The Automechanika Frankfurt trade fair kicked off Sept. 10 with the CEO Breakfast. The event, sponsored by Continental, PPG, Schaeffler and ZF, featured Italian former football referee Dr. Pierluigi Collina, who shared highlights from his career. Collina then talked to representatives from the sponsor companies.
Later in the day, the Automechanika Innovation Awards were presented. This year, 153 products and solutions were submitted in nine categories. The winning products will be displayed during the show.
“More than almost any other sector, the automotive industry is at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation,” said Michael Johannes, vice president of Messe Frankfurt for Mobility & Logistics and brand manager of Automechanika. “We need new technologies to help us -- on the way to digital, efficient and sustainable mobility.”
Category Winners
E-Mobility & Innovative Drive Technologies (new category)
Company: AVILOO GmbH
Product: AVILOO FLASH Test
The plug-and-play battery test checks the functionality of drive batteries in battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in three minutes on a stationary vehicle and presents the results in a report.
Data & Connectivity
Company: WESP Automotive
Product: WESP Total Market Calculator using the Fact-based Replacement Rate (FBRR)
By leveraging body shop invoices and incorporating machine learning technologies, FBRR delivers data on replacement part demand.
Workshop & Service Solutions
Company: Snap-on Equipment GmbH
Product: Tru-Point 3D Positioning of ADAS Calibration Accessories
Using patented 3D camera measurement tech, TGT-05 enables the precise placement of 360 mats around the vehicle. Targets are monitored during the ADAS process to ensure repairs meet manufacturer specifications.
Parts & Technology Solutions
Company: Gedore Automotive GmbH in Entwicklungs-Kooperation mit, Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions
Product: E-Drive Stator Lift
The E-Drive Stator Lift is a semiautomatic separation device for dismantling electric motors. As an alternative to replacement motors, spare parts can be installed and defective motors can be reintroduced into the usage cycle.
Body & Paint
Company: PPG Deutschland Sales & Services GmbH
Product: PPG LINQ™ Digital Ecosystem
The PPG LINQ ecosystem is a cloud-based platform that connects hardware, software and services. It was created to enhance body shop efficiency and sustainability by digitizing and automating repair tasks, including color reading and paint mixing.
PPG LINQ™ Digital Ecosystem.
Car Wash & Care
Company: Alfred Kärcher Vertriebs-GmbH
Product: Trockeneisreiniger IB 10/15 L2P Advanced
The dry ice cleaner IB 10/15 L2P Advanced is part of a dry ice cleaning system with integrated dry ice production for spontaneous cleaning applications.
Commercial Vehicles
Company: SAMPA OTOMOTIV A.S.
Product: SAMPA Braking Emission Storing Technology (B.E.S.T.)
B.E.S.T. mechanically collects and filters the pad dust particles released during braking in disc brake systems -- both actively and passively -- without connecting to any engine or electronic parts of the vehicle.
AI & Digitalization (new category)
Company: GS27
Product: The evolution of training, powered by AI
The GS27 training department uses artificial intelligence (AI) software to develop and tailor customer training sessions.
Green Award
Company: SAMPA OTOMOTIV A.S.
Product: SAMPA Braking Emission Storing Technology (B.E.S.T.) (see description above)
Axalta Announces New Cloud-Based Platform
Patricia Morschel, Axalta’s vice president, marketing and commercial operations, Global Refinish, announced the launch of Axalta Nimbus.
In the Body & Paint Hall, Axalta announced the launch of Axalta Nimbus, a cloud-based platform created to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, boost performance and maximize profitability for refinish customers.
“We have a long history at Axalta pushing the boundaries of what is possible and reshaping our collision industry over and over again,” said Patricia Morschel, Axalta’s vice president, marketing and commercial operations, Global Refinish. “What drives us to innovate is our passion to help our customers to perform better.”
Axalta Nimbus allows customers to access all of Axalta’s tools and resource in a single platform. These include Axalta Nimbus Color, Catalog, Stock, Store, Insights, Academy and Support.
Geely Introduces New Brands for European Market
Geely Auto Group showcased three brands entering or expanding in the European market: Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Geely Auto.
As part of the show’s Electric Vehicle Expo, Geely Auto Group showcased three brands entering or expanding in the European market: Zeekr, Lynk & Co, and Geely Auto.
“Each of the brands has their own distinct identities and positions, competing in different markets and segments, from mass market to luxury segments,” said Victor Yang, senior vice president of Geely Holding. “…Geely Holding’s system has enabled brands of Geely Auto Group to meet the growing demand for electrified products around the world and accelerate the electric transformation of the automotive industry.”
Stay tuned to Autobody News for more coverage of the show, which continues through Sept. 14 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Stacey Phillips Ronak