Momentous issues in focus at Automässan 2023: “Most important trade fair ever”

Electrification and digitisation are quickly redefining the automotive service and aftermarket industry. Unless sufficient skills-enhancing measures are taken in time, a number of workshops risk being shut down as early as this autumn.
Taking place 18–21 January, Automässan offers guidance for everyone, along with a packed seminar programme, interesting product news, and numerous activities.

Being northern Europe’s largest industry trade fair of its kind, the interest in Automässan is enormous, and the event is fully booked. When it last took place in January 2020, Automässan had close to 17,000 visits from 39 countries.

– We’re seeing a strong increase in pre-registrations, which means there are many of us looking forward to this trade fair, Anna Lena Friberg, Business Manager for Automässan, says.

This year, we have 230 exhibitors. The ongoing shift in technology, not least the strict requirements for authorisation with the implementation of the SERMI scheme, puts time pressure on all workshops that want to survive and grow. This will be evident at Automässan 2023.

Future industry with high technology content

– We have started the journey towards a paradigm shift, from mechanical to electrical, and it brings with it a large number of challenges and opportunities. At Automässan, we will show a future industry that is highly technological, says Johnny Bräster, Chairman of SBF (The Association of Swedish Wholesalers of Automotive Parts and Accessories), and co-organiser of Automässan.

It’s shown by exhibitors in all segments, including tyres, glass, spare parts, diagnostic instruments, workshop equipment, and training. Basically all the important news from the autumn’s Frankfurt trade fair, which is the largest in the world, can be found at Automässan.

Electrification and digitisation are hot topics in the seminar programme. Johnny hopes that workshop representatives will take the chance to listen.

– We want to instil courage. Provide information, show them what they need to do to be prepared. Encourage them to think: “I'm going to complete training, invest in new equipment, hire people with a new profile.”

Top-notch seminar programme

Gilbert Fransson, Operations Manager at the garage equipment supply association Fordonsverkstadsutrustarna (FVU) and co-organiser of Automässan, shares his sentiment:

– Workshop people, primarily managers, are given an incredible opportunity to update themselves about what’s going on, right now as well as in the future. Our seminar programme has never been more top-notch.

If you’re an independent auto workshop, it’s time. SERMI requires that both workshops and the individual mechanics obtain authorisation by 1 August 2023 in order to access the necessary information.

– At Automässan, you’ll learn both what to do as a business owner and what is required from mechanics in order to access the system.

For workshop managers, the trade fair provides a great opportunity to learn about the consequences of electrification and digitisation, Gilbert says.

– For many, this is unfamiliar territory, but it’s absolutely vital to learn what is required in the form of equipment and competence.

The trade fair also includes numerous interesting activities. Among others, the chance to see a Chalmer formula car, designed and constructed by students to compete in the world’s largest student engineering competition.Also showcased at Automässan is the custom-built Förch A-Fuel Dragster, with which Jedborn Motorsport won the European Drag Racing Series last year.The dragster will be shown by the new driver, Tina Höst Nedregård.

Strong desire to meet

The 2023 trade fair offers plenty of social activities.

– We have “after work mingling” every day along with several other festivities. Among other things, Mekonomen celebrates 50 years, which will be acknowledged in various ways during the entire trade fair, Anna Lena Friberg says.

– After three years, the desire to meet again is very strong, and I think this can be an amazing event. Our visitors will leave having gained new connections, new knowledge, new energy, and new inspiration!

Would you like to know more? Visit www.en.automassan.se.