Spread over six days and with over 160,000 visitors, Automechanika is one of the biggest single sector trade shows in the world. This year’s show in Frankfurt was attended by some of the industry’s biggest names, many of whom used the exhibition as a platform to officially launch their latest products and innovations.
Here we look at some of the names that stood out from our visit and give you a taste of what was on offer.
Brembo
At this year’s Automechanika, Brembo’s stand had a fresh and modern feel. Designed to showcase the company’s complete range of products, representatives were on hand to give expert overviews on the company’s brake discs, pads, drums and shoes, as well as hydraulic components for both brakes and clutches.
One of the focal points was the launch of a new range of ultraviolet-coated brake discs with Brembo claiming that the protective paint coating on these discs 
guarantees greater resistance and complete protection over the entire life span of the disc.
Additionally, the subject of art was also on the agenda with artists and students from art and design schools, challenged to paint and design the new discs in a creative way.
All the works of art displayed (including the pictured item) can be found at www.brembopromotion.com, where thousands of Brembo partners selected the ten most interesting examples for the final voting phase. Visitors to Automechanika then had the opportunity to choose the winner from the top ten artists, with the victor receiving a Vespa motorcycle.
GKN/SPIDAN
GKN/SPIDAN took the opportunity at this year’s Automechanika to showcase their new technology and products that are now available to the aftermarket.
A few years ago, GKN managed to launch a technological trend reversal with an innovative construction of the constant 
velocity fixed ball joint on the driveshaft. Since then this new Countertrack™ technology has found increasing use by vehicle manufacturers, prompting the company to introduce it to the independent repair market.
Also on display at the show in Frankfurt was GKN/SPIDAN’s offering of Electric Power Steering Systems (EPS) parts. EPS systems are becoming increasingly common in cars and the company has developed an OE range of electric racks & pinions, electric pumps and electric assisted columns to keep pace as best as possible with the new and growing demand for competitive, quality replacement units.
Klarius
For the Klarius Group, a manufacturing company now offering one of Europe’s widest range of aftermarket parts, this year’s Automechanika proved to be a huge success. With over 800 people visiting the stand, introductions were made with significant potential new customers and many meetings took place both on the stand and elsewhere around the complex, keeping Klarius Group staff extremely busy.
International Business Development Manager, Paul Hannah, said: “Automechanika is always an important opportunity for us to meet existing and prospective international customers. This year we signed some new agreements on the stand. Visitor numbers seemed consistent with last year and we met an amazing number of prospective business opportunities from outside of Europe, notably from Africa, South America, USA and Australia.”
One of the highlights on the stand was the way in which the Klarius Group representatives utilised iPads to reveal to visitors the company’s new live electronic catalogue system online.
KYB Europe
KYB Europe took the opportunity to launch a new support tool at this year’s Automechanika. The tool is the latest in a portfolio designed to help make it easier for technicians to fit shock absorbers, coil springs and mounting kits.
Product boxes will soon display a QR code next to the part number so anyone fitting a part will be able to scan the QR code using a smart phone, via any scanner application (which can be downloaded free of charge from the smart phone provider). Upon scanning, the information includes: fitting videos, fitting instructions, common information for fitting shock absorbers and coil springs, and a visual inspection prompt.
Jean François Huan, Senior Product Manager for KYB Europe, said: “In Europe, KYB believes training and support are key elements in the success of its customers. KYB is working hard to provide valuable technical assistance for its customers and this QR code scheme adds to our training programme for technicians to help replace shock absorbers and coil springs on a car.”
Manbat
Manbat launched the Numax brand in 2002 to coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary and over the last decade, it has become significant in the automotive sector and one of the dominant brands in the UK’s leisure and marine sectors.
Manbat’s commitment to original equipment (OE) production standards, coupled with the buying power that comes with being a major European player, ensures that Numax provides its customers with a comprehensive range of good qual
ity automotive batteries at extremely competitive prices.
Automechanika 2012 saw Manbat announce to visitors that they had further extended the successful XV leisure battery range into an 11-model family over the last few months, which will provide the outdoor enthusiast with the opportunity to find the perfect product for their needs.
They introduced a new addition – 75-Ampere hour (Ah) XV 23 battery – which features the advanced technology and dual purpose benefits that are common to the entire XV range, but with a little less power. The XV 23 is therefore the ideal solution for those who need high quality and reliable performance, but don’t need the high level of power outputs available from the original range.
Metelli
Metelli presented their new timing belt kit with water pump at this year’s show, to further expand their growing water pump range.
These new water pump kits make it easy for mechanics to identify the components related to the replacement of the entire distribution system. It is now necessary to find only one code instead of three items separately (water pump, timing bell and tensioner), avoiding possible mistakes during the search.
This has been a very eventful year for Metelli who celebrated 50 years’ of business in the automotive market. To coincide with their 50 year milestone, the company presented their new restyling brand image at the show.
Motor Service International GmbH
At this year’s Automechanika, MS Motor Service International GmbH was on hand with their subsidiaries from Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, Brazil and China at a joint stand. A central theme at the 500-square-metre stand was the Group’s 
new counterfeit-proof product packaging. Presented under a catchy motto – ‘NO FAKES! Only real stuff’ – the packaging incorporates a multi-layer system of security features that protect customers around the globe from product piracy.
