Automechanika Johannesburg which takes place from 8 – 11 May at the Johannesburg Exhibition Centre, Nasrec, has attracted over 600 exhibitors from 22 countries confirming their participation.

Buyers and industry professionals at the event will have the opportunity to discover the latest technologies and solutions in the automotive aftermarket.

Top line-up of mini conferences

This Motor Industry Aftermarket Focus features a quality programme of mini-conferences catering to eight sectors of the retail and automotive aftermarket. This programme provides business leaders with an opportunity to update themselves on the latest trends and technologies in their sector.

Join Dr Azar Jammine of Econometrix; JP Landman, Political and Trend Analyst; Warren Espinoza CEO of the MIDAS Group to mention but a few of industry thought leaders at the mini-conferences. This programme has been structured to address time constraints with mostly half-day events.

Wednesday 8 May

The Fuel Dealers Conference, sponsored by ABSA Bank, addresses Burning Issues in the Retail Fuel Sector with special emphasis on the financial and regulatory issues affecting fuel retailers. Attendance is essential for businesses in the retail fuel sector.

The ERAConference theme is Pitfalls In Modern Engine Rebuilding Operations And How To Avoid Them with Professor At von Wielligh advising engine remanufacturers how best to avoid these pitfalls.

Attendance at the SAVABA Conference is crucial for the vehicle and body building industry. The focus is on the relationships between the Association and its members with the Departments of Trade and industry, Transport, the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards and the vehicle manufacturing sector OEM’s.

The SAMBRA Conference focus is on current issues in the motor body repair industry, with emphasis on the launch of the all-new VDQ training programme for estimators in the collision repair and insurance industries

Thursday 9 May

TheMISA Industry Breakfast features popular independent political and trend analyst JP Landman as he breaks down complex economic and political trends.

Members of the Road Freight Association are invited to a networking breakfast at Automechanika Johannesburg.

The NAACAM APDP Workshop provides representatives of OEM’s, component manufacturers, government and labour with an overview of the Automotive Production and Development Programme. Hear from Roger Pitot, Director of NAACAM, and Professor Justin Barnes of B&M Analysts provide an overview and statistics of the first quarter’s implementation of the APDP programme.

SABOA will host a meeting of its members and Bus Operators can take this opportunity to visit the show floor at the same time to view the latest parts and services on offer for the commercial vehicle market.

Friday 10 May

Attendance at the Retail Industry Conference is essential for business owners and managers in the retail industry, featuring an economic overview (with special reference to the retail motor sector) by renowned economist Dr. Azar Jammine, Chief Economist at Econometrix; an industry overview and profitability presentation by Warren Espinoza, CEO of the MIDAS Group and a view on what lies ahead on the labour front on the eve of negotiations for a new collective agreement, by Jakkie Olivier, Executive Director and CEO Designate of the RMI.

The theme of the Workshop Sector Conference is Dealing with Change and Planning for Profitability and features an address on balancing supply and demand by Malcolm Perrie, Managing Director of Parts Incorporated and a look at the Future of e-mobility, by Carel Oberholzer of  ABB South Africa. This is a crucially important event for business owners and managers in the automotive workshop sector.

The Truck Competence Conference on looks at the latest technologies for trucks and buses and how these developments affect aftermarket servicing and repairs as well as other topics affecting running costs.

The Logistics Conference looks at Logistics As The Lifeblood Of A Nation with Frank Beeton of Econometrix speaking on Trucks for Africa – tough trucks for tough terrain. A highlight of this conference will be the discussion by Glyn Hall of Toyota Motorsport who describes The Logistical Challenges at the Dakar Rally.

A Truly Global Event

The 22 countries represented at the show are South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States of America

Local supporting bodies include the following: Automotive Industry Export Council (AIEC), Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA), Fuel Retailers Association (FRA), National Association of Component & Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), Plastics SA, South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPRIA), Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and the South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA).

International supporters include the following: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (USA), Automotive Parts Re-manufacturers Association, Federal Association of the Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment (Germany), European Garage Equipment Association (Belgium), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Alliance (USA), Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (USA), Overseas Automotive Council (USA), and the German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs (Germany).

In addition to increased international interest, Automechanika Johannesburg has also attracted record support from local and international industry bodies.

Automechanika Johannesburg is one of 12 Automechanika fairs held in Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.

For more information and conference registration visit www.automechanikasa.co.za