News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2025 Discussions on digitalisation, electrification, skills shortages and sustainability will lead the action-packed three-day agenda. Taking place from June 3-5 at the NEC Birmingham, the leading automotive trade show will deliver over 150 hours of free training, live demonstrations and thoughtleadership sessions, spread across six stages and multiple live demo areas. Designed to support garages, technicians workshops and aftermarket businesses, this year’s speaker line-up reflects a fast-evolving sector tackling digitalisation, electrification, skills shortages and sustainability. This year’s event is on course to welcome 15,000+ visitors, with registrations up 9% over 2023. There will also be more than 550 exhibitors, a 10% increase over 2023, with more than 150 garages and bodyshops represented, in addition to five content hubs and more than five feature areas. Day One will kick off with sessions at the Workshop Hub, in association with Autotechnician and sponsored by Delphi, led by the likes of AcTronics, Bosch and Castrol, and the Workshop Hub will share insights into workshop diagnostics, remanufacturing, technology upgrades and boosting profitability in an era of rising costs. Meanwhile, the Aftermarket Hub, sponsored by ebay, will explore how AI, e-commerce automation and Right to Repair legislation is reshaping the competitive landscape for independent garages, motor factors and suppliers / manufacturers. Attendees will hear presentations and panel discussions from industry experts and associations including IAAF, IGA and SMMT. Day Two will deepen the conversation around digital integration and workforce development to help transform garage operations for the future. Experts from ALLDATA, Brembo, Hella and ZF Aftermarket will be speaking at the Workshop Hub discussing real-time workshop management, the importance of customer service advisors and OEM data access. EV training and repairs, tyre safety, the recovery industry and training qualifications take centre stage at the Aftermarket Hub Day Three wraps up the show with a strong focus on high technical standards and long-term industry sustainability. From wet cambelt maintenance and fleet servicing to EV charging and additives sessions on the Workshop Hub, speakers include Ferdotti Motor Services, HEVRA and LIQUI MOLY. The Aftermarket Hub once again looks to the future, offering sessions on investing in talent, opportunities in the aftermarket and sustainability in automotive, hosted by the likes of the AutoGem, eBay, IMI and LKQ Europe. Comedian Stephen K Amos will be the special guest speaker at the IAAF-hosted Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2025, which are sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts. Meanwhile, Garage Hive will unveil the latest advancements in its all-inone garage management system in hall 19, stand Q60. Offering live demonstrations and oneto-one advice, the team will be on hand to support independent garages looking to improve efficiency, customer service, and profitability. “We’re excited to be back at Automechanika Birmingham, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with garage owners, share ideas, and showcase the innovations we’ve been working on,” said Alex Lindley, director at Garage Hive. “From AI-powered tools to new integrations and training support, everything we’re bringing to the show is designed to help workshops run smarter, faster, and more profitably.” Among the standout features being showcased will be Garage Hive Copilot, an AI tool that auto-generates clear, professional language for use in vehicle health checks, sales invoices. Also featured will be the new integration with ServiceSplit, which brings predefined service plans that make it easier for customers to manage maintenance costs while giving garages a competitive edge over dealerships. Garage Hive’s growing training provision will also be highlighted. Delivered from its dedicated IMI-accredited training centre in Nottingham, courses such as the threeday Super User and two-day Service Advisor programmes are designed to help garage teams maximise the system’s potential and drive lasting business improvements. Visitors to the stand can also enter a prize draw for a chance to win a free ticket to The Blend 2025, the annual conference and networking event for forward-thinking garage owners, being held on October 18 in Birmingham. And don’t forget to drop by and meet the Aftermarket magazine team, in hall 19, stand L142. Editor John Shepherd will be on hand throughout the show and looks forward to hearing all your business news. Curtain up for Automechanika Stephen K Amos
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