Automechanika Chicago Makes Its Debut

#aftermarket – Organizers report a successful turnout to Automechanika Chicago, held April 24-26 at McCormick Place West.

More than 450 exhibitors from 23 countries welcomed nearly 6,000 attendees, and showcased the newest tools, equipment and products for the automotive aftermarket industry.

“Our passion for the industry and the opportunity to bring the aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers together with the shop owners and technicians has fulfilled a dream,” remarked Dennis Smith, president Messe Frankfurt North America. “We appreciate the support of the industry in making this a reality and we look forward to an even more successful event in 2017.”

The show was the 14th Automechanika event around the globe, and the first-ever in the United States. The next show is scheduled for Spring 2017.

“As a global brand, we are happy to introduce Automechanika to the United States. We found the right focus for the show and partnered with the right organization to bring a unique platform that includes high level training to shop owners and technicians,” Michael Johannes, brand manager, Automechanika.

The three-day event was characterized by a compelling opening ceremony with remarks from Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Don Welsh, CEO/president of Choose Chicago and Chris DeMoulin, executive vice president for Automotive, UBM Advanstar. 

The trade show was focused on three main areas: Innovation, Education and Inspiration. In addition to new products and advanced technologies being presented, show floor demonstrations and training seminars allowed shop owners and technicians to meet various suppliers and vendors from around the world and to learn about the latest trends and techniques. 

Automotive celebrities at Automechanika Chicago took the energy and excitement on the show floor to the next level. Industry luminaries such as Jared Zimmerman of Velocity TV’s “Car Fix”, metal fabricator and racing driver Jessi Combs, and Eric, “the Car Guy” and the famous Ring brothers with their 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, “Recoil,” were all eager to meet and greet with attendees as they signed autographs and discussed the hottest automotive trends.