Automechanika Frankfurt will be a “Digital Plus” event in 2021

Automechanika Frankfurt 2021, which takes place from 14 to 16 September, will be run according to a ‘Digital Plus’ format for one year only. This means, that, in addition to a compact physical exhibition, Automechanika’s primary focus is on offering all participants the opportunity to network and present their companies digitally. Next year, the leading international trade fair will return to its familiar format on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds from 13 to 17 September 2022.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt explained why the event has changed course away from its previous hybrid concept: “As a result of the continuing difficulties posed by the pandemic, we will not be able to satisfy our customers’ expectations for a leading international trade fair this September. Not only does the event require official approvals, but it also has to be possible to travel internationally. Yet this does not change the automotive industry’s need for a platform where they can do business this year – and our customers and industry associations agree. That is why we decided to modify our concept for this year’s Automechanika: in keeping with the ‘plug-and-play’ principle, we are offering opportunities to exhibit and network in person on the exhibition grounds while keeping preparations, risks and costs to a minimum. Next year we plan to once again hold Automechanika Frankfurt in its familiar trade fair format. The event will take place from 13 to 17 September 2022.”

Messe Frankfurt informed its exhibitors in March of the expanded digital opportunities on offer that promise to maximise exhibitors’ networking opportunities and international range. For the first time, exhibitors will have the chance to live stream their latest products and innovations. All participants benefit from digital matchmaking and the scheduling tools, as well as facilities for live chats and 1:1 video calls. Most of the videos, as well as the exhibitors’ product information and company profiles, will remain online after the event has finished.

Olaf Mußhoff, director of Automechanika Frankfurt commented: “Even before COVID-19, there had been a lot of pressure on the car industry to change – to increase investment in digitalisation, in supply chains that are resilient and intelligent, and to develop further. Now the pandemic has made these concerns even more urgent. Some industry players have already responded to the new requirements with new business ideas, innovative concepts and solutions. I am already looking forward to all the fascinating presentations and discussions that will be taking place at Automechanika Academy in which visitors can participate on location and online via live stream.” The new ‘Future Mobility Park’ – an innovative test and experience circuit located outdoors at the heart of the exhibition grounds – is a showcase for solutions for tomorrow’s mobility.

Right next door in the Festhalle, Hypermotion will be taking place at the same time as Automechanika. This will be the first time that users and developers from the fields of mobility and logistics are brought together here with the automotive aftermarket. This creates valuable synergies for the participants of both events, because the automotive industry is a leader in the mobility industry, while automotive logistics account for a significant share of the logistics industry. Together, they create solutions for one other, and it is clear that the challenges and issues they face are similar. Danilo Kirschner, Director of Hypermotion Frankfurt: “There are fascinating technological interfaces between these two events, including alternative drive systems, lightweight materials and construction, IoT systems, the creation and optimisation of resilient international supply chains, and much else besides.”