The automotive industry is currently facing a massive upheaval like almost no other sector: increasing digitalisation, climate change and artificial intelligence are challenging manufacturers, workshops and dealerships and making new technological developments more important than ever. The innovative spirit with which the industry is facing up to this challenge is also evident in the applications for the Automechanika Frankfurt Innovation Awards. A total of 153 new technological solutions were submitted – divided into nine categories. This includes two new categories this year: E-Mobility & Innovative Drive Technologies and AI & Digitalisation, which accounted for around 20 per cent of submissions. There were only more applications for the Workshop & Service Solutions and Parts & Technology Solutions categories, which received more than half of all entries. The remaining entries were spread across the other categories of Data & Connectivity, Body & Paint, Car Wash & Care, Accessories & Customizing and Commercial Vehicles.
In order to do justice to the high number of applications, two independent reviewers were appointed. Consultant Dr Gerhard Angerer, who has been involved in the Automechanika Innovation Awards for many years, is now supported by Alexander Wottge, Project Manager at ifa (Institut für Automobilwirtschaft). Both have already intensively analysed the submitted products and compiled a shortlist of the best innovations. This will now be used by the 17-member international jury to prepare for the jury meeting in mid-July. This is when they will decide which products qualify for the prestigious awards.
