The first few models could be unveiled already as early as the end of this year thanks to projects financed by innovative companies. The automotive sector though, has no intention of taking a back seat and is trying to get into this business. But for now unsuitable infrastructures, safety risks and the absence of dedicated regulations are clipping the wings of these “flying machines”.

The European Garage Equipment Association has recently decided to create a specific working group with the aim of defining a product standard for the suspension tests equipment, trying to identify a viable and cost-effective solution for anyone in Europe and around the world who wants to introduce this test in their periodic vehicle inspection checks.

At Autopromotec 2017, entrepreneurs and industry experts debated, during the International Aftermarket Meeting, over which strategies must be adopted to revamp the after-sales service segment. Hyper-technological and hyper-connected vehicles require increasingly qualified specialists and cutting-edge tools to cater to new customer needs.

The aftermarket industry is evolving and to keep pace with the changes taking place in the automotive world, component makers, spare parts dealers and distributors are all focusing on technological innovation. Yet, teamwork is essential if the fourth industrial revolution is to be governed successfully. According to Mauro Severi, President of AICA “Innovation is a mutual effort. This is why we are in the running to become, with Germany, the only true 4.0 factory in Europe”
 

Autopromotec recently became the stage for lively debates on telematics, vehicle control and data flow during the conference: "Vehicle information: access denied ?!". Industry associations focused on the importance of ensuring direct access to vehicle diagnostic data and the risks facing the entire industry.
 

As complex as the of role the event’s organizers may be, it still represents  only a part of the job: therefore, the consistent growth of the event must be attributed to the exhibitors, the visitors, specialists, public institutions, trade associations, the media and trade delegations, in short, the supply chain in the widest possible sense of the word.

113,616 professional operators were in attendance throughout the five days of the event, 9,627 more compared to the previous edition, which translates into a 9,26% increase. Of these, 90,061 were local Italian professionals while 23,555 were overseas operators, which means an 8,06% increase for local operators and a 14,09% increase for international visitors

Besides providing moments of insight into the most important aspects of the aftermarket with participation of authoritative figures from the industry, AutopromotecEDU seeks to support the fair in its goal of providing global operators with networking and business opportunities.
 

The development of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, coupled to a growing desire for a new shared and eco-friendly mobility are the trends currently leading the automotive industry towards a “new spring”.  A revolution that involves traditional Oem and Iam manufacturers, innovative start-ups and hi-tech multinational corporations. All competing to get a piece of the pie.
 

The specialization, the quality of the offer, the international vocation support the growth of the event, but also the great technological ferment that goes through our industry. Providing the best and most accurate picture of this trend, allowing visitors from all over the world to see firsthand all these changes, is certainly one of the goals of this year’s edition of the show.

Visitors have been invited to sign up online so as not to miss the opportunity to see firsthand the workshop of the future, thanks to a virtual display set up in Hall 30.

As the global economic influence of the EU declines, there are concerns over which path to take in the near future given a choice between moderate interventions and cries for a stronger cooperation.