Aug 13, 2025 Automechanika Johannesburg 2025, Messe Frankfurt SA, Michael Dehn,
Brimming with positivity and potential - Automechanika Johannesburg 2025 set to make a difference
So much more than a trade show: a comprehensive business platform
We recently had the opportunity to have a private and very focused discussion with the ever-busy MD of Messe Frankfurt SA, Michael Dehn, who, with his supporting team, are currently immersed in the arrangements for the tenth Automechanika Johannesburg
Trade Show and business event serving the automotive aftermarket.
Automechanika Johannesburg is part of the international Automechanika automotive aftermarket organisation, a total of 14 Shows worldwide. The fact that the 2025 edition of the Show marks the 10th anniversary of the Show in South Africa is testimony to the importance of this business platform and the value it adds to the automotive aftermarket in sub-Saharan Africa.
Automechanika can be regarded as a barometer of the automotive aftermarket worldwide, reflecting the aftermarket sectors it serves. In reply to a question of where the Southern African automotive aftermarket ranks when compared to the global scenario, Dehn indicated that, from region to region, there are differences in the markets. Not everyone is at the same level and some areas have witnessed a more rapid development in areas such as the evolving electric mobility movement than others. The rate of development in first world regions tend to be more rapid than in the developing world. The evolvement towards cleaner energy in South Africa and the sub-Saharan African Region is well behind compared to areas in first world environments and largely influenced by environmental and infrastructure considerations, slowing the rate of adoption.
The fact that Automechanika Johannesburg is more than a trade show was emphasised by Dehn: “It is not a matter of merely acquiring a presence at this foremost automotive aftermarket trade show; Automechanika is a dynamic business platform where buyers meet sellers and visitors are able to acquaint themselves with the latest technological developments in the motor industry and the automotive aftermarket in particular. We as the organisers go to extraordinary lengths to bring buyers and sellers together. Business matchmaking is a critical component of the event and to this end we have invested considerable resources in a structured business matchmaking programme to facilitate business matchmaking at the Show. This is a valuable facility for exhibitors and visitors and will, as in the past, add incredible value to the overall business focus at the Show. It is imperative that exhibitors should be well prepared to offer a dynamic presence at the Show and to use facilities such as our matchmaking programme to the fullest possible extent”, he said.
The quest for knowledge and interaction will be underpinned by a number of industry conferences to be held during Automechanika Johannesburg 2025. “We are delighted to be able to host numerous industry organisations who are presenting conferences at the Show. This adds incredible value to the Show through the focused networking and learning experiences offered by these events. The aftermarket workshop sector will be well served by events organised by Right to Repair, the Motor Industry Workshop Association and the Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association, while a crucial conference on skills development will be held with the participation of leading technical schools in South Africa. The Institute of Logistics and Transport will be presenting a conference covering transport and logistics issues of importance. Over and above this, expect major exhibitors to offer training sessions focusing on their respective product development initiatives. Overall, visitors can expect a rich experience guaranteed to add value and promote networking opportunities”, he said.
Insofar as international visitor participation at Automechanika Johannesburg 2025 is concerned, Dehn commented on the recently completed series of road shows in Southern Africa with more to follow before the Show kicks off and indicated that the events already held in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya were exceptionally well attended which augured well for visitor support from these countries, with road shows in Namibia and Mozambique still scheduled to take place before the Show. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the relaxation of visa requirements in many African countries should further enhance the viability of Show attendance.
“Africa’s transportation infrastructure is heavily dependent on road transport and Automechanika Johannesburg’s Truck Competence product category will be an important focus point for fleet owners and suppliers of logistics services. We see this sector growing as a unique focus area for Automechanika Johannesburg”, Dehn added.
Commenting on the possible influence of the Trump tariff antics, Dehn said that in his experience, he has witnessed how hurdles create room for opportunities and in the free market system, traders will generally find a way to deal with negatives such as these and adapt to survive.
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