Trade Show to Tout U.K. Auto Suppliers, Aftermarket

The U.K. lands a major automotive supply and aftermarket trade show, with organizers saying the decision reflects the vibrant state of the industry and its increasing recognition as a center of engineering excellence in the region.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says it will partner with trade-show organizer Messe Frankfurt in hosting Automechanika Birmingham at the National Exhibition Center from June 7-9, 2016.

Automechanika Birmingham will showcase all elements of the U.K. automotive supply chain and aftermarket, from parts suppliers and electronics-systems providers to accessory manufacturers and service and repair companies, to national and international buyers.

The show in Birmingham, 115 miles (185 km) northwest of London, is expected to play host to about 250 exhibiting companies and 5,000 trade visitors.

 “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,” the SMMT says in a statement.

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says the launch of Automechanika Birmingham is a tremendous vote of confidence in the U.K. automotive industry and reflects 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 U.K. vehicle manufacturing,” he says.

The U.K. automotive supply chain is growing quickly with more than 2,000 companies employing 78,000 people and generating £4.3 billion ($6.6 billion) a year in added value.