From safety and quality, to sustainability and innovative solutions, this year’s awards highlighted the dynamic nature of today’s aftermarket.

One of the highlights of Automechanika Frankfurt is the prestigious Innovation Awards. On September 10, at level 2 of the Congress Center in the sprawling Messe Frankfurt complex, the awards were presented to organizations in different areas of the automotive aftermarket. These included aspects such as innovative content, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, functionality, aftermarket industry relevance, safety and quality as well as environmental protection and sustainability. For this year’s events, the awards were selected by a panel of 17 international jury member experts, from a total of 153 products and solutions originally submitted.

During the awards ceremony, Michael Johannes, Vice President of Messe Frankfurt for Mobility and Logistics and Brand Manager, Automechanika, stated that “the automotive industry is at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation. We need new technologies to help us on the way to digital, efficient and sustainable mobility.” He noted that approximately 4,200 exhibitors from 80 different countries had their latest products on display, many of which were being shown for the very first time.

A key focus area for this year’s Innovation Awards was the growing importance of AI in the automotive aftermarket space including 3D-measurement software for ADAS calibrations and AI-based training platforms. Following the announcement of the winners in each category, the products were displayed in a special section in the Innovation4Mobility area, located in Hall 3.0. of the Messe Frankfurt complex.

The winners in each category this year were:

• Electromobility & Innovative Drive Technologies: AVILOO GmbH for its AVILOO Flash plug ‘n’ play electronic battery tester—particularly useful for determining the high-voltage battery condition on used electric vehicles

• Data & Networking: WESP Automotive for its WESP Total Market Calculator. This groundbreaking tool leverages service shop invoices and uses AI technology to deliver accurate and reliable data on replacement parts demand, enabling companies to make better, more informed decisions, optimize their operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

• Workshop & Service Solutions: John Bean Tru-Point 3D ADAS Calibration Solutions. Using patented 3D camera measurement technology, TGT-05 enables precise placement of 360°View calibration mats for optimal accuracy. BKT-16 uses the same cameras to position rear radar calibration devices. With Tru-Point, ADAS calibration is constantly monitored to ensure that positioning meets correct OEM vehicle specifications.

• Parts & Innovative Technologies: Gedore Automotive GmbH/Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions E-Drive Stator Lift. This product is a mechanical separation device designed for dismantling electric motors used in EVs. With the E-Drive Sator Lift, the rotor and stator can be separated from each other without causing damage. This, in turn, enables electric motors to be rebuilt and reused instead of having to be completely replaced.

• Bodywork & Paint: PPG LINK Digital Ecosystem. This product helps collision centres streamline efficiency in the paint department by both digitizing and automating processes. It can read colours, mix paint and automates product reordering. It‘s essentially a digital intelligence centre, where multiple processes are connected, information is easily accessible and errors and inefficiencies are minimized.

• AI & Digitization: GS27 AI Training Software: This was a new category at the Innovation Awards this year, and GS27 received the inaugural category award for its AI-based training that can be personalized and adapted to individual requirements, including multiple languages.

• Commercial Vehicles: SAMPA OTIMOTIV Braking Emissions Storing Technology: Now this was a really interesting product. It works by collecting and filtering brake pad dust particles—released when applying the brakes on commercial vehicles. The system operates mechanically, both actively and passively, without any direct connection to the engine and electronic parts of the vehicle. It also extends the life of the brake caliper mechanism by cooling the elastomer parts via suction power. SAMPA OTIMOTIV Braking Emissions Technology was also bestowed with the coveted Green Award at Automechanika Frankfurt this year, recognized for its practical approach to sustainability and extending the life of serviceable vehicle components on commercial vehicles.