Shanghai. With sustainability at its core, the theme of Automechanika Shanghai 2024 – Innovate, Transform: Driving Towards a Sustainable Future – will focus exhibitions, conferences and on-site activities on promoting a greener automotive industry.
In this sense, the trade fair is presented as a beacon of innovation, serving as a platform for the exchange of information, marketing, trade and education to offer a compelling insight into the industry's trajectory. This theme also guides internal processes as a comprehensive platform with sustainable awareness within China's MICE industry.
That is why Messe Frankfurt and Sinomachint have taken significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint, implementing environmental measures to improve sustainability.
The 20th anniversary edition of Automechanika Shanghai will be held from December 2 to 5, 2024 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
By increasing the use of recyclable materials and replacing conventional building materials with reusable alternatives such as aluminium profiles and stretched fabric prints, the exhibition is taking a greener approach to hosting large-scale industrial events. Notably, all slats on standard stands meet E0 environmental ratings to ensure their recyclability and adhere to fire safety regulations.
In addition, the 6,500 exhibitors in the 350,000 m² venue are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable materials, modular constructions, energy-saving lighting and waste separation to minimize environmental impact. The transition to a paperless system has also been prioritized recently, digitizing processes such as mapping, layout design, and production.
The focus on ecological protection extends beyond operational aspects to promotional and advertising efforts. For example, the fair has significantly reduced the use of printed materials, replacing them with digital modes of communication. Visitors can now also access AMS Live, a convenient online platform for browsing products, searching for exhibitors, checking booth locations, scheduling meetings, and watching live conferences.
Innovation, transformation and sustainability in the market
In terms of the representation of the issue in the automotive market, technological innovations play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. China's ambitious efforts to transform the automotive ecosystem make it a key player in the global market, as significant investments in the decarbonization of the transportation sector have driven advances, particularly in passenger and commercial vehicles.
Exhibitors are taking this direction, with about a third offering new products related to energy and connectivity. Thus, the introduction of the New Energy and Connectivity sector aligns with this evolving