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about our latest products, services and technologies, designed to support the transformation towards electrified, autonomous and connected vehicles.” On the final day, garages were able to access online training courses on a range of topics. These included high- voltage technology basics and electric power steering for passenger cars. Those that took courses received a certificate. The ZF [pro]Points bonus programme also offered competitions and games where you could win vouchers for ZF workshop concepts, or even an e-bike. Dr. Holger Hättich, Head of Customer and Strategy at ZF Aftermarket, added: "Our digital presence represents much more than a virtual trade show booth. With ZF Aftermarket Live, we are launching a new channel for digital knowledge transfer and networking within the global automotive aftermarket." The ZF Aftermarket Live content is still available and can be accessed here: https://zfaftermarketlive.com/en Valuable Hella Gutmann Solutions were present online at the show. On the Tuesday, Hella Gutmann were showing off their A fter an enforced break resulting from the pandemic, Automechanika returned to Frankfurt in September, as Automechanika Frankfurt Digital Plus. For the hybrid live/digital event, there were 388 exhibitors onsite. 53% were at the show in person, with the other 47% taking part online. 10,000 people from 70 countries took part either at the show in person or digitally. Around 6,000 attendees also viewed live streams and made one-to-one video calls too. In the run-up, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt Olaf Musshoff said: “People are very much looking forward to real in-person business encounters with their industry colleagues at Automechanika. At the same time, people’s trust in the digital networking opportunities that we have developed for this very special edition of the trade fair continues to grow. Our digital platform allows everyone to take part in the extensive three-day supporting programme not only here in Frankfurt, but also around the globe. This helps to ensure the international reach of our event.” It was apt that digitalisation was the key topic for the ‘Let’s talk business’ panel session on 14 September, where Olaf Musshoff led the discussion on innovative online solutions. CO2 emission reductions and alternative fuels provided the topic for the Energy 4 Mobility talk, Decarbonising Modes of Transport – Challenges and Solutions, which took place on the same day. 15 September was Remanufacturing Day, run jointly with the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA). Then, on 16 September, the Discover3Dprinting seminar looked how the sector can take advantage of 3D printing. Next, Collision Talk looked at how bodyshops can make the most of the crash repair market. The day also included live accident repair demonstrations. If that was not enough, there was the first 54 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2021 AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT DIGITAL PLUS www.aftermarketonline.net THE SHOW MUST GO ON After a long wait, Automechanika Frankfurt returned recently with a blended live/digital show Automechanika Body and Paint World Championships running during the event. Exhibitors MEYLE offered the MEYLE Exhibition 2021. Main topics included digital and innovative offers, along with product and service solutions for workshops. There were also expert talks on the company’s brake and electronics product ranges. ZF Aftermarket used the opportunity to launch its own new platform that will have a life beyond Automechanika. Philippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket observed: "With our format ZF Aftermarket Live, we will be able to not only share our vision for a green, sustainable and data-fuelled aftermarket of tomorrow, but discuss the next generation of mobility with our partners in an interactive way.” The company looked to provide insights on its Next Generation Aftermarket strategy. This included live round-table discussions, keynote speeches and interactive training sessions. The focus was on provisions for EVs and autonomous vehicles. Philippe continued: “Our visitors will have access to in-depth information Above: High-voltage training with ZF Aftermarket