Automechanika Frankfurt 2022 today plays host to the largest UK aftermarket  overseas trade mission since pre-pandemic 2019, with a dedicated UK Pavilion organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Twenty-two leading companies will represent the breadth and quality that the British sector has to offer, from engine remanufacturing and suspension system design services to specialist components, lubricants and tyre sealants.

The aftermarket sector is an important and significant part of the UK automotive industry, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, making it an attractive global partner with which to do business. It contributes over £12.7 billion to the economy, supporting 350,000 jobs across 54,000 businesses, with a turnover of some £50 billion every year. British companies are continuing to demonstrate their capacity and resilience in the provision of servicing, maintenance and repairs to the more than 40 million vehicles on UK roads.

This UK vehicle parc is incredibly diverse, with British aftermarket firms providing unrivalled expertise, services and products for a variety of vehicles, from the world’s largest mining vehicles to high-performance sports cars. Britain’s vehicle fleet is also in the midst of its most dramatic transformation, with the UK to phase out the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars and vans in 2030 and all new heavy goods vehicles sold in Britain required to be zero emission by 2040.

The transition is already underway, with new UK registrations of battery electric cars up 35.4% so far this year and expected to reach more than a quarter of a million new registrations by the end of 2022. The rapid uptake of this next generation of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles gives the UK aftermarket an early advantage, developing the requisite skills necessary to service the latest zero emission automotive technology, capabilities that will enable them to meet the growing expectations of international customers.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

As with the wider automotive sector, the aftermarket is set to undergo a massive transition driven by the shift to zero emission mobility. This presents new opportunities for many companies whilst also servicing and repairing the millions of conventional vehicles on our roads, keeping them safe and running. The UK is also a key European market for this important sector, with Automechanika Frankfurt 2022 a crucial platform to drive new business and trading relationships for aftermarket companies across Britain and the EU.

Automechanika Frankfurt 2022, held fully in person at Messe Frankfurt for the first time in four years, is one of the world’s largest trade fairs for the aftermarket covering the entire value chain for the sector. When last held, it welcomed 4,987 exhibitors from 76 countries and 134,622 visitors from around the world.

Visitors to the show can find the UK pavilion in Hall 3.1 stand J86 and are invited to join an informal networking reception on Tuesday 13 September, from 16:00, where Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, will be present, along with other stakeholders and representatives from SMMT. Please contact international@smmt.co.uk if you would like to attend.

The Aftermarket Section is one of SMMT’s largest areas of membership, drawn from the independent sector for service and repair, including parts manufacturers and suppliers, importers, distributors, workshops and data providers. The UK Pavilion exhibitor line-up at Automechanika Frankfurt 2022 includes these leading companies:

SMMT runs a series of exhibitions, shows, seminars and missions abroad. Our events calendar highlights the latest SMMT events, SMMT supported events and lists any other industry event.

SMMT represents the UK automotive industry through the membership of companies involved in design, concept, manufacture, sale, after sale, disposal and recycling of motor vehicles, components and accessories.

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