As one of the most influential automotive trade fairs in the industry, the 17th edition of Automechanika Shanghai will take place from 1 to 4 December, 2022 in the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), China. This year, Automechanika Shanghai presents a new concept Innovation4Mobility as it reinforces opportunities along the supply chain, which the automotive community can capture through showcases and events.
What is the idea behind the new concept Innovation4Mobility harnessed by the show? What will participants expect under the new concept? How can domestic and international players grasp new opportunities under the transitioning landscape of mobility through Automechanika Shanghai?
In this interview, Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Ms. Li Zhang, General Manager, China National Machinery Industry International Co Ltd, will reveal the answers.
Posted on 23 June 2022
New themes and new highlights
Q1. What is the idea behind the new concept Innovation4Mobility this year?
Chiew: The automobile industry is now at a pivotal point in the history. China’s new four modernisations and carbon emission targets are reshaping the ecosystem across manufacturing, distribution and the consumer market. With this, repair workshops must transform and integrate the latest skillsets that are required for the diagnostics and maintenance of connected new energy vehicles, as well as handling the related spare parts.
Leading domestic and international brands have confirmed their attendance and plans to showcase their latest products and achievements driven by digitalisation and electrification. In the meantime, we would like to invite all the exhibitors to join Innovation4Mobility Showcase and demonstrate their technological expertise and innovation, to accelerate the development of automotive industry.
Q2. What will participants expect under the new concept?
Chiew: Automechanika Shanghai adopts Innovation4Mobility to play into a unique way of presenting China’s transformational direction in the automotive industry to a global audience.
The show draw attentions to the fundamental changes in the supply chain and consumer market by leveraging Innovation4Mobility in four special areas at the show. This includes the Innovation4Mobility Mainstage (Hall 2.1), A New Era of Commercial Vehicles (North Hall), Green Repair (Hall 7.2) and Motorsport and High Performance (Hall 8.2).
Innovation4Mobility Mainstage, comprising forum area, start-ups arena, product showcase and networking lounge, will champion the contributions made to the advancing technologies and innovations across the value chain.
A New Era of Commercial Vehicles will go even further to address the role of commercial vehicles in the logistics industry with a scenario-based display of the hydrogen energy supply chain.
The Green Repair area will present the equipment, testing and diagnostics for new energy vehicle maintenance through live demonstrations, training, displays and open forums. New energy automakers, battery companies and training institutes will highlight the maintenance of batteries, electric power control units and electric motors in insulated workshop environments.
The Motorsport and High Performance area will showcase motorsports and high performance customising from leading brands with technical seminars, experience sharing and motorsport displays. Here, players can exchange know-how and cooperation with OEMs, 4S groups, dealers, racing teams, auto clubs, and more.
Q3. In terms of exhibitor or visitor services, what would you like to highlight?
Chiew: Under the new concept, the show will present a rundown of value-added activities.
From July, Technology Release will be launched, exhibitors can showcase their latest technology through video broadcast for autonomous driving and shared mobility in commercial vehicle sector. In addition, a series of online media interviews from A Dialogue with Automotive Entrepreneurs will return, delving into the new energy vehicle value chain and the key developments of leading industry players. Moreover, players can tune into a global webinar with global thought leaders discussing the alternative fuel sector in August. In September, the show will organized technological exchanges with automakers and OEMs via site visits and working meetings; Motorsports Driving Day will take place, where car lovers and customizing armatures will gather for a test drive and racing car sharing.
Furthermore, Exhibitors can benefit from year-round online and physical events. Through business matching, technical seminars, skills training, visits to key production bases and media interviews, companies can reach their target audience and penetrate new markets.
AMS Live is a resource hub that unites the global automotive community. Participants can connect with global players and gather information on the latest products, trends and practical skills through live broadcasts, online discussions, video calls and matchmaking with potential partners.
All-round and multiple channel services to promote the sustainable development of the industry
Q4. How do you see the development of China's automotive industry?
Zhang: Automotive industry is now at the historical intersection of the "Two Centenaries" and the first year of the "14th Five-Year Plan". Despite the automotive industry is facing the adverse impact of chip shortages and the sustained high prices of raw materials and other unfavourable factors, China’s automotive industry has been striving to overcome the difficulties. The annual automobile production and sales have shown a robust recovery, which exemplifies the resilience of China’s automotive industry.
The annual automobile production and sales in 2021 reached 26.082 million and 26.275 million respectively, ranking first in the global automobile production and sales for 13 consecutive years, with year-on-year growth of 3.4% and 3.8% respectively. Among which, new energy vehicles have demonstrated strong momentum. The annual sales volume exceeded 3.5 million units, and the market share increased to 13.4%, which further proves that the new energy vehicle market has shifted from being policy-driven to market-driven. Driven by factors such as the recovery of the international market and the enhancement of Chinese brand competitiveness, in 2021, 2.015 million vehicles were exported, achieved double of year-on-year growth, accounted for 7.7% of total vehicle sales, increased by 3.7% compared with the previous year. At the same time, the global market share of Chinese brands has exceeded 44%, which is close to the best level in history.
The rapid development of new energy vehicles has brought challenges to the aftermarket service industry. According to the "New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021-2035)", China's new energy vehicle sales will account for 20% in 2025. Experts estimate that the number of new energy vehicles will reach 20 million in 2025. With the popularization of new energy vehicles, compared with traditional fuel vehicles, the number of car parts and components is greatly reduced, the number of SKUs is only 20%-30% of fuel vehicles, and the vehicle body structure is simpler than the traditional fuel vehicles. It is estimated that the size of the automotive aftermarket will shrink by 15% under the era of electric vehicles. Therefore, the future development and transformation of the aftermarket is a critical topic that needs to be discussed.
Q5. How will Automechanika Shanghai play a role in the industry development? How will the show react to the opportunities?
Zhang: With the “14th Five-Year Plan” guiding transformation in the quickly-rebounding market, it is important that Automechanika Shanghai is there to highlight growing opportunities across the domestic supply chain that benefit both local and international parties. Dual Circulation facilitates the digitalisation and integration across the automotive supply chain, which is also a key premise of the composition of Services & Supply Chain zone at the show. This includes adapting business models that heighten collaboration with the likes of research and development, data management, tech, finance and e-commerce to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility sector prepares to elevate the coverage of logistics and transportation. The show will also provide technical support and platform for the development of the new energy aftermarket.
China's strong market share reflects the scale of its consumer base and tremendous demand for green mobility. The show offers several value-added services to support players across the value chain and is committed to following 14th Five-Year Plan’s implementation and fostering industrial growth and transformations.