Automechanika Shanghai 2016 sees 9 percent increase in footfalls, focuses on connectivity

Marking its second year in the new expanded venue, the 12th edition of Automechanika Shanghai continued to grow, proving to be the ideal B2B platform offering opportunities for information exchange, marketing, trading and education in the automotive world.

Held from November 30 to December 3, 2016, this year’s exhibition space alone increased by 12 percent, from 280,000 square metres to 312,000 square metres. This subsequently opened up two new halls for a total of 13 halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Puxi, Shanghai.

The event also saw an increase in number of exhibitors by 7 percent over last year with a total of 5,756 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions filling the halls. This accordingly saw a sizeable 9 percent jump in visitors as the event registered 120,000 footfalls from 140 countries.

Focus on connectivity, e-mobility and infrastructure

Due to growing market trends and demands, the electronics and systems sector and automotive  connectivity saw particular gains highlighting in specialised zones in a larger area. Automotive connectivity was a focal point at Automechanika Shanghai 2016. The connected vehicle is the trend of the future. Connected vehicles are able to communicate with each other and the surrounding transportation infrastructure to enhance safety, convenience and efficient flow of traffic. Enhanced connectivity features in vehicles also bring greater business opportunities. Gartner, the information technology research and advisory company, forecasts that by 2020, one in five vehicles on the road worldwide will be linked by some form of wireless connection. This will result in 250 million connected vehicles in the next four years.

Connected vehicles, parts and equipment were housed in the Electronics & Systems Sector, which expanded to fill all of Hall 4.1. The connectivity zone within the Electronics & Systems hall also amplified the latest trends in connectivity, alternative drives, automated driving and mobility services. In addition to showcasing the latest trends, the hall also included a series of events such as seminars and various vehicle and product displays to give the industry players a comprehensive insight into the world of connected mobility.  

Automechanika Shanghai 2016 saw a full spectrum of electronics and systems sector exhibitors at the show, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 vehicle suppliers, telematics companies, mobile phone and network carriers, software developers, Internet providers as well as suppliers of traffic technology who offer products and solutions for connected cars and mobility solutions for the future. Some of big brands for this year included Aborn, Bosch, Continental, Hella, Huirun, Interstate Batteries and Transpo among others.  

The accessories and customising sector also experienced growth this year and for the first time, the West Hall housed the wheel rim/tyre sectors.  

Meanwhile, the E-mobility and Infrastructure Sectors also returned to Automechanika Shanghai this year in the North Hall while Remanufacturing, a component of the Parts & Components – Powertrain Sector, Was located in Hall 1.  

Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). It is one of 15 Automechanika fairs held in Africa, Asia, Europe and North, Central and South America.