Automechanika Birmingham gears for growth
Automechanka Birmingham 2017 is set to be 70% bigger than last year’s exhibition with over 800 exhibitors including 250 new companies exhibiting for the first time.
The show, which takes place on the 6-8 June 2017 at the NEC Birmingham, has already experienced an increase in visitor registrations of +30% year-on-year. In 2016 a little over 12,000 visitors attended. The success of Automechanika Birmingham 2016 made the event the second biggest ever Automechanika launch ever.
Speaking at a press launch in London, Automechanika Birmingham event director, Simon Albert highlighted how the show has built on last year’s success including adding a new connected and digital technology zone, along with an expanding programme of workshops and seminars.
Speaking on behalf of event partner the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), chief executive, Mike Hawes said, ‘The UK automotive sector is in pretty good shape right now. Brexit has cast a shadow over the industry in general because we don’t quite know how relationships will look in a couple of years’ time but we are reassured that the government now understands the importance of the UK automotive industry in its entirety and understands the nature of the relationship we have with Europe.’
Mike continued, ‘The automotive aftermarket contributes around £12bn direct to the UK economy, supporting just under 350,000 jobs and selling £4.6bn worth of parts and accessories which makes it the eighth largest aftermarket in the world and the fourth largest in Europe. But what is even more encouraging is the opportunity globally – there is a £500bn global opportunity.’
Turning attentions to the UK automotive manufacturing supply chain, Mike suggested there is a £6bn opportunity to make cars built in Britain ‘more British’. ‘Currently, on average 41% of components come from UK manufacturers. However, we have the capability for around 80% to be made locally which is a huge opportunity,’ he said.
Mike closed, ‘We want to make sure that the opportunities that do arise within the motor industry in the future are seized and our association with Automechanika Birmingham is a landmark occasion which helps support that.’
