Press conference highlights new opportunities and a level playing field for repair data as key factors driving the future of the aftermarket. 

From September 10-14, Automechanika Frankfurt provides an opportunity for the global automotive aftermarket industry to come together, share ideas, showcase new products and solutions as well as learn about the latest industry trends and other influencing factor that’s shaping the entire automotive sector.

In a prelude to the official opening of the event, a press conference was held on September 9, in which Messe Frankfurt and Automechanika Executive Team members welcomed media from around the world.

Back in a big way

Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt, stated that for 2024, Automechanika Frankfurt was back, and in a big way. With more than 4,200 exhibitors from over 80 countries displaying their wares, and more than 400 events taking place during the course of the event—everything from keynote sessions, to on-site workshops, demonstrations and even contests—Braun emphasized that Automechanika represented not only ground zero for the global aftermarket, but an event where personal, one-on-one engagement was a major highlight and essential in today’s fast changing world.

The size and scope of the global automotive aftermarket sector cannot be understated. According to data from Frost & Sullivan the automotive replacement parts sector is expected to grow to some 415 billion Euro ($458 billion U.S.) this year, reaching 630 billion Euro $696 million) by 2030. And, around the world, the vehicle fleet continues to age. In Canada it’s 10.5 years, while in the U.S. it’s up to 12.6 years while even in Germany, the average age of a vehicle on the road now stands at 10.3 years.

With more older vehicles on the roads, more opportunities exist for the aftermarket sector and Automechanika continues to grow in scope. As Olaf Musshoff, Director, Automechanika Frankfurt explained, the event continues to expand with added floor space and new exhibits. For 2024, new electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers were on display, reflecting the growing synergies between OEMs and the aftermarket, as well as the growth of China as a major player in the global aftermarket sector.

The sustainability factor

A key theme of this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt was sustainability “This impacts everyone,” stated Musshoff and to showcase how the industry is embracing real solutions, there was an entire Sustainability Court at Hall 5.0, showcasing everything from electric vehicles and battery technology, to hybird propulsion systems and E-fuels. While in Europe, there is still strong sentiment on EVs as a major part of the future vehicle fleet, developments on internal combustion engine technology continue and the end goal is to provide end-to-end-mobility solutions no matter the powertrain or fueling methods employed.

On the regulatory front, Europe faces similar changes to North America. Frank Schlehuber, Senior Consultant, Market Affairs for CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), noted that the regulations continue to become ever more complex, and that OEMs are increasingly leveraging events like Automechanika Frankfurt to showcase their own aftermarket business operations.

Schlehuber noted that there are five factors that are shaping the future of the aftermarket sector. These include:

• More “captive” parts from OEMs
• Growth in cyber security requirements leading to more “coded” replacement parts
• Vehicle software updates
• Data access
• Cost of repairs and maintenance

Schlehuber noted that CLEPA continues to push Brussels for a regulatory framework where there are no exclusive agreements, meaning that parts and repair data is available and that independent garages have access to the components and information they need to fix vehicles today and into the future.

New markets

Michael Johannes, Brand Manager for Automechanika, noted that Automechanika continues to look to the future and new markets, and discussed upcoming events, including Automechanika Tashkent in Uzbekistan which caters to the growing Central Asian market for automotive parts and service. Others include Automechanika Johannesburg (South Africa), Shanghai (China) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

While trends have seen automotive parts manufacturing being increasingly concentrated in Asia and North America (especially since the pandemic), Europe continues to be a centre for innovation, which is why events like Automechanika Frankfurt will continue to play a pivotal role in the global aftermarket sector.