This year, Automechanika Shanghai continues to serve the entire automotive value chain by offering opportunities for information exchange, marketing, trade and education. Both vertically and horizontally, from OE, vehicle production to the aftermarket, it incorporates all elements of manufacturing, supply networks, services, new business models and information technology.
Companies across the world are now refocusing their strategies to meet the changing needs of the market and compete in the new automotive era effectively. To capture this momentum, the fair, once again, embraces the concept of an automotive ecosystem. As it stands, the show is engaging other related industries like tech and finance, in addition to welcoming more innovative start-up companies. Collaboration between these wider parties and the industry is triggering a host of new services, business models, solutions and development opportunities.
The show aims to amplify these latest forms of cooperation through leveraging its exhibitor and buyer resources in the supply chain. It will draw attention to ever-evolving digital, technological and consumer trends revolutionising the auto market and place more emphasis on network expansion, supply chain integration and sustainability.
For example, reports suggest that by 2020, China’s automotive aftermarket could reach RMB 1.435 trillion, with 60 percent of profits deriving from the service sector [1]. This projection will continue to accelerate due to factors like digital transformation and consumer behaviour, which are speeding up the pace of supply chain integration.
Explaining how this year’s show mirrors a shift towards consumer-driven business models, digitalisation and collaboration within inter-related sectors, Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, highlighted: “With the industry developing rapidly, players have to adapt their business strategies by moving into emerging areas of the supply chain. The road ahead requires collaboration to increase market presence and offer consumer-centric services in the connected aftermarket. We are emulating this form of integration in the aftermarket through enhanced hall planning.”
The revamped Diagnostics & Repair / Body & Paint sector will present separate product categories for Body & Paint and Intelligent Diagnostics. It will sit next to the highlighted Accessories, Customising and REIFEN (Tyres & Wheels) sectors and Services & Supply Chain zone on the upper level of the exhibition ground. The move comes as a response to the synergy of resources those sectors share, as they set to attract global exhibitors and visitors from OEMs, dealers, tyre servicing and workshops to name a few.
Companies are now maximising data gathered from information systems, databases and software, as well as optimising supply channels and immersing end-users into processes. The Services & Supply Chain zone will reflect these changing distribution networks in the supply chain and the future developments in the service sector.
What’s more, the area continues to see increased participation from players adopting internet-based business practices and new integrated systems. It will offer more breadth of coverage from chain stores, data management, e-commerce platforms and supply chain specialists, on top of auto finance, insurance, talent acquisition, training and education. Related fringe events will encourage players to forge new relationships with others in the supply chain and foster cross-sector cooperation.
Other specialised zones also play a crucial role in the auto supply chain. The Auto Manufacturing zone, located on the upper level, showcases advanced equipment and technology to boost efficiency in the manufacturing process. It will see even more exhibitors with manufacturing technologies that play up to the heightened sophistication of auto parts. The Remanufacturing zone, located within Parts & Components on the lower floor, will delve into the sustainability of a circular economy to lengthen the product and service lifecycle.
Elsewhere on the lower level, exhibitors in the Parts & Components, Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility and the extended Electronics & Connectivity sectors will address the fundamental industry changes brought forward as a result of digitalisation.
To illustrate, Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility has become an international epicentre for innovation where upstream and horizontal participants can shape new partnerships with one another. The area has become an incubation hub for companies, which reflects the show’s pioneering position in the automotive ecosystem. For example, a line-up of start-ups will be exposed to high-quality buyers offering possibilities to commercialise their forward-thinking products, technologies and concepts. It also supports industry-academia-research with a collection of local and overseas associations, research institutes, commercial corporations and venture capital companies. Here, they will further the development of new energy, mobility, autonomous driving and road infrastructure through wider engagement with industry players.
Mr Cheng Yongshun, Vice President of China National Machinery Industry International, noted: “With digital trends moulding consumer demands and expectations, questions arise as to how new technologies are transforming the future car. The sectors will share resources that promote intelligent transformation, digitalisation, energy-saving and sustainability. Together, these areas will highlight the value of new co-created technologies and the growing opportunities in the market.”
Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd (Sinomachint). In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, organisers of Automechanika Shanghai are working with local authorities to ensure appropriate safety parameters are upheld. These measures are to safeguard the health and safety of all stakeholders so that the show remains a secure platform for business.
