For the first time since 2019, the UK aftermarket has the opportunity to meet with suppliers, training organisations and industry specialists face-to-face, with hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities at the inaugural UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by Automechanika Birmingham.
With just under three months to go, exhibitors are giving a glimpse of what visitors can expect to see at the show, taking place from 8-9 at Birmingham’s NEC.
“The tools we want to equip our visitors with go beyond the technician’s toolbox, and includes the knowledge, technology and equipment in the back-office function that help bodyshops and garages to run their businesses more efficiently and profitably,” commented Kristian Johnstone, Project Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of the exhibition.
Training partners and exhibitors include Autogem, Automotive Alliance Group (Group Auto), Bilstein Group (Blue print & febi Bilstein) Bosch Automotive Aftermarket UK, Castrol with their ambassador partner, The Race Group, Dayco Europe, Liqui Moly UK, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Snap-on Diagnostics, Thatcham Research, The Tool Connection, Tunap, Valeo, and ZF [pro]Tech.
Access for the aftermarket
The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the opportunity to explore industry developments for two years, while creating significant impacts for the sector, from MOT extensions and supply chain issues to the disruption of traditional working practices. However, as restrictions ease, the possibility of in-person gatherings on a large scale has returned and the event in June is set to be the most impactful gathering for the industry in 2022.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will offer business owners and technicians the skills and know-how to futureproof their business at a time of great change, not just for the aftermarket but the entire automotive industry. Over 100 leading suppliers will be present, showcasing the latest in service and repair products, diagnostics and garage equipment.
The event will feature dedicated Workshop and Bodyshop Training Hubs, highlighting challenges across MOT, service and repair, on-demand services, workshop management systems and increasing digitalisation. Training partner Dayco will present its latest aftermarket offerings, discussing its unique products and the real opportunities that these present to the workshops on stage in the Workshop Hub.
The bodyshop training hub will focus on changes in collision repair, updated skills and methods of body repair, the latest in paint and refinishing technologies, quality accreditation and repairing electric vehicles, with Bosch, LKQ Euro Car Parts and Thatcham Research offering training sessions.
Electric vehicles and ADAS
Additionally, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Hub will explore the rise of electrification, ADAS and autonomous technology, battery removal, and the changing infrastructure of rapid charging systems. Supporting this hub are expert voices from Alliance Automotive Group, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repairers Association (HEVRA), Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), and Tool Connection.
Also attending the first UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, showcasing its latest developments for ADAS, and covering themes such as digitalisation. Bosch will have a vehicle on its stand, demonstrating ADAS 3000 and diagnostics kit, plus scenarios and live demos for visitors. Bosch’s Extra Loyalty Programme will also be introduced to garages wishing to learn more.
With live technical support for business owners and exclusive product offers, Autogem will also bring a live TPMS competition with the winner to be announced on the second day of the event. Castrol will present an understanding of the UK car parc, implications for oil requirements, and why Castrol co-engineers with OEMs. The team will assist visitors in finding solutions to support workshop efficiency.
Visitors attending the free event at Birmingham’s NEC can also see Snap-on Diagnostics’ Tristain Hindle give a talk on Intelligence Diagnostics, and bring a focus on electric and hybrid vehicle training to their stand.
For bodyshops, Collision Repair Live! welcomes experts and training partners to show live demonstrations and techniques for bodyshops with welding, paint, dent pulling, riveting and heat induction. Elcometer will bring their Sagola 4600 Xtreme spray gun transporting visitors into the world of virtual reality inside Sagola’s VR spray booth.
The event takes place on 8-9 June 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham. Free tickets are available here.
