“By taking this step, we relieve not only the pressure on the fair and exhibition calendar for September 2012 but also comply with a request of the automobile industry”, explains Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt. “Thus, our customers will be able to take part in Automechanika Frankfurt and use the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover to make presentations and expand their business relationships.”
An overlap between two such important events for the same sector would be of significant harm to both the industry and the German fair and exhibition business. “Therefore, we considered it our duty as organisers of the Automechanika to take the necessary steps. Hence, we conducted open and constructive discussions with the VDA, and sought and found a good solution for both sides”, adds Braun. VDA President Matthias Wissmann emphasises, “This means that visitors interested in the Automechanika and the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show will be able to attend both events. Our member companies welcome this solution, too.”
Klaus Burger, President of the Federal Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment (Bundesverband der Hersteller und Importeure von Automobil-Service Ausrüstungen ASA e.V.) and General Manager of Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG, explains, “As ASA President, I am very pleased about this decision. The change of dates is very much in the interests of workshop-equipment suppliers who will now be able to exhibit at both events without difficulty.”
Thomas Fischer, Chairman of the Association of the Independent Parts Market (Verein Freier Ersatzteilemarkt e.V. – VREI), is also in favour of the change. “Given the situation, I consider Messe Frankfurt’s decision to be logical and correct. By making this change, it has shown that it takes the needs of the industry seriously and is a reliable partner.”Dr. Axel Koblitz, General Manager of the Federation of the German Motor Vehicle Trade (Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe – ZDK) says, “The decision to move the Automechanika dates forward is a good and unbureaucratic step, which I wholeheartedly support. I think that Messe Frankfurt has acted in the interests of the sector as a whole.”
To avoid overlaps in the future, Messe Frankfurt and the VDA have agreed to coordinate future events closely at an early stage.
Further information about Automechanika Frankfurt can be found on the at www.automechanika.com.
