 4.0 of the Institute for the Automotive Industry (IfA). In the innovation laboratory, trade visitors can experience live how a workshop visit could work in the near future. Among other things, you will see how a vehicle drives through a scanner and how it carries out a condition diagnosis using AI and feeds the interpreted information into the subsequent workshop processes. “Nowhere else can so many technical innovations for the automotive aftermarket be seen and experienced in such a compact space,” promises Benedikt Maier, deputy IfA director and managing director of Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0.

In a separate exhibition area, exciting future solutions for the workshop sector will be presented on seven thematically structured islands: diagnostics and automation, electromobility, process automation, AI and robotics, extended reality (XR), networked workshop, training and further education, digital workflow and sustainability. At each thematic island, compressed information is offered to the audience by up to three independent companies or institutions. The third component of the special show is the ZDK industry meeting point, where the ZDK experts, in dialogue with industry experts, provide 30-minute specialist articles on current topics such as state-of-health assessment of traction batteries, SERMA, calibration of driving assistance systems, particle measurement, air conditioning hygiene, young talent marketing or digital vehicle registration.

There is also a lot on offer for professionals in the field of body and paint at Automechanisa in Frankfurt: lectures on repairing electric vehicles, practical workshops and live painting, a lounge for technical discussions, an after-work event on Friday, many presentations on the subject of classic cars, including selected show cars. The body and paint industry is primarily concerned with the topic of electromobility. Against this background, two experts will give lectures on technical challenges and additional costs when repairing high-voltage drives. In addition, two panels with international representatives of leading paint manufacturers and key players from the bodywork industry will address the global development of the claims market. At the Damage Talk in 2024, decision-makers from the accident repair market will once again discuss changes in the industry. This year, the traditional talk on Friday will be supplemented by so-called 'damage spots'. International paint manufacturers who are back at Automechanika after a 20-year break will be presenting themselves in the immediate vicinity of the stage. K&L professionals who would like to further their practical training can also take part in free, certified workshops in Hall 11.0. Topics include work on high-voltage and fuel cell vehicles, repair cost calculations with AI, painting & digitalization, finish & polishing technology, ADAS calibration or diagnosis of on-board electronics. Completely new ones include smart repair, sustainable plastic repair of bumpers and headlight housings (thermal), gluing and body work stations for the repair of electric and multi-material mix vehicles.

Alldata(Hall 9.0 Stand D88): The specialist for OEM repair data presents its “Alldata Repair” solution using practical examples. The program provides workshops with current maintenance and repair data directly from the manufacturer and contains more than 118,000 vehicle-specific engine combinations. This covers around 96% of all vehicles on the road. Alldata Repair also includes TSBs, error codes and more than 7 million technical drawings and schematics. Using the example of “removing and installing the side wall” on a VW Arteon, built in 2024, the system shows what it can do. The repair requires special tools and precisely defined work steps. The part must be welded and glued within 90 minutes, whereby detailed specifications for the weld seams must be observed. After installation, the vehicle must rest at room temperature for 8-10 hours to allow the adhesives to harden - a special feature compared to other repairs. Further information: www.alldata.com

AVL DiTest(Hall 8.0, Stand D40 and Hall 9.0 Future Workshop): The Graz testing and measurement technology specialist AVL DiTest is placing the topics of electromobility, exhaust gas measurement and air conditioning service at the center of its trade fair appearance. In the area of ​​e-mobility, the Graz engineers have developed tools for the entire repair process of high-voltage batteries. The range includes products for independent workshops and testing organizations as well as tailor-made solutions that were developed in close cooperation with vehicle manufacturers. Checking the absence of voltage, measuring the insulation resistance (AVL DiTest workSAFE) or checking the tightness of a battery housing (AVL DiTest noLEAK) are tasks that users will face in the course of the battery repair process. Other focal points of the trade fair appearance will be exhaust gas measurement including a particle measuring device and air conditioning service. The latest product generation with improved features will be presented in both areas. Further information: www.avl.com

Axalta(Hall 11 Stands D27 & D43): As a partner for vehicle repair and refinishing workshops, Axalta is committed to making its customers' businesses smarter. During Automechanisa, the paint specialist will introduce new technology that will connect the entire paint shop like never before. As Automechanisa brings together collision repair industry experts from around the world, Axalta takes the opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in its product and service offering. The stands will offer live presentations, lectures and interactive displays. On Tuesday, September 10th at 11:30 a.m., Axalta promises the exciting unveiling of revolutionary technology. Axalta will also offer numerous networking and information sharing opportunities throughout the week. Further information: www.refinish.axalta.eu

