During Automechanika Frankfurt’s second day Sept. 11, educational sessions were held throughout the trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany.
In the Body & Paint Hall, presentations took place on the Academy Stage. In the morning, Robert Snook, owner of Business Success Global and moderator of the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS), led a discussion with Dave Gunderson, president of the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, who shared insight about effective leadership.
Later in the day, a BodyShop News International Collision Talk panel was held: “Driving Transformation in Preparation and Refinish.” It was moderated by BodyShop News’s CEO and Group Publisher Michel Malik. Participants included Chris Titmarsh, global senior vice president of BASF; Jerome Zamblera, vice president, PPG Automotive Aftermarket Coatings; Gunderson; and Troy Weaver, president of Global Refinish for Axalta.
Dave Gunderson, left, president of the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, shared insight about effective leadership during a discussion with Robert Snook, owner of Business Success Global and moderator of the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS).
Trade fair attendees have an opportunity to attend Advanced Training Workshops being held twice a day throughout the week. Participants receive a certificate for completing any of the sessions. They include combined joining techniques (gluing, riveting, welding) provided by Wieländer+Schill GmbH & Co. KG; the systematic recording of damage to vehicles involved in an accident by DEKRA Automobil GmbH; and the calculation of repair cost with artificial intelligence by DAT.
Robert Bosch GmbH discussed ADAS calibration for vehicles with automated driving 2+ and 3; TAK Akademie des Deutschen Kraftfahrzeuggewerbes, Toyota, shared information about raising awareness in the use of alternative drives in everyday workshop life; and Carbon GmbH focused on body panel dent repair. BASF Coatings GmbH Glasurit Farécla talked about digitalization and painting; and BETAG Innovation discussed sustainable plastic repair of bumpers and headlight housings (thermal processes).
Car-O-Liner Deutschland GmbH demonstrated body repair with universal/measuring straightening systems, and windshield repair and replacement was addressed by Sekurit Service. 3M Deutschland GmbH taught both body bonding techniques and sealing systems, and how to achieve the perfect surface with efficient sanding processes.
Trade fair attendees prepared to attend one of the Advanced Training Workshops offered in both German and English during the week.
In the Detailing DIY Area of the show, detailing specialists demonstrated the reconditioning of cars and car parts. Automechanika show organizers said this fast-growing sector offers enormous opportunities due to the increasing sales of passenger cars worldwide and innovations taking place. According to Transparency Market Research, the car detailing market is expected to grow to $3.35 billion by 2030.
In addition to educational offerings, networking is being encouraged at lounges located in the exhibition halls.
eBay Motors is hosting an E-Commerce lounge where attendees can meet representatives from online retail and e-commerce. Experts will talk about how to successfully enter online retail or optimize existing online activities.
At the Sustainability Court, the focus was on remanufacturing. There were opportunities to talk to engineers and developers working on solutions for future mobility.
Those who visited Innovation4Mobility learned about electromobility, vehicle-integrated photovoltaics, vehicle-to-grid, software-defined vehicles, sustainable fuels, hydrogen in automotive applications, data platforms and more.
A happy hour is being held daily in the outdoor Agora area. Later in the week, on Sept. 13, an Afterwork Party is planned with show acts, live music and drinks.
Stacey Phillips Ronak