play a huge part in the future of Automobiles, but is it the only way? It’s time for people who make and repair these vehicles to get together to discuss it. The Keynote Conference is where all the major topics such as the MOT, rising costs, skills gap and digitalisation will all be addressed.” Finally, on the third day, attention will turn to skills and training. Events and more Among the new offerings for this year’s show, you will find the Modern Garage, being run in partnership with LKQ Euro Car Parts. This is intended to highlight key issues and tech for garages, and how they can use these to their advantage. Meanwhile, the EV Training Academy is running half-hour sessions split across beginner and advanced level during all three days, with two demo vehicles and a host of EV experts to explain everything. There will also be a number of live demonstrations, taking in Detailing Live, in partnership with The UK Detailing Academy. Then there is Paint and Spray Live, and Collision Repair Live. There are also a number of events taking place. A notable one for the diary is the 2023 Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards, hosted by the IAAF and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts. This will be held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Wednesday 7 June. Garages will be vying to win across eight categories. Commenting on what is coming up in the show, Kristan Johnstone, Project Director of Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham said: “The jam-packed schedule of training hubs and conferences are specifically targeted to all levels of the industry – offering real-world insight and technical advice on a whole host of topics. Along with visiting our exciting roster of exhibitors, attendees also have a chance to experience some key takeaways – Automechanika Birmingham 2023 really does have something for everyone.” Hot topic What will you find when you venture towards the stands? It can start to feel a little warm in the NEC during the summer, so it is appropriate that Dayco’s focus at the show will be on thermal management, and the opportunities that this can offer garages. Indeed, the company will be particularly highlighting the importance of regular belt in oil (BIO) replacement, as the company’s National Sales Manager Steve Carolan noted: “Although the BIO innovation is a fantastic solution, which helps small and efficient engines to deliver incredible levels of power, alongside exceptionally low emissions and excellent fuel economy, they do need to be replaced more frequently. Thermal management is an aftermarket hot topic, as maintaining the correct temperature in the various parts of the engine is imperative for sustaining peak performance and maximum efficiency. Dayco has responded and hugely increased the range of original equipment quality replacement parts in its aftermarket programme, which is why our water pumps, e-pumps, thermostats and radiator caps, as well as the friction wheel switchable tensioner developed to activate the water pump in the BMW Mini, will be prominent on our stand.” Alongside timing and auxiliary drive systems and thermal management, Dayco will also be displaying its range of dampers, wheel bearings and steering and suspension products. Dayco will be on Stand P102. Solutions Commenting on their upcoming appearance, Ecobat Battery Commercial Director Paul Payne opined: “Automechanika Birmingham is the biggest aftermarket event on the UK calendar, so we are treating it accordingly, which is why we are showcasing example products from 19 of the leading brands that we actively supply to our customers throughout the country.” Paul added: “Our messages to visitors are equally diverse, so alongside best practice battery advice, we’ll also be presenting charging and solar solutions for the leisure sector, products to cater for the motorcycle and mobility sectors and even addressing the EV market with an EV lithium battery pack.” Ecobat will be on Stand G90. True partner Not wanting to leave anything out LKQ Euro Car Parts will be showcasing its product range, market training offering and more across its four-part footprint at the show, including promoting its brand-new garage network. The biggest stand will showcase parts from brands such as Starline, MPM Oils, Pagid and Eicher. There is then a stand dedicated to the company’s training platform LKQ Academy, where visitors will be able to take in live air conditioning demonstrations and get up close and personal with wheel alignment kit, diagnostics equipment and GMS systems. Then there is a bodyshopspecific stand. Lastly, the new garage concept, 1Tec Auto Hub will be represented. Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “The automotive industry is going through a period of change like never before. Our main goal at this year’s event is to open up conversations about preparing for the future, and to 32 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2023 AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net Above: The automotive aftermarket will be the subject covered on day two of the Keynote Conference, in association with Aftermarket magazine
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