Automechanika Shanghai 2024

Automechanika Shanghai 2024 will focus on innovations and transformations that drive a sustainable future, showcasing the latest automotive products, services and technologies that are shaping a greener tomorrow.

Organizers of the show, which will take place from 2 to 5 December, expect 6,500 exhibitors (15% increase from the previous edition) and 14 country and region pavilions, encompassing the entire 350,000 sqm space (16.7% increase from the previous edition) across 14 halls of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

Automotive Industries (AI) asked Fiona Chiew, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), what makes the company so confident about filling all the available space.

Chiew: I am very confident ahead of this 20-year anniversary show.

Over the last two decades, Automechanika Shanghai has become the platform the world joins to explore China’s automotive industry, bridging the country with markets abroad. It offers a stage for Chinese companies to showcase their latest product lines and connect internationally.

At the same time, overseas players can gain valuable insights into the evolving Chinese market, which is being led by the rapid development of new energy vehicles. For example, in the first seven months of this year, new energy vehicles accounted for 36.4% of new car sales.

From both perspectives, there are opportunities to expand by leveraging resources at the show as we provide extensive opportunities for marketing, trade, information exchange and education.

The eager response from the industry reflects this position as we have managed to hit our sales target ahead of schedule and are still receiving inquiries to exhibit. Therefore, I am excited to see in another successful edition of Automechanika Shanghai.

We have several special anniversary events lined up, so I do hope that the industry comes to celebrate their achievements with us as well.

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AI: Why the focus on sustainability?

Chiew: One of the biggest reasons sustainability is such a big focus of this year’s show is because the whole world is talking about it, so incorporating it as a theme was a natural progression of the show.

There has been a notable shift towards greener technologies and practices in the automotive industry. We have a

ligned this overall direction by highlighting the innovations and transformations that can contribute to these efforts.

The show is set to showcase the latest achievements in NEVs, connectivity, and autonomous driving, as well as advancements in traditional segments. However, with the whole ecosystem evolving, we also aim to engage with wider sectors like transportation, retail, e-commerce, the Internet, and advanced technology.

Away from the show floor, we will also explore related topics at the International Automotive Industry Conference 2024 Presented by Automechanika Shanghai. Here, industry leaders can share knowledge and drive the sustainability agenda.

In addition, an array of conferences, workshops, and demonstrations aim to foster learning and development amongst industry professionals. This is particularly important as talent training, acquisition, and management are in demand in the technology-driven era.

As responsible trade fair organizers, we encourage all participants, including contractors, exhibitors and visitors, to adopt sustainable practices and technologies. This year, we are also launching an exciting initiative that all attendees can partake in.

During the four-day show, participants are encouraged to count their steps, as we (the organizers) will match the total with a monetary donation to support community tree planting. Hence, a lot of ground can be covered with 6,500 exhibitors across 350,000 sqm of the venue.

It aims to highlight that every small effort contributes to a larger impact, emphasizing the need for the automotive industry to unite to achieve long-term environmental goals for a sustainable future.

AI: What are you doing differently to enhance the visitor experience?

Chiew: As an international platform for the automotive supply chain, we provide extensive resources and opportunities for visitors and exhibitors to maximize participation in all areas of information exchange, marketing, trade and education.

Dedicated buyer services like the Premium Buyers Club, Auto Tech Club, Match Up, and buyer groups can help facilitate efficiency thanks to our dedicated team, which offers unique networking activities to connect with like-minded professionals from around the world.

Moreover, we understand that navigating a large event like Automechanika Shanghai can be time-consuming. Therefore, we are introducing thematic routes for visitors to follow for a more targeted and specific approach to the visit.

In celebration of the 20-year anniversary of the show, there will also be some fun and interactive elements like the stepathlon for tree planting and Quest for a Racing Master competition.

AI: And for exhibitors?

Chiew: We encourage our exhibitors to start their promotion early. Our team is closely in contact to collect information about the technologies and solutions on display, assisting them in promotion across our global channels before the show.

We offer additional advertising in digital and onsite spaces and sponsorship of 20-year anniversary events to generate more touch points and brand exposure. Exhibitors can also apply to become speakers in talks at our Innovation4Mobility Showcase Areas, sharing their valuable knowledge and visions across the automotive supply chain.
AI: What real business is done at Automechanika Shanghai?

Chiew: Generally speaking, Automechanika Shanghai is a vital platform for various business activities, including networking, lead generation, and product launches.

The trade fair allows companies to connect with potential clients and partners, gather valuable market insights, and enhance brand awareness.

As one of the largest and most influential exhibitions in the automotive industry, this stage in China is one to be noticed from both an international and domestic standpoint. Exhibitors can conduct direct sales, showcase product demonstrations, and participate in educational workshops.

Additionally, we foster collaboration in an open environment, making the show essential for building relationships and exploring new market prospects.

AI: What conferences / discussions will be held in tandem with the show?

Chiew: Of some 70 fringe program events, the International Automotive Industry Conference 2024 Presented by Automechanika Shanghai is one of the key highlights.

The conference is set to bring together various types of players from around the world, sharing insights on global automotive trends and regional dynamics, supply chain transformation, corporate global strategies, ESG in the automotive industry, and cross-border cooperation, to name a few.

In addition, the Innovation4Mobility Showcase Areas serve as hotspots for innovation and transformation in specific pockets of the supply chain.

With product showcases, the three areas also cater to networking and information exchange. For instance, over 30 seminars at the main stage are set to cover topics such as automotive AI, digital transformation, sustainable development, and energy technology, as examples.

AI: What other fringe events are planned?

Chiew: Other flagship conferences shall cover different sectors and areas along the supply chain. These include the International Summit of Automotive Industry Talent Development; International Summit of Connected-Vehicle Policies and Regulations; and, Automotive Aftermarket Summit, to name a few.

We have other special events in the pipeline for our 20-year anniversary celebrations. Therefore, I encourage readers to stay current on our social media channels.