Messe Frankfurt launches UK Garage and Bodyshop Event for 2022

The organiser of Automechanika Birmingham and auto:resource has launched The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event. The event targets training, technology, and tools for the garage and bodyshop sector. Messe Frankfurt said the event will “provide a focused opportunity for suppliers and their garage and bodyshop customers to engage, learn and facilitate progress, as we seek to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of the industry.” It said the event is a response to market demand, following a survey of more than 300 garages and consultation with suppliers.

Due to take place on 8-9 June 2022 at the NEC Birmingham, the event will allow suppliers to deliver training, product and technology expertise via live demonstrations, technical seminars, and high-value training across three training hubs and three feature areas.

The live demonstrations and accredited training will focus on three key areas: EV Hybrid, Workshop and Collision Repair, each offering technical seminars from industry experts covering ADAS, MOT, safety/service and repair, collision repair, diagnostics, and others.

Messe Frankfurt said its survey showed 78 per cent of garages wanted to return to face-to-face events, and participants overwhelmingly supported the concept of a dedicated garage and bodyshop event to run in 2022. Industry support for the event has come from the Institute of Motoring Industry (IMI), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Society of Motoring Manufacturers (SMMT), Independent Garage Association (IGA), National Bodyshop Repair Association (NBRA), Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repair Association (HEVRA), and Automotive Bodyshop Professionals Club (ABP Club).

Mark Field, CEO of IAAF said: “With arguably the biggest shift for the UK aftermarket happening here and now with the presence of ADAS and hybrid and EV technology, increased cybersecurity and access to in-vehicle data, a UK focused exhibition for garages and bodyshops is essential to keeping the industry connected and up to date.”

Adam Griffiths, marketing country lead UK & Ireland of ZF, commented: “This event gives us a great opportunity to engage directly with our end customers at a time where such support is much needed. With so much change and development taking place in our industry, it is imperative we take a proactive approach in regards to delivering training, advice and support to our networks, ensuring our industry is equipped to face the future.”

Simon Albert, managing director of Messe Frankfurt UK, added: “The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will be the first national trade event for the aftermarket since 2019, offering the opportunity to engage with thousands of UK garages and bodyshops. We’re looking forward to bringing the aftermarket together again.”

David Cresswell, chairman of ABP Club added: “With the pace of change in the industry, the rate in which workshops and bodyshops must invest to be competitive is increasing, as is the constant training and development required to ensure they are fully equipped to repair vehicles. A national trade event to bring the bodyshop industry together is needed and we’re glad it’s coming!”

Peter Melville of HEVRA said: “We’re delighted! A focused national event for owners and technicians from both garages and bodyshops will highlight the rapid change towards electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the challenges and opportunities this brings for the aftermarket. We look forward to seeing you there, meeting face-to-face at last again!”

Hayley Pells, owner of Avia Autos stated: “The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is a must for my diary as a workshop owner. Digital resources have helped enormously during lockdown, but I am looking forward to experiencing first-hand the training and products that are going to drive my business forward.”