With 670 exhibitors from 18 countries receiving a total of 5 631 trade visitors from 38 countries over three days, Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 Shows reaffirmed their positions as the largest shows of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
The events have proven once again that nothing beats face-to-face business engagement between suppliers and their existing and potential clients on a professionally organised business platform.
Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 were major enablers in the revival of existing and the development of new business relationships across the spectrum of the relevant industry sectors, launching new products and services with a focus on innovation in the industry.
Several successful national conferences, hosted by trade associations of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) such as TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association, in collaboration with Right to Repair), Women in the Industry, SA Bus Operators’ Association (SABOA), Fuel Retailers’ Association (FRA) and Collision Repairers’ Association (CRA) were held during the events.
In keeping with the Automechanika culture of a ceaseless affinity for innovation in the industry, there was an expected strong focus on innovation at the Shows. Eight deserving finalists were considered for the Automechanika Johannesburg 2023 Innovation Award.
The crown went to Strategic Fulfilment Branch Mapping, developed by Motus Aftermarket Parts in partnership with Swedish-based Syncron, an innovation that will undoubtedly add immense value in the motor industry.
Looking to the future, Messe Frankfurt South Africa has confirmed that the show dates for the 2024 editions of Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo will take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, Nasrec.
Whereas Futuroad is all about trucking and logistics, the product categories at Automechanika Johannesburg 2024 will reflect the incredibly wide sector spread in the automotive aftermarket, including automotive parts & components, electronics & systems, accessories & customising, tyres & batteries, car wash & care, oils & lubricants, diagnostics & repair and body & paint.
Add to this the search for true innovation through the prestigious 2024 edition of the Automechanika Innovation Awards Competition, which further enhances the winning industry formula that is Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
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Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
