The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, set to take place at the NEC in Birmingham on 5-6 June 2024, is shaping up to be an insightful two days, providing technicians with the right skills for the future, featuring a vast array of on-stand training and live workshops from industry-leading exhibitors.
Many exhibitors have already announced a plethora of hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions that are not to be missed. A full event programme can be viewed here.
What is on at UK Garage and Bodyshop Event
ZF Aftermarket will feature its new Nissan Leaf EV training vehicle, facilitating the delivery of IMI Level 2 and 3 qualifications for hybrid and electric vehicle repair, as well as ADAS system calibration and diagnosis. Its technical and training team will be on hand to discuss EV and ADAS training requirements and offer tips.
Hella invites attendees of the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event to revolutionise their garages with cutting-edge solutions. The Mega Macs X, engineered with precision, will be on display, demonstrating advanced features for swift and accurate diagnostics.
Additionally, the MacsRemote unit will showcase seamless connectivity and comprehensive functionality, empowering workshops to tackle complex diagnostics and programming tasks, including component coding, key programming, and ADAS calibration.
Stanley Black & Decker will highlight automotive-specific tooling with its GFN batteries, known for their protection and chemical-resistant casings and 3D Group: Automotive Locksmith Supplies & OSCA Diagnostics will demonstrate key cutting, lock picking, key programming, and cloud vehicle diagnostics throughout the show.
HCL Fasteners Ltd will be showcasing how to install CVJ clamps and presenting HCL’s full range of Hose Clampsat the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event. As the number one Hose Clamp Retailer in the UK, it represents premium brands including Oetiker, Mikalor, Jubilee, JCS & Norma.
ISN Garage Assist will be demonstrating its flagship brand tyre changers and wheel balancers from Hofmann Megaplan and Balco. An alignment and ADAS expert will also be available to discuss their range of wheel alignment and digital ADAS equipment.
Interactivity and training
What is more, LKQ Euro Car Parts Ltd will offer a fully interactive stand where garage professionals can immerse themselves into digital screens outlining the market-leading 1TEC Auto Hub Concept, showcasing EV solutions as ‘The Home of EV,’ and providing award-winning training information.
Lucas Oil will provide product training around its oils, additives, and problem solvers on both days of the show. This includes a Q&A session and a focus on its top ten products like Heavy Duty Oil Stabiliser, Synthetic Oil Stabiliser, Engine Oil Stop Leak, and more.
Those heading to Techman’s stand at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will receive hands-on demonstrations of its leading garage management system, highlighting features such as workshop management, vehicle reports, job bookings, and invoicing. This comprehensive suite aims to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Absolute Alignment is showcasing its latest Bluetooth Lite wheel aligner, designed for workshops with limited space. This flexible device can be moved between various types of lifts or used with in-ground inspection pits.
The demonstrations continue as Selson will display unique air jacks, ideal for underbody servicing, wheel alignment, tyre replacement services, and body repair work, and VIEZU Technologies Ltd will offer multiple product demonstrations each day, with a full agenda available at the show.
Digital opportunities
Meanwhile, Book My Garage will be conducting a Garage Digital Audit through a short questionnaire designed to diagnose garages’ existing online presence and offer customised recommendations to help them grow digitally.
Castrol & The Race Group will be showcasing its Castrol webshop and Brand Digital Store at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, where attendees can discover dual-branded workwear and social media templates.
Gallagher Motor Trade Insurance & Risk Management will provide no-obligation, complimentary cyber health checks on the day, helping attendees identify vulnerabilities in their systems in the strictest confidence.
Bosch Mobility Aftermarket will demonstrate its ESI[tronic] Evolution Diagnostics software, offering garage owners direct access to diagnostics experts’ knowledge. With over 20 brands covered and SDA included at no additional cost, Bosch will offer both ADAS and ESI[tronic] Evolution demonstrations.
Infopro Digital will present e3technical & e3technical truck demonstrations, along with all HaynesPro and OATS products, providing one-on-one demonstrations throughout the show.
KiS will offer on-demand demonstrations of its comprehensive and flexible garage management system and ClickMechanic will showcase its app in action, allowing attendees to sign up on the spot.
Mann + Hummel invites attendees to learn ‘What Makes an OE Filter’ and meet its friendly and knowledgeable UK team from sales, technical, product management, and sales support.
Sustainable solutions
Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy will feature demonstrations of an electric motorcycle and hydrogen car and SAMOA will demonstrate the SAMOA NEX.U. Fluid Management System for controlling workshop oils and fluids.
And finally, Top Gear will showcase new equipment at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, designed to aid in decarbonising and addressing blocked DPF issues, and Dayco will present the inspection processes and installation procedures for timing and auxiliary drive systems, with a particular focus on BIO applications, emphasising the importance of attention to detail and following procedures for successful component replacement.
Alex Jones, marketing director at Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, said: “Our goal is to equip technicians with the latest skills and knowledge to keep pace with industry advancements. The hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions will provide invaluable insights, making the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2024 a must-attend for anyone serious about their profession.
Visitors can register for a free ticket to the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event here – there are limited complimentary tickets remaining for the show, which is set to return for its second edition at the NEC in Birmingham on 5 and 6 June 2024.