The third episode of Autopromotec Talks took place in Rome: Made in Italy as the protagonist

11/12/2024
“When every part counts: the value of Made in Italy in automotive components and aftermarket”

The third Autopromotec Talk was held on 11 December in Rome, an in-depth event that explored the strategic role of Made in Italy in the automotive components and aftermarket sector. The meeting, moderated by Giuseppe De Filippi, deputy director of Italian newscast TG5, anticipated the key themes of the 30th edition of Autopromotec, one of the most important international trade fairs dedicated to the automotive aftermarket, scheduled to take place in Bologna from 21 to 24 May 2025.

Renzo Servadei, Managing Director of Autopromotec, pointed out that the event, with its 60-year history, represents a unique platform for the entire automotive service ecosystem: from tyres to spare parts, from workshop equipment to car service. With over 1,200 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors expected, Autopromotec remains a pillar of Italian export and innovation in the industry.

The centrality of Made in Italy and internationalisation were the focus of the speech by Alessandra Pastorelli, Head of the Office of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Emphasis was placed on the importance of tools such as “Growth Diplomacy”, designed to support Italian companies through integrated initiatives and promotion campaigns in emerging markets, with a focus on Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Andrea Mattiello, representative of ICE-Italian Trade & Investment Agency, presented projects dedicated to the international promotion of Made in Italy, highlighting how the trade fair sector is a key driver for business growth, with tangible results: between 2012 and 2019, companies taking part in trade fairs recorded a 5.4% increase in turnover.

The numbers from the sector speak for themselves: as reported by Gianmarco Giorda, Director General of ANFIA, the components supply chain accounts for about 75% of a car’s value, with an Italian trade surplus in excess of 5 billion euros. However, the challenges of industrial transition require strong policies to foster competitiveness, innovation and employment.
 
 
Among the speakers who shared their successful business experiences:
  • Luciano Palmitessa, CEO of Unigom, highlighted the strategic role of the Independent Aftermarket (IAM), a resilient sector that generates more than 10 billion euros in turnover and contributes 0.5% to Italy's GDP.
  • Cinzia Motta, Sales Manager of OMCN, explained how the lift sector represents Made in Italy excellence, with cutting-edge safety features according to the European EN1493 standard.
  • Marco Costamagna, President of Federlavaggi, emphasized the progress of Italian car washes towards ESG, thanks to sustainable innovations such as water recycling systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Antonio Cirillo, Sales and Marketing Manager of Kimicar, explained how the Italian vehicle care chemicals industry stands out in terms of quality, sustainability and regulatory leadership.
  • Gianni Menghini, President of Meclube, praised the Made in Italy brand as a symbol of quality and innovation, combining tradition and new technologies to provide outstanding solutions in the lubrication sector.
  • Francesca Paoli, CEO of Dino Paoli Srl, presented the success story of this Reggio Emilia-based company, a leader in the production of impact wrenches for motorsport and a pioneer in the introduction of sustainable solutions such as electric impact wrenches.
 
A collective commitment to Made in Italy
The meeting reaffirmed how Made in Italy represents a legacy to be protected and promoted. Thanks to the contribution of government institutions and private companies, Italy continues to be a model of industrial excellence on the global scene, ready to face the challenges of technological transition and internationalisation.

Made in Italy is not just a brand name, but a synonym for quality, innovation and sustainability, as demonstrated by the successes of Italian companies in the global market. The sector continues to stand out thanks to its ability to combine tradition and cutting-edge solutions, consolidating its role as an ambassador of excellence for national industry.