BASF(Hall 11.1 Stand C50): BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions presents its new #EcoEffectiveness products. One of the trade fair highlights is Glasurit's 100 series water-based basecoat system, which boasts the shortest process times, lowest material consumption and ecological sustainability. The first basecoat series with a VOC value of less than 250 g/l sets new standards in environmental protection. Glasurit is also introducing the fully automatic CR4/CR6 mixing ramp, powered by Refinity. According to the company, this enables the fastest simultaneous mixing process. The Body Shop Boost consulting service will also be presented, and last but not least, BASF Coatings will be holding a series of workshops around digitalization, in which the experts will also use Glasurit's KnowHow training platform and VR spray painting tools, among other things. There is also news from the BASF premium paint brand R-M. The new water-based paint line “Agilis” has a VOC value of <250 g/L and is therefore a pioneer with the fastest, most environmentally friendly and colorful painting line. Further information: www.basf.com

Bosch(Hall 9.0 Stands A05, A06, A15, A16, B01 and Hall 11.0 Stand E39): The Bosch Mobility Aftermarket division is presenting a wide range of innovations and new developments for the workshop market. These include, for example, the new Bosch Remote Diagnostics Service “On Demand”, which supports the workshop with complex technical tasks. Until now, the workshop had to first book an appointment for the remote diagnostics service via the RDS customer portal or the ESI[tronic] Evolution diagnostic software from Bosch. The workshop employee can now also make an ad hoc request via chat. They are then placed in a virtual queue and served “on demand” as soon as an expert is available. For this purpose, the chat function, which was previously only offered in the RDS customer portal, has also been integrated into the ESI[tronic] Evolution. Bosch is continually expanding the market coverage for the Remote Diagnostics Service. The focus is currently on Chinese manufacturers such as MG and BYD. Further information: www.bosch.at

Christ AG(Hall 12, Stand B98): With the trade fair motto “Higher – Stronger – Together”, car wash professional Christ is presenting a wide range of innovations. An example of this is the Cadis Blade gantry car wash - a cost-effective way for car dealerships to automate vehicle washing and expand their offering to include the car wash business. The Flux gantry car wash is also a real innovation, as it is a touchless gantry car wash that cleans cars without brush intervention. This also appeals to car wash customers who have previously cleaned their vehicles at self-service high-pressure washing stations or who prefer to clean their vehicles by hand. Especially for small locations with limited space, the self-service entry-level model Skip-XS offers the full performance of a large self-service washing system. Christ also presents a range of car wash and care products that are designed for use in all vehicle wash systems. Accessories such as pre-spray devices from Christ provide car wash operators with additional income and round off the product range. Further information: www.christ-ag.com

Hella Gutmann(Hall 9.0 Stand A80): With a modular diagnostic solution and a completely newly developed, fully digital ADAS calibration tool, Hella Gutmann presents two innovations for everyday workshop life. The tools offer efficient support for challenges such as cyber security, Ethernet-based on-board networks and driver assistance systems. The new mega macs solution for Android devices offers several performance modules in the cost-effective entry-level diagnostics class that were previously reserved for the top devices from Hella Gutmann. The completely newly developed digital ADAS calibration tool enables the driver assistance systems to be adjusted in record time. Live demos and lectures take place six times a day on the days of the trade fair, to which visitors are cordially invited without prior registration. Further information: www.hella.gutmann.com

K&K marten defense(Hall 3.0 Stand F91): Marten damage to vehicles has been increasing across Europe for years. K&K is presenting its marten repellent products to a broad European audience for the third time at this year's Automechanisa in Frankfurt. This year, the marten defense specialists are expecting special guests at their stand. On Thursday, the two car doctors Hans-Jürgen Faul and Holger Parsch, who are known to a wide television audience from the VOX TV format “auto mobil”, will provide information about known marten problems and suitable solutions. These also include high-voltage solutions that K&K has developed specifically for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Especially with these types of drive, the damage in the event of a marten bite is often disproportionately expensive. Further information: www.kuk-marderwehr.de  

Liqui Moly(Hall 12.0 Stand B01): On around 450 square meters, Liqui Moly is showing its complete range, including new lubricants and additives as well as the revised program for the car care line. This is divided into the areas of windows, paint, tires and interior. The company has added around half of the products to its range or revised their recipes. Two specialist lectures from the areas of research and development round off the trade fair appearance. Individual online marketing is centered on the top topics of Automechanika – sustainability, digitalization and innovations. In collaboration with the service provider Social Pals, Liqui Moly regularly launches online campaigns that are specifically tailored to business customers and ensure additional frequency in the workshop. Further information: www.liqui-moly.de

Mahle(Hall 9.0, stands C01, C06, C16 and Agora H30 outdoor area): Mahle Aftermarket presents itself as a full-service provider for independent workshops. A particular focus is on electrification and thermal management. The tools in the BatteryPRO product series are divided into E-Safety, E-Scan, E-Health, E-Care and E-Charge. In addition to the battery diagnostic solution E-Health Charge, which provides reliable information about the health status and performance of the high-voltage battery, the new product family member E-Care Fluid will also be presented. Workshops can use it to automatically empty and refill the battery cooling circuit and identify possible leaks. Another trade fair highlight is the new CO2 air conditioning service device for the environmentally friendly refrigerant R744. Mahle Aftermarket is also introducing its latest generation of TechPRO 2 diagnostic devices, which have an improved user interface and automatic vehicle recognition. Further information: www.mahle.com

Meyle(Hall 4.0 Stand D41 and Hall 9.0 Stand A40): Meyle presents its latest solutions for electric cars and combustion engines. At the last trade fair appearance, the Hamburg-based company demonstrated how to successfully stop a Tesla from squeaking. They also analyzed weak points in original parts for combustion engines and are now presenting alternatives. In addition to presenting new product developments, Meyle wants to demonstrate its future viability with innovative concepts for e-mobility. For example, the Meyle PD Hepa cabin filter set for Tesla saves considerable resources thanks to its new design and the use of bio-plastic. With his re-engineering know-how, Meyle also managed to improve problematic designs of certain Tesla models. For example, a rear axle control arm whose integral joint mounts have predetermined breaking points. The Meyle solution: solid aluminum material and stiffer bushings significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Meyle has also developed new rear axle control arms for VW models with combustion engines, which, thanks to a zinc slat coating, are less sensitive to stone chips and more corrosion-resistant than the OE part. Further information: www.meyle.com

Sata(Hall 11.1 Stand C03):For Automechanisa visitors who work in the repair and refinishing sector, a trip to Sata is part of their personal trade fair program. This flying visit will be particularly worthwhile this year. The manufacturer of paint guns in the premium segment is still keeping a low profile when it comes to trade fair innovations. However, it is certain that the people of Kornwestheim have a lot up their sleeves. This is also supported by the fact that products should not only be exhibited at the Sata trade fair stand, but should also be presented personally. Visitors can also expect a surprise at the stand itself: According to the company, visitors will be able to experience a completely new stand concept with an innovative product presentation. Further information: www.sata.com

Stop & Go(Hall 3.1 Stand E60): The marten defense specialists from Stop&Go are presenting, among other things, their new toggle switch solution for easily switching marten defense systems on and off with high voltage. In addition, a new online workshop finder, which significantly improves the visibility of Stop&Go partner workshops for interested vehicle owners. Users of the online tool can enter a city or zip code via the user interface. The system then shows you the nearest Stop&Go marten defense partner workshop and shows all the advantages of the marten defense systems at a glance. Conclusion: The workshops gain a higher online presence and can therefore win new customers. End customers, in turn, can quickly find a qualified service provider in their area. The tool can be used without registration. Further information: www.stop-go.de

Texas(Hall 8.0 Stand E96): The specialist for diagnostics, exhaust gas and air conditioning service devices is presenting its new products on a 500 m2 exhibition stand in Italian design. One focus is on facilities for diagnosing and calibrating driver assistance systems for cars and trucks. Texa is showing a further development stage of the fully automatic “Vision Check”, which combines chassis measurement and calibration of the ADAS systems. Another highlight is the complete Axone family with diagnostic tablets in different sizes and performance levels Axone Light, Plus and Voice. A separate area belongs to the air conditioning service units of the Konfort 700 series. New is the “H2 Blaster”, a device for cleaning the combustion chamber using oxyhydrogen. This process is becoming increasingly popular and many repair shops are seeing it as a lucrative business opportunity, both in solving engine problems and in predictive maintenance. Texa wants to surprise the trade fair audience with a world first in the field of electromobility. Further information:  www.texadeutschland.com