AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY

International Trade Fair Sets Attendance Records…

Automechanika Frankfurt, known as the leading trade venue for the automotive service industry, marked its 25th anniversary with record-setting attendance. According to Messe Frankfurt—which produces 17 automotive-related trade events in 16 countries worldwide, in places as far flung as Atlanta, Georgia, Mexico City, and Shanghai, China—the recently concluded Frankfurt trade show drew 136,000 visitors from 181 countries.

The biennial event, renown for showcasing innovative concepts and cutting-edge products, played host to 5,000 exhibiting companies representing all segments of the automotive service industry.

In addition to new products, the show also featured technical lectures and training sessions, networking and evening events, as well as an Innovation Awards ceremony. A popular new fun feature, Mechanic Games, allowed contestants to test their skills and win prizes at various games, including bull riding, car racing and piston lifting.

The biennial Automechanika Frankfurt, held in September, drew a record-setting international crowd of 136,000 attendees. With 5,000 exhibiting companies and an array of educational and training sessions along with networking and evening events, the trade fair had much to offer.

Automotive customizing and accessories were prominently displayed at Automechanika Frankfurt.

International buyers had a chance to view the newest reconditioning and car wash products and systems.

FORD MONDEO HYBRID ACHIEVES MILEAGE MILESTONE

Mondeo Outperforms Competitors in 80-mile Competition…

Driven by rally driver-turned hypermiler Andy Dawson and co-driver John Chillman, the Mondeo hybrid averaged almost 55 miles-per-gallon more than the second-placed hybrid at the 2018 Layer Marney Cup run in Essex, England.

Powered by 140PS 2.0 liter four-cylinder gas engine, the powertrain is assisted by the equivalent of 47PS from the hybrid’s lithium ion battery. The hybrid is charged on the move by recouping lost energy while braking, rather than needing to be plugged in. “It has been my aim to achieve more than 100mpg in a petrol car for some time,” said winning driver Dawson, “and 123mpg achieved that by quite some margin, thanks to man and machine. In this case, my machine’s ‘brake coach’ encouraged gradual braking to maximize the energy I saved.”

This mighty Mondeo hybrid outpaced its competitors at 2018 Layer Marney Cup Run in Essex, England, averaging almost 55mpg more than the second-placed hybrid.

RENAULT AND DACIA SUPPORT DRIVE MY CAREER INITIATIVE

Joint Venture with Dealer Association Encourages Automotive Careers…

Renault and Dacia dealers have teamed up with the National Franchised Dealer Association’s Drive My Career initiative, a web-based tool that aims to encourage young people to pursue a career in the automotive retail and to improve the perception of automotive retail as a career path.

A variety of automotive retailers are represented on the drivemycareer.co.uk website, which was set up by the dealer association in February. Groupe Renault, through its Renault and Dacia brands, is the first automaker to join, enabling Groupe Renault dealers to be represented on the website’s interactive job board.

Drive My Career helps younger people search for job opportunities and training programs that are based near them simply by entering their postcode. The website is continuously updated by NFDA, and people can apply for jobs on the retailers’ career pages. The website also features a number of “hot jobs” available at the groups that have joined the initiative and showcases success stories.

“We’re very excited to be the first manufacturer involved in this great project,” said Mark Crockett, director of total customer experience at Groupe Renault. “We’re always looking to support our dealers in the recruitment of their staff, particularly when there is an opportunity to attract young people to our network.”

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON DISPLAY AT PARIS AUTO SHOW

Automakers Roll out Luxury EVs…

From sleek supercars to shiny SUVs, automakers pulled out all the stops at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, rolling out a number of luxury electric sport-utility vehicles and sports cars.  The show typically attracts more than one million visitors.

While Europeans—and European carmakers—still have a penchant for diesel-powered vehicles, which often get better mileage in a continent where gasoline is quite costly (compared to the U.S.)—there is increasing pressure to reduce high levels of urban air pollution and to ban older diesel vehicles. Thus the growing focus on electric vehicles.

The newest version of BMW’s 3 Series mid-size sedan, as well as this stunning Z4 concept two-seater were among the vehicles on display at the Paris Motor Show.

Retired soccer (football) player David Beckham, shown here with Vinfest Director of Design Dave Lyon and Miss Vietnam 2018 Tran Tieu Vy, at the launch of Vinfest, a luxury carmaker from Vietnam.