Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 review: Part two
Here is the second half of PMF Editor Tom Henman’s review of Automechanika Frankfurt 2024. Missed part one? Read it here.
Comline Group was easy to spot with a large and illuminated canopy hoisted above its stand located in 5.1 – indicating its three brands: Comline, Motaquip and Allied Nippon. Sticking with the theme of EVs, there was a dedicated, engaging stand that displayed an array of specific Comline parts for the Tesla Model 3.
Motaquip also featured heavily, underlining the brand’s growing appeal in export markets. A revered name in the UK aftermarket for over four decades, Motaquip is trying to establish itself in new markets.
Completing the Comline Group brand portfolio was Allied Nippon. Comline Group is the sole European distributor for Allied Nippon as part of a joint-venture agreement with the global friction manufacturer.
Comline Group maintained a presence for Allied Nippon, most notably the brand’s EV+ brake pads, a range that has been developed exclusively for EVs. Comline Group General Manager – Marketing and Communications, Leigh Davies, described Automechanika Frankfurt as the group’s “best ever showing”.
From one innovative stand to another, Nissens was next on my list! A central screen, which drew great attention from everyone who saw it, was effective at demonstrating the character and offerings of Nissens’ individual businesses, while stating their connection within the overall group. Central to its combined message for the aftermarket is that the Nissens Group is here to “secure its customers with quality products that address all vehicle segments and technology” – both now and in the future.
After leaving Nissens’ stand with yet more imaginative merchandise, namely a liveried bottle of sweets, I meandered over to Simply Brands’ stand to meet up with Sam Robinson; it was a case of deja-vu, as I arrived onto the stand to find former TRICO employee, Sam, talking to customers alongside a rack of wiper blades!
These wiper blades, though, were from a company called Invisible Glass. They are licenced by Simply Brands, while the distribution in the UK is handled by JRP Distribution.
What’s intriguing about this particular wiper blade is that the “high-endurance wiper blade technology” is new to the UK market.
Invisible Glass Ceramic Silicone beam blades feature a silicone rubber element that withstands extreme heat and cold, resists warping, and prevents cracking. The silicone also deposits a rain-repellent coating on the windscreen for improved visibility.
Additionally, the blades have a Cerashell™ ceramic coating, which protects against UV and ozone damage, extending durability. This combination, claimed Invisible Glass, results in a blade lasting up to “four times longer” than standard wipers, withstanding over two million wipe cycles in independent tests.
Meanwhile, over at Town & Country Covers – sandwiched between other companies in the SMMT pavilion – it was a case of ‘job done’. Speaking to James Newman, one of the company’s directors, he said: “We were thrilled with the reception we received at Automechanika Frankfurt. As was expected, the SMMT section was incredibly busy, which gave us the opportunity to speak to visitors that may not have attended the show specifically looking for seat covers, but after seeing us and our range, they certainly became interested!
“We were also able to engage in conversations with our current customers, especially the international partners we’re not able to see as often and inform them of the exciting updates in our range. Automechanika Frankfurt is always a fantastic show, and this year was no different.”
One would assume the press’ ‘happy hour’ treat would mark the end of a busy and productive day at Automechanika Frankfurt; however, the interlude only served as a way to ‘hydrate’ before heading to DENSO and UFI Filters.
Starting with DENSO, stationed in Hall 2 – or Festhalle, opened by the last German Emperor, which is sheltered by an impressively proportioned domed structure that exudes charm and theatre – everyone could be forgiven for keeping an eye on the time and wanting to put their feet up after a long first day but there was fervent energy.
DENSO was celebrating 75 years of “driving excellence” – an impressive milestone by any standard. A hefty press pack handed to me, as well as a brochure that detailed DENSO’s long history – which we covered in great depth in the last issue of Professional Motor Factor.
Inside the press pack, there was an article headlined ‘a new era of electrification: supporting the European aftermarket’, which, reading on, announced the arrival of a new training module in DENSO’s e-learning portal. This module offers professionals “essential knowledge” about the components and functions of new energy vehicles (NEVs), as well as safety precautions and skills for handling these vehicles.
The article continued: “By collaborating closely with its OE and research and development teams, DENSO Aftermarket gains direct access to cutting-edge knowledge of new powertrain systems and real-time data on the demand for emerging types of replacement components. This insight enables DENSO to anticipate future needs and adapt its aftermarket portfolio to meet the growing demand for NEVrelated services…
“While there are significant differences when it comes to their power units and drivetrain, there are still many similarities between NEVs and traditional petrol and diesel powered vehicles when it comes to their driving comfort and safety, for example.”
