Automechanika Shanghai 2017: record breaking participants reflect on another successful edition as Asia’s leading automotive fair

 

After closing its doors for the 13th edition, Automechanika Shanghai has recorded its most successful ever year. The 2017 show, which took place from 29 November to 2 December, has received overwhelmingly positive response from all corners of the automotive industry. The event represents the entire supply chain for business exchange, marketing, networking and education on a global scale, and is Asia’s largest trade fair for the automotive parts, accessories and service industries. With encouraging final figures and participant feedback, the show continues its upward trajectory in terms of scale and overall offerings.

Key figures for Automechanika Shanghai 2017:

• 6,051 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions (5% increase)
• 340,000 sqm across 15 halls (9% increase)
• 130,928 visitors from 142 countries and regions (9% increase)
• 19 international pavilions
• 57 concurrent fringe programme events

The success and growth of the fair was clear to see on the show floor, particularly through a number of new and enhanced areas on display. For example, show participants noted how there was a stronger emphasis on electronics at the show, with an increased display of new energy vehicles, electric car developments, and autonomous driving innovations. Participants also emphasised how this reflects the overall direction in which the entire automotive industry is moving in, and many praised the show’s ability to run in tandem with the evolving trends of automotive industry.

On top of this, with the addition of the brand new REIFEN Zone for tyres, wheels and rims, the industry’s entire product supply chain is now covered at Automechanika Shanghai. Many exhibitors expressed how this helps generate more opportunities for cross-sector collaboration with leading players for parts, components, repair, maintenance, accessories, customising, electronics, systems, and tyres.

The same can be said for the increased internationalism of the fair, with 19 individual country and region pavilions participating from France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US and the UAE. There has also been a 14% increase in overseas exhibitors compared to last year. These boosts have led to what has become Automechanika Shanghai’s largest ever globally represented show, transforming the fair into an international hub by drawing in high-level participants from multiple sectors.

These participants include a number of new players this year, such as ADAYO, AUTOYONG, Carzone, ENEOS, Fangxing Tyre, Fleetguard, FUCHS, Gazele 3, Henkel, Isuzu, Linglong, MTA and Tyreplus, as well as many returning brands exhibiting at the show once again, including ACDelco, BILSTEIN, Bosch, Brembo, Continental Automotive, Dana, Delphi, Denso, Dongfeng, FAWER, Hitachi, Interstate Batteries, LIQUI MOLY, Magneti Marelli, Mobiletron, Motul, NTN-SNR, RAV, Rotary, SATA, Schaeffler, Snap-on, SONAX, Valvoline, ZF, and more.

What’s more, the show’s exhibitors crossed paths with a record number of 130,928 visitors from 142 countries and regions this year, 26% of which came from overseas. The top 10 visiting countries for the 2017 edition included Taiwan, Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Iran, India, Thailand, Japan, Turkey and Australia.

Even more positive feedback came from Automechanika Shanghai’s range of concurrent fringe events. Amongst these were the highly anticipated Connected Mobility Conference, as well as the AIAG Auto Parts Purchasing Leadership and Suppliers Summit, and the 3rd Summit for Merger and Acquisition Strategies for Chinese Automotive Corporations in the Overseas Markets. Many of the fringe programme’s attendees expressed how each of the events served as a vital source to learn, interact and to expand their business across Asia’s entire automotive industry, and also praised the expanded topic coverage.

Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, was very pleased with the overall outcome of the show. She said: “Over the years, the consistent increase in quality and exhibitor participation has accounted for the ultimate success of Automechanika Shanghai. Moving forward, we will further enhance the representation of each sector according to the market’s demands, and achieve an even more balanced product representation. I’m certain the show will continue to play a major role in bringing various sectors together, and will grow alongside Asia’s evolving automotive industry.”

Mr Cheng Yongshun, Vice President of China National Machinery Industry International, added: “Thanks to our partnership with Messe Frankfurt, we have been able to witness the impressive growth path of Automechanika Shanghai. It’s great to see more leading international players looking to penetrate the Chinese market, because the industry here is evolving at a rapid pace. The region’s technological advancements and improving products are once again well represented at the show, and we expect this to continue in future editions.”