- More than 100 businesses from UK’s £56.5 billion aftermarket sector to feature at Automechanika Frankfurt this week.
- SMMT‘s sold-out UK Pavilion features everything from world-class parts and innovative brake systems to small-volume electric vehicles and best-in-class remanufacturing.
- Show comes as firms seek new global opportunities to bolster domestic demand from Britain’s growing vehicle parc.
More than a hundred UK automotive companies will come together in Germany this week (September 10-14) for Automechanika Frankfurt one of the largest global aftermarket trade shows, with 19 of them having secured a place at the sold-out UK Pavilion hosted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).1
The UK’s £56.5 billion aftermarket sector is a major economic contributor, with some 56,500 businesses supporting more than 330,000 jobs in all regions of the country, and delivering an annual £16.1 billion in gross value add (GVA). The sector’s value is now ahead of pre-pandemic levels and, with car ownership now at a record 35.7 million, domestic opportunities for growth are clear.2
International markets, however, offer even greater potential for growth and the Messe Frankfurt event provides a major platform for Britain’s aftermarket sector to seek new opportunities from markets across Europe and beyond. UK exhibitors will present everything from innovative brake systems to world-leading electric vehicle solutions and best-in-class remanufacturing. The UK Pavilion will reflect the unrivalled quality and diversity of British aftermarket products and services.
Of particular interest is the growth in demand for demand for parts and components for increasingly electrified vehicles. With manufacturers pouring billions of pounds into developing new zero emission and automated technologies, the volume of these models that need servicing continues to surge. One in 40 vehicles on UK roads is now fully electric or hydrogen – including more than 960,000 cars, 61,000 vans, 2,300 HGVs and 2,000 buses.3
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
The UK’s multi-billion pound aftermarket is renowned globally for its excellence and plays a pivotal role in keeping motorists and business on the move and ensuring Britain’s switch to zero emission vehicles is sustainable for the long term. Automechanika Frankfurt provides a significant opportunity to drive existing and new partnerships, accelerating business growth and innovation which, ultimately, benefits the whole UK economy and its consumers.
The UK Pavilion, located in Hall 5.1, brings some of Europe’s leading aftermarket businesses including:
- Autogem (Stand E78): leading suppliers of emission gaskets, clamps and hardware with over 5,000 products in range and 70 years of experience
- Britpart and Allmakes 4×4 (Stand D96): leading specialist wholesalers of quality components for Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles, including an extensive range of OE, OEM, and PR2 parts.
- Electrofit (Stand E62): specialising in the development and distribution of automotive parts tailored for EV small-volume and niche vehicle conversions.
- Eurocams (Stand C96): a market leader in the development, production and distribution of quality engine parts for all major vehicle brands, specialising in camshafts and other valvetrain parts.
- Eurolec Core Supply (Stand D70): Family owned business, initially supplied starter and alternator cores but now also supply braking, steering, AC and complete engines.
- European Braking Systems (Stand D90): one of Europe’s largest air brake manufacturers with a long-standing reputation as a trusted partner for aftermarket solutions.
- Freightline Carriers (Stand E79): a market leading logistics specialist in urgent time critical deliveries via road and air freight.
- G3 Concepts (Stand D82) Founded by three former test engineers with almost 60 years combined experience between them, developer of high precision calibration tools specially for the turbocharger re-manufacturer industry.
- Global Technologies International (Stand D86): providing the automotive industry with a one stop shop for engines and engine components.
- IM Automotive Group (Stand D76): an end-to-end global product development partner with market leading insight, technical knowledge and a vertically integrated supply chain.
- MEI Brakes (Stand E68): a leading global manufacturer of commercial vehicle braking products, a world class supplier to the original equipment and replacement markets with aftermarket stockists in over 60 countries.
- OKO Global (Stand E71): producer of anti puncture tyre sealants in the UK since 1978 with products sold in over 100 countries.
- Pneuride (Stand E64): designs and manufactures bespoke air suspension systems and components from its state of the art facility in Coventry UK, with over 50 years’ experience and more than a million parts sold.
- Precision Varionic International (Stand E76): designs and manufactures a range of automotive controls, specialising in EV compliant systems.
- Premier Supply Limited (Stand E61): an independent specialist for Land Rover spare parts, also offering County branded products
- Presco Radiator Caps (Stand D84): manufacture of radiator caps for over 30 years and a leading aftermarket supplier in the UK.
- Recoturbo (Stand E72): stands at the forefront of turbocharging in the UK.
- Town and Country Covers (Stand E75): premier manufacturer of protective seat covers for vehicles, working closely with renowned manufacturers in the commercial, agriculture and construction sectors.
A comprehensive list of UK Pavilion exhibitors can be found here.
Innovation and transformation towards sustainability, e-mobility and digitalisation are the key themes at this year’s event, with activities including a Workshop of the Future demonstrating how garages can transition to maintaining and servicing electric and hydrogen vehicles, along with a Future Mobility Park providing test and experience opportunities with EVs, e-charging systems, battery storage and solar panels.
SMMT International helps UK automotive companies to trade overseas and increase their presence in international markets, driving growth in the sector and wider UK economy. To find out more about how SMMT can help automotive firms growth their business abroad contact international@smmt.co.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Automechanika Frankfurt, Exhibitor search, Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
2. ONS Annual Business Survey, data to 2022 – covering SIC45.2, 45.31 and 45.32 and employment from ONS NOMIS.
3. SMMT Motorparc 2023 data.