Another of the company’s highlights at this year’s show was a demonstration version of the KSPG Range Extender. The device on show consisted of a two-cylinder V-design gasoline engine with a vertically positioned crankshaft and two generators with a rack-and-pinion drive.
NTN-SNR
During the opening ceremony at this year’s Automechanika in Frankfurt, NTN-SNR won the Innovation prize for their intelligent electric In-Wheel Motor System. They were awarded the accolade by a panel that consisted of worldwide automotive journalists and personalities.
Upon receiving the reward, Note Hervé Brelaud, Director of Research & Development at NTN-SNR, said: “Getting this award is a true honour. It recognises one major innovation in the NTN-SNR automotive field and is testament to the quality and relevance of our research and development and its applications.”
Directly fixed to the vehicle’s wheels, the electric ‘In-Wheel Motor System’ technology is compact and lightweight. A Generation 3 wheel bearing is integrated, as well as a control system which is linked to sensor information in an in-wheel motor. Therefore, differentials, drive shafts and other components are no longer necessary. Two prototype vehicles that incorporated these innovations – Q’mo (with 4-wheel motor) and Commuter 3 – were exhibited on the SNR stand at the show for visitors.
Philips Automotive
Philips Automotive is augmenting its LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) range with a number of daytime running light mounting frames that have been produced to provide the ultimate ease of fitment for Philips DRL systems.
With convenience uppermost in mind for motorist and workshop alike, the daytime running light mounting frames – which form the necessary grill sections of some of Europe’s top selling models – will allow those 
who want to enjoy all the safety and style afforded by retro-fitting DRLs to do so with ultimate ease-of-fitment.
The company showcased their latest DRL offering at their stand at this year’s Automechanika show as Philips’ representatives were on hand to talk visitors through the technology and give them insightful information into the role DRLs play in reducing road accidents.
The European Union’s research into road accidents concluded that half of daytime accidents were caused by one road user failing to see another in time. In response, the European Commission decided that all new car models had to be equipped with dedicated DRLs from February 2011.
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket
Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket displayed their “more” concept at this year’s exhibition. On more than 1,000m² of stand space, Schaeffler’s spare parts division showcased the wide spectrum of LuK, INA and FAG products for the passenger car, commercial vehicle and tractor sectors. The company also exhibited innovative repair solutions, ground breaking technologies and services to visitors.
This year’s show also saw the company celebrate the premier of the LuK RepSet® 2CT. Besides having a double clutch, each LuK RepSet® 2CT contains two engagement levers, two engagement bearings, adjusting shims and the required mounting hardware – everything you need for replacing an entire double-clutch system.
Also in the spotlight was the INA Aftermarket portfolio with components for timing assembly, front end accessory drive and valve train components. For timing assembly, the Aftermarket specialist offers over 1,400 article numbers with more than 750 repair solutions (INA SETs, INA KITs and INA KITs with water pump).
Another highlight was the FAG branded new wheel bearing repair solution for light commercial vehicles. Specially conceived for the Mercedes-Benz models Sprinter, Vito and Viano; and the VW Crafter, this repair solution is said to deliver garages a time-saving of up to 60% when removing and replacing a wheel bearing unit.
TMD Friction
TMD Friction’s product highlights at this year’s Automechanika included the already-launched Textar epad, made from the world’s first real hybrid material. The epad not only delivers the high stopping power demanded in Europe, but also meets the low dust and quiet performance requirements of the Japanese and US markets. The new brake pads are precisely tailored to the different types of vehicle and are available for both front and rear applications.
The special structure of the pad and the underlying friction principle form the basis of this modern generation of passenger car brake pads. This unique friction material technology has not only taken the aftermarket by storm, but has increasing demand in the OE sector, already being in series production with VW, BMW and Mercedes.
David Baines, Director Sales Strategy and Group Marketing IAM at TMD Friction, explained: “The friction materials used in the epad ensure clean rims and bring passenger cars to a standstill with virtually no noise. At the same time, the new material fulfils the high European safety standards, such as short braking distances, and the demands of the aftermarket to supply OE quality.”
Wolf Oil Corporation
Wolf Oil Corporation, one of Europe’s largest independent lubricant blending companies, officially 
presented the rebranding and rebirth of its WOLF and CHAMPION brands at Automechanika 2012.
CHAMPION lubricants are complete and affordable hi-tech lubricants, developed for demanding individuals who want to boost performance beyond the ordinary. WOLF lubricants are technology enriched lubricants which enhance engine performance and endurance, to reduce emissions and lower overall consumption.
Thanks to the rebranding and a well-defined positioning, Wolf Oil Corporation aims to help users to make the right choice of lubricants. The two ranges provide a clear, effective and innovative solution for fleet owners, service stations, car workshops and more.
Yuasa Battery Sales (UK)
Yuasa Battery Sales (UK), one of the leading manufacturers in industrial and motorcycle batteries, exhibited their latest product offering and brought an important message along with them to this year’s Automechanika.
The company used the show to promote the latest in automotive battery technology, with an emphasis on the importance of education and training in the aftermarket, as vehicle electrics become ever more complex and the market becomes increasingly challenging and competitive.
New battery technology for vehicles and motorcycles were on display on the Yuasa stand, alongside two new automotive battery conductance analysers designed to support important tests as part of the overall battery management process for aftermarket operators. Yuasa representatives were also accessible to visitors who wanted information on the company’s unique training offering, relating to the products they produce.
