A delegation of AAAAA members were amongst the more than 185,000 visitors

There was a clear sense of celebration at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) as the global automotive industry returned to the city for the 18th edition of Automechanika Shanghai.
The show took place from the 29th of November to the 2nd of December 2023 and recorded an overwhelming surge of participation in its return to the host city.
Attendees praised the show’s emphasis on innovation, not just in terms of breakthrough developments, but also upgrades to traditional solutions, which have an ongoing foothold in the market.
The 2023 edition of Automechanika Shanghai proved exceedingly dynamic with all domains of the automotive supply chain coming together for marketing, trade, knowledge sharing and education.
Event organisers say participants lauded the resources that were used to connect foreign and domestic buyers and suppliers, with the ultimate goal of building networks in the international business environment.
In this regard, the organised networking opportunities and exhibition tours, amidst other services, were crowd favourites; local participants were afforded valuable opportunities to gain insightful perspectives on foreign markets, while international attendees could build a comprehensive understanding of the domestic automotive industry.
In the same way, activities on the show floor as well as fringe events fostered a sense of collaboration in addition to a shared vision for a sustainable and connected future.
For example, the Innovation4Mobility Showcase delved into key pockets of the supply chain; four showcase areas included the Innovation4Mobility Mainstage, Future Mobility Area, Green Repair Area, and Customising x Tech Area.
The concept revolved around the interplay between digitalisation, connectivity, sustainability, new energy, and aftermarket services, stemming from the growing demand for new mobility solutions and environmental protection in the automotive industry.
Amplifying these trends even further, the concurrent fringe programme saw a total of 77 fringe events take place over the course of four days.
A crowd favourite was the debuting International Automotive Industry Conference 2023 Presented by Automechanika Shanghai.

The conference series (including one main conference and five related events) covered all the major global automotive forecasts, policy updates and opportunities moving into 2024 and beyond.
In terms of participation, the turnout of visitors at the fairground broke an all-time record set at the previous 15th edition, growing by 16 percent to reach a total of 185,284.
Internationalism grew by 19 percent with players representing 177 countries and regions like Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, and the UAE (amongst the highest representation).
Furthermore, the show hosted 5,652 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions, including 16 pavilions from France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US.
“The overwhelming surge of participation indicates the show’s continued significance in the automotive industry, not just for China but globally too, providing a gateway for information exchange, marketing, trade and education,” Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd General Manager, Fiona Chiew, said.
The AAAA was pleased to take an Australian contingent to Automechanika Shanghai, with representatives from AAAA members Rocket Industries, Turbotech QLD, GTX Trading, Mackay Australia, Australian Transmission Components, Optimum Auto Parts Tech, DPF Australia, National Auto Parts Depot and GTX Trading attending the event, hosted by AAAA Membership Development Manager, Tim Wells.
“DPF Australia would like to thank the AAAA for their assistance with Automechanika Shanghai. Christina’s organising of VISA letters, hotel bookings etc minimised the planning and uncertainty. Tim Wells, with his charm and humour was with our group in Shanghai, shepherding us between the hotel, show and so on,” DPF Australia’s Charles Anderson said.
“The show itself offered us a significant number of benefits, from meeting existing and new suppliers to discovering new products, markets, and trends. Jackie and I felt very welcomed into our group of fellow AAAA Aussies and as we seemed to share similar business issues and solutions. Also, two potential business opportunities have come from amongst our fellow AAAA travellers. This networking was unforeseen by us and of real value.”
The next edition of Automechanika Shanghai will take place from the 2nd to the 5th of December 2024, organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd (Sinomachint).

For more information, visit www.automechanika-shanghai.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com