AUTOFORUM

The 2017 edition of Automechanika Johannesburg kicks off at Nasrec.

Sep 27, 2017 Warwick Robinson Automechanika, Johannesburg, MesseFrankfurt, Automechanika Johannesburg, Aftermarket, Cars, Workshop

The 2017 staging of the Automechanika Johannesburg event was officially opened, with a media breakfast, by Konstantin von Vieregge, CEO of SA Shows Messe Frankfurt. He introduced Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board, who in turn thanked all present for braving the strike burdened morning traffic. Messe Frankfurt is investing heavily in the SA market, both in the business-to-business and consumer offerings. Braun commented that "the current success of the exhibition business is an indicator of the real economy to us, and bodes well in these uncertain and tough political and economic conditions".

Steve Nash from IMI, who are the official skills and training partner to Automechanika, discussed how important training is in the age of high technology systems and vehicles. You can hardly have an untrained or informal technician apply skills which are effectively amateur to the new systems. His example of this might not be a reality now but surely illustrates the point: "Imagine setting off in your autonomous car down the highway wondering about who later worked on its systems - you would be placing yourself in the hands of the gods"

Andre Snyder from sponsor Standard Bank, explained how attitudes have changed in terms of looking at macro economics and specifically depreciation of assets and investment - in items such as brand and product development - which generally are run through a business' cashflow and do not reflect on the balance sheet. "Manufacturing, trade and logistics, and finance are the three sisters in the global economy and we need to concentrate on these in order to stimulate growth", he stated, and asserts Standard Banks support of our local and regional automotive industry.

Other highlight of the opening day were the winners of the Innovations Awards. Bosch KTS 560 590 won gold, with Tenneco claiming silver for their OEM Spectrum and Gondolier picked up Bronze for their Walcom Genesi Carbonio 360 Spray gun.

Keep watching the site for more on the show.