Messe Frankfurt joins hands with SMMT of UK
Messe Frankfurt, producer of the leading international trade fair brand Automechanika, has announced the launch of Automechanika Birmingham, to take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, during June 7-9, 2016.
Messe Frankfurt’s Member of the Executive Board, Detlef Braun, said: “This is the first event in the company’s successful history of international development to be held by Messe Frankfurt in the United Kingdom. We have conducted extensive research at our Frankfurt show, which informed us that there was a huge appetite for an event which focuses on the buoyant UK automotive sector. In the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) we have a strong supporter to help us deliver an exceptional event.”
The focus of this regional event is on the supply chain industry and will also target all aspects of the automotive aftermarket, bringing together exhibitors from the product groups of Parts and Components, Electronics and Systems, Repair and Maintenance, Accessories and Customizing, Management and Digital Solutions and Car Wash, Care and Reconditioning. The visitors are expected to come primarily from the UK.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, observed: “The launch of Automechanika Birmingham in the UK is a tremendous vote of confidence in the British automotive industry, and a reflection of its global competitiveness. Automechanika Birmingham will help British companies promote their credentials and enable them to seize the significant opportunities arising from the renaissance in UK vehicle manufacturing. SMMT looks forward to hosting a high-profile event that will help support jobs and growth in the sector and broaden the UK’s international appeal.”
Automechanika Birmingham will play host to around 250 exhibitors and an expected 5,000 trade visitors and will take place in Hall 9 of NEC. The event will be run under licence in the UK by Forest Exhibitions Ltd. The Managing Director of Forest Exhibitions, Rob Sherwood, has been Messe Frankfurt’s Sales Partner in the UK over the last eight years, responsible for bringing UK exhibitors and visitors to Messe Frankfurt events worldwide.
Michael Johannes, Vice President of Messe Frankfurt and Brand Manager of Automechanika, commented: “The market in the UK is very strong, and is predicted to continue to grow over the next five years. Given that there is no national domestic event currently, we feel we can bring the brand, the experience and the market knowledge to deliver value to exhibitors and visitors.”