• SMMT partners with world’s biggest trade show organiser Messe Frankfurt to launch Automechanika Birmingham.
• New event in automotive calendar highlights growing global importance of UK sector.

In a significant boost to the UK’s automotive component and supply chain, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has today announced it will jointly launch an automotive trade show in the UK for the first time. SMMT will partner Messe Frankfurt in hosting Automechanika Birmingham at the NEC from 7 to 9 June 2016. Bringing together hundreds of automotive supply and aftermarket companies with national and international buyers, the show will provide the perfect platform for businesses to strike new deals and grow the sector in the UK. 
 
The launch of Automechanika Birmingham in the UK reflects the vibrant state of automotive manufacturing in Britain – increasingly recognised as a centre of engineering excellence. It also gives a boost to the country’s wealth of automotive suppliers seeking to attract new business from overseas, as well as exploiting the opportunities emerging from the expanding domestic production base. With vehicle production in the UK set to reach all-time record levels in the next few years, the British supply chain is responding to the opportunity to expand. Recent figures show domestic suppliers increased sales to UK vehicle makers by 19% last year. Significant potential still remains, however, with the scope for supplier growth valued at some £4 billion.*
 
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The launch of Automechanika Birmingham is a tremendous vote of confidence in the British automotive industry, and a reflection of its global competitiveness. Automechanika Birmingham will help British companies promote their credentials and enable them to seize the significant opportunities arising from the renaissance in UK vehicle manufacturing. SMMT looks forward to hosting a high-profile event that will help support jobs and growth in the sector, and broaden the UK’s international appeal.”
 
Detlef Braun, Messe Frankfurt’s Member of the Executive Board, added, “This is the first event in the company’s successful history of international development to be held by Messe Frankfurt in the United Kingdom. We have conducted extensive research at our Frankfurt show, which informed us that there was a huge appetite for an event which focuses on the buoyant UK automotive sector. In SMMT we have a strong supporter to help us deliver an exceptional event.”

The scale of the British automotive supply chain is growing quickly with more than 2,000 companies employing 78,000 people and generating an annual £4.3 billion in added value. Automechanika Birmingham will bring together the broad scope of the UK automotive supply chain and aftermarket, from parts suppliers and electronic systems providers to accessory manufacturers and service and repair companies. The show, which has been licensed to Forest Exhibitions Ltd. by Messe Frankfurt Exhibitions GmbH, is expected to play host to around 250 exhibiting companies and 5,000 trade visitors in Hall 9 of the NEC.