Here, PMF gives a preview of some of the exhibitors gearing up for the Automechanika Birmingham 2023 event.
Esprit (Hall 20 Stand D71)
Interested in recommending an add-on service to your workshops? Windscreen repair is an excellent way for garages to provide an extra service to their customers, according to Esprit, but maybe they haven’t used it before.
Esprit Managing Director, Victoria Evans, said: “You can read websites, articles and adverts, but nothing beats coming along and speaking to us in person! We’ll have kits for you to look at, and our experienced staff to discuss your requirements and which kit might be best for your garage customers.
“We can also discuss your training requirements, our recent TÜV certification and what it means for your customers, and answer all your questions on windscreen repair and how it might help your business. If you mention this editorial, you can even claim a free Esprit branded mug! We hope to see you there and chat to you about your requirements soon.”
HELLA (Hall 19 Stand Q90)
As one of the event’s Platinum partners, HELLA will be exhibiting a broad range of its workshop equipment, as well as its OE replacement parts portfolio, that includes a wide range of vehicle electrics and electronics.
As each new vehicle becomes increasingly ‘connected’ and technology dependent, HELLA believes the independent sector is faced with a stark choice: invest in the equipment necessary to gain access to these vehicles and partner with a supplier that can provide the OE quality replacement parts needed to reliably repair them, or be left behind and not only lose ground, but potentially lose everything!
Through its Hella Gutmann brand, HELLA will be demonstrating that it has the answer to this most pressing challenge by showing its workshop solutions for both vehicle diagnostics and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Delphi Technologies (Hall 19 Stand R64)
New-to-range Delphi parts, including a Tesla suspension arm, a raft of first-to-market brake components, and new bi-metallic, high-carbon alloy brake discs are to be set out for all to see, alongside a complete programme of workshop support in the form of Masters of Motion and Delphi Academy.
The brand’s Alpine sponsorship is also set to be celebrated at Automechanika Birmingham 2023: visitors to the Delphi stand will be invited to compete for the best lap time on an Alpine F1 simulator and reaction time on a Batak machine, with daily prizes for the top performers.
Furthermore, Delphi’s technical services manager, Luke Garratt, will be presenting ‘Hydrogen Internal Combustion – Is this the future?’ as a keynote speaker on the second day (Wednesday).
The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (Hall 19 Stand S60)
Independent membership body, VLS, will mark a significant milestone at Automechanika Birmingham 2023, as it celebrates 10 years of upholding standards in the lubricants industry by providing a credible means to verify lubricant specifications impartially.
Back in 2013, VLS was formed amid concerns that some lubricant products were being sold with claims that did not seem believable. Closer inspection found that sub-standard formulations were occasionally passed off as the latest specifications or even failed to perform effectively. The vast majority of lubricants sold in the UK market at the time were fully compliant; however, out of this concern, reputable lubricant blenders and manufacturers came together to launch VLS.
Since then, VLS has investigated 86 different lubricant complaints from cold weather properties to compliance with industry standards and market regulations. The work is ongoing, with eight cases currently under review. Find out more about the work of VLS and how you can raise a case or become a member by visiting the stand.
OSRAM and Ring (Hall 19 Stand M111)
Renowned lighting specialists, OSRAM and Ring, will be sharing a stand that will include an extensive display of their products, including a focus on the OE lighting solutions OSRAM provides, as well as Ring’s aftermarket battery care, workshop tools, and inspection lamps.
Product highlights will include the award-winning OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER 200, OSRAM’s Professional Series of working lights and Ring’s coloured inspection lamps, cordless tyre inflator, pro jump starter and RWL400, RWL600 and RWL1000 worklamps.
The stand will host interactive features and experts from both Ring and OSRAM will be on hand throughout Automechanika Birmingham 2023, to discuss products, offer advice and expertise and perform product demonstrations if needed. There will also be the chance for visitors to win prizes on the stand.
MAM Software (Hall 19 Stand J100)
Throughout the event, MAM Software will champion its core business belief that “digitisation, sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand”. The team will be available to showcase Autopart, as well as brand new products, including ePOD and EasyAP.
ePOD is the latest mobile application focussing on proof of delivery software, created with digitisation in mind. ePOD streamlines the delivery process, removing paperwork and laborious tasks whilst reducing manual errors.
EasyAP can overhaul the supplier invoice process, taking the process completely digital, automating previously timeconsuming tasks, whilst moving businesses into a more sustainable future.
Attendees will also get the chance to see live demonstrations of Autowork Online, the intuitive and featurerich cloud-based garage management software.
Dayco (Hall 19 Stand P102)
The company that pioneered the belt in oil (BIO) innovation on behalf of the likes of Ford and VW will be highlighting the opportunity regular BIO replacement for these engines provides the aftermarket.
Dayco National Sales Manager, Steve Carolan, said: “Although the BIO innovation is a fantastic solution, which helps these small and efficient engines to deliver incredible levels of power, alongside exceptionally low emissions and excellent fuel economy, they do need to be replaced more frequently, so it’s important for workshops to follow the VMs’ scheduled replacement intervals.”
Thermal management is another aftermarket ‘hot topic’, as, according to Dayco, maintaining the correct temperature in the various parts of the engine is imperative for sustaining its peak performance and maximum efficiency. Often, that’s only possible with the use of electric pumps that can be activated on demand.
Ecobat Battery (Hall 20 Stand G90)
As Europe’s largest battery distributor equipped with a team of knowledgeable power storage experts, Ecobat Battery is ideally positioned to help independents from both the wholesale and installation side of the industry to understand the issues they face and the opportunities that are available for all matters concerning the supply, fitment and recycling of batteries, as well as the ongoing development of battery technology.
Demonstrating the spectrum of solutions the company has to offer, Ecobat Battery’s stand will be divided into five defined areas: automotive, leisure, mobility/motorcycle, chargers/invertors, with a fifth being dedicated to sister company Ecobat Solutions, which, reflecting the industry’s focus on EV technology, offers a fully integrated EV battery logistics, re-engineering and recycling service to manufacturers.
“Automechanika Birmingham is the biggest aftermarket event on the UK calendar, so we are treating it accordingly,” explained Ecobat Battery Commercial Director, Paul Payne. “This is why we are showcasing example products from 19 of the leading brands that we actively supply to our customers throughout the country.”