The last appointment of the day took me to UFI Filters’ evening press conference, an invitation made to feel more appealing by yet another ‘happy hour’ – but with an Italian twist. Here there was the introduction of UFI’s new company, UFI Hydrogen.
During the press conference, Marco Lazzaroni, CEO of UFI Hydrogen, demonstrated catalysed membranes (MEAs (Membrane Electrode Assemblies)), including the UFI.IRIDIUM™ MEAs used in water electrolysers for green hydrogen production, and the UFI.PLATINUM™ MEAs used in fuel cells for converting hydrogen into energy. UFI was understandably proud to have presented its first product samples, with industrial production planned to begin in 2025.
Marco said: “UFI Hydrogen made its European debut at Automechanika with two, innovative MEA technologies. MEA UFI.Iridium™ allows the production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis. MEA UFI.Platinum™ is equally essential for the transformation of green hydrogen into electricity, by recombining green hydrogen with oxygen in PEM fuel cells.”
After racking up 18,000 steps, foolishly, I thought another walk wouldn’t hurt and strolled back to the hotel. Jaded, I joined the rest of the team and enjoyed a quieter evening than the night before, retiring to bed ready to do it all again!
I was awoken by the hammering rain; it didn’t relent until lunchtime. The weather didn’t dampen spirits or energy levels, though, and I attacked day two with the same vigour. This included trips to ALLDATA Europe and AISIN.
The team at ALLDATA Europe, a provider of original VM repair, maintenance and diagnostic data, was championing the benefits of original and unedited information – found on ALLDATA Repair.
Automechanika Frankfurt was also a platform to share the news that ALLDATA Repair subscribers now have access to 41 VMs; therefore, the workshop portal comprises of more than 90 million articles, drawings and diagrams – that’s repair and maintenance procedures for 144,000 year, make, model and engine combinations. It’s the equivalent of 96% of vehicles on the road today.
According to the brochure provided, there are more than 400,000 technicians that trust ALLDATA to “help them get it right first time, every time”. Talking to members of the team, there are opportunities for motor factors to play their part too – perhaps you’re one of them! We’ll learn more about those in an upcoming issue. Watch this space.
Before beginning the journey back to Heathrow, the last pit-stop was to AISIN’s scheduled press conference. Spearheaded by Jacques Fils, flanked by several members of the team, the emphasis was on the fact AISIN has centralised all of its activities at its Belgian site to optimise its processes and shorten delivery lead times. Furthermore, a confident Jacques revealed that AISIN uses the same standard in its aftermarket range as its OE counterparts – citing “high resistance” and “durable solutions”.
Focusing on its automatic transmission range, a key product line, Jacques brought the topic of sustainability and climate change into his presentation. AISIN has expanded its remanufacturing services, previously exclusive to its OEMs range, to automatic transmission within the automotive aftermarket. AISIN currently offers 72 remanufactured automatic transmission valve bodies, assembled using OE parts and tested to OE standards.
Professionals can opt for a quick exchange with remanufactured stock units or have their own transmission remanufactured – both options coming with a two-year warranty.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by the Mons site in Belgium, its first carbon-neutral facility, where remanufacturing and electronics production are integrated with logistics and spare parts distribution.
With the conclusion of the AISIN press conference, so began the journey back to Frankfurt Airport. If the trip from Heathrow to Frankfurt was smooth, albeit a little hasty at times, the return was anything but: patient waiting, slow connections, painful delays and missing passports – luckily, as she was panting and desperately searching her bags, my colleague was handed her passport by a member of airport staff… It rounded off what was another memorable, colourful and valuable Automechanika Frankfurt. Let’s do it all over again in two years’ time.
Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 reaffirmed its position as a leading international automotive trade fair, featuring 4,200 companies from 80 countries over 320,000sqm. Key trends included electrification, vehicle connectivity and digitalisation.
The event attracted 108,000 visitors from 172 countries, with 94% expressing satisfaction. Highlights included innovative vehicles with alternative drive systems, a new Gen Zfocused ‘Ambition’ area, and a strong focus on sustainability. Workshops and panel discussions addressed topics, like AI, robotics and circular economy strategies, with a particular emphasis on the industry’s digital transformation and future mobility.
