The in-depth industry report has been commissioned following extensive market research that highlighted demand for accessible information in one central digital platform for the aftermarket. It coincides with Automechanika’s launch of auto:resource, a new online resources platform to inform, train and connect the UK automotive aftermarket.
‘State of the Aftermarket’ explores how last year’s events have impacted the UK aftermarket, the ongoing challenges the industry faces, and importantly, where the opportunities are for businesses to succeed in what remains a crucially important sector for the UK economy.
Topics include: Coronavirus and lockdown; a number of interviews with key aftermarket professionals; emerging technology entering the sector; Brexit and the EU; industry skills including apprenticeships and training; and, customer expectations and service value.
Simon Albert, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, said: “2020 presented the beginning of the unprecedented challenge of the Coronavirus, meaning many aftermarket businesses across the industry are now facing another economic crisis to add to past political and technological challenges.
“We have listened to the 12,000 automotive professionals who made it clear that there is a need to better inform and connect the industry, which we have addressed with the launch of auto:resource and the commission of this informative industry report. The report provides a comprehensive insight into key areas that businesses need to be aware of if they are to grow and drive forward in 2021.”
auto:resource offers the latest market trends and insights, while providing aftermarket practitioners access to training and education; detailed product and service information; plus exclusive offers and incentives from industry brands.
The launch of auto:resource will also see the introduction of regular technical briefings, reports, webinars and email bulletins to keep the industry up to date.
auto:resource is already proving popular with over 60 established aftermarket brands signing up and showing their commitment for the launch, including BM Catalysts, Comline Autoparts, Delphi Technologies, Denso, Ecobat, Hella, Launch Tech UK, NGK, Sealey, Valeo, WD-40 and ZF Aftermarket, to name a few.
This new, innovative platform is completely free to use and designed specifically for the UK aftermarket, including garage owners, technicians, bodyshops, mobile repairers, franchised dealerships, breakdown, motor factors, distributors and retailers.
The ‘State of the Aftermarket’ industry report can be downloaded now here.
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The Messe Frankfurt Group employs around 2,500* people in a total of 30 subsidiaries. The company generated annual sales of approximately €250* million in 2020 after having recorded sales of €738 million the previous year. Even in difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are globally networked with our industry sectors. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are expanding our digital expertise with new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
* preliminary figures 2020