Digital trends and new zones at Automechanika Shanghai 2018

“We have been lucky enough to witness a shift in attitude for automotive manufacturing in recent years. The industry’s ‘blue
sky’ concepts are now a thing of the past, with the vast majority of innovations in digitalisation and connectivity coming to fruition across multiple sectors,” says Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of show organiser Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai).

“The show’s representation of the entire supply chain, on top of its ability to attract the biggest names from around the world, allows us to represent this evolution in the most effective way possible,” she says.

From November 28 to December 1 Automechanika Shanghai will host an expected 6,250 exhibitors and over 140,000 trade visitors in halls covering 350,000 square metres. Visitors will see first-hand how the digital trends of Industry 4.0 are creating opportunities and posing risks to existing business models.

These changes are so far-reaching that they will be featured in their own new zone – “Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility”, which has been established in collaboration with the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce. The focus will include autonomous driving, car connectivity, electromobility and advanced systems.

Also on show will be new vehicle energy innovations, such as electric controls, charging infrastructure, battery technology, vehicle components and testing equipment.

Other industry sectors will demonstrate how these digital trends are filtering into automotive markets such as Parts and
Components; Accessories and Customising; Repair and Maintenance; and Electronics and Systems sectors.

REIFEN Zone

The show’s returning REIFEN Zone is another vital piece of the puzzle which connects the entire auto supply chain under one
roof. Covering the very latest tyre, wheel and rim products, the zone allows exhibitors and visitors to capitalise on the overlap
between the global tyre sector and the automotive aftermarket.

One example is a special showcase for tyres and wheels associated with high performance vehicles. On show will be
custom wheels and rims, self-sealing and lightweight tyres, and innovative tyre production processes.
Fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness will also be a key highlight in the zone, alongside tyres produced specifically for electric vehicles.

Chain Stores Zone

New for 2018, Automechanika Shanghai’s Chain Stores Zone is a direct response to China’s transforming distribution channels –
particularly within the field of repair and maintenance. Chain stores in the country now own over 20% of the market. The automobile service industry has moved into an end-user-oriented era, where technological level, product quality and service standards have been raised.

This, together with the growth of service repair chain stores, has paved the way for long-term development. Nowadays, many chain stores are offering solutions for car owners in a more structural way,” says Cheng Yongshun, Vice President of China National Machinery Industry International, the show’s co-organisers.

Fringe programme

Over 50 scheduled events will see high-profile speakers and industry leaders discuss global market trends, latest technological advances, and future outlooks for various automotive industry sectors.