Automechanika Illuminates Latest Autobody Trends

A series of live events will highlight the latest in body repair and refinishing technology and techniques at Automechanika in Frankfurt this September.
Automechanika, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket trade show being held September 12 to 17, will provide an opportunity to attend several events focused on the collision sector.
The ‘Respraying, Body Repairs and Damage Management’ product segment, ‘Bodyrepair & ColorTec’ and ‘Workshop live’ shows as well as the 2nd Body and Paint Technology Forum are major attractions that should not be missed.
The spectrum of products in Hall 9.2, where these events will take place, includes equipment for painting and body-repair shops, spray plants, paint-spraying methods, protective clothing, etc.
All major manufactures have signed up for the fair, e.g., E.M.M. Deutschland GmbH, Festool, SATA GmbH & Co.KG, Vosschemie, 4CR Deutschland GmbH, Herkules Hebetechnik GmbH, sia Abrasives Deutschland GmbH, MIPA AG and Regensburger Lacke GmbH. The exhibitors from the damage management and services sector offering an overview of the latest developments will include UCS – Universal Consulting Software, Mirka, ADP and Eurotax Schwacke.
Taking part for the first time this year is the Central Association of Bodywork and Motor Vehicle Engineers (Zentralverband Karosserie- und Fahrzeugtechnik – ZKF).
Exhibitors at the ZKF joint stand in Hall 9.2 will be showing innovative products for accident repairs. Akzo Nobel, for example, plans to present a new process with which paint effects, such as walnut or other structures, can be achieved using water transfer printing. Additionally, the ZKF will be offering comprehensive information about training to become a body and vehicle-making mechanic.
At the Body Repair & ColorTec 2006 special area, advanced paint-spraying students will have the chance to show what they can do. For example, exhibitors of the Arnsberg Handicrafts Chamber will offer a glimpse beneath the layers of paint and, using a car body shell, demonstrate the individual stages of a spray-painting job with the emphasis on modern technology and new materials.
The message of the ‘Blue in Blue’ project study by the Academy for Colour and Design, Stuttgart, is more aesthetically oriented while the Motor Vehicle Academy Schweinfurt and the Master School for Body Making, will provide practical demonstrations of how to restore classic automobiles. Old handicrafts techniques will also be shown on partially-restored vehicles. Also showing examples of their work will be vocational and advanced students from the Master School for Craftsmen in Kaiserslautern.
Discussions at the 2nd Body and Paint Technology Forum of the German Association for Motor Trades and Repairs (Zentralverband des deutschen Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe – ZDK) and the ZKF will revolve around innovative developments and new materials in the automobile industry.
Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on 16 September 2006, experts will give answers to the question, ‘Body repairs – what does the future hold in store?’ The lecture topics include ‘New materials in automobile production’, ‘Working on vehicles with alternative forms of propulsion’ and ‘The impact of the phrase, repair in accordance with manufacturer specifications’. The 2nd Technology Forum will be chaired by Friedrich Nagel, President of the ZKF, and Wilhelm Hlsdonk, Vice President of the ZDK.
Participants are asked to register with TAK Akademie des Deutschen Kraftfahrzeuggewerbes GmbH by calling + 49 228 9127 141 or sending an e-mail to eul@tak.de.
Automechanika is the biggest trade fair for the automotive aftersales market. Messe Frankfurt anticipates another increase in exhibitor numbers to a total of over 4,500 on some 300,000 square metres of exhibition space (gross). More than 160,000 trade visitors are expected.
For more information on exhibiting or registering to attend the event, contact Neeta Correa, the Messe Frankfurt representative in Canada, at the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 480 University Ave., Suite 1410, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2, Tel: (416) 640 7079, or e-mail neeta.correa@canada.messefrankfurt.com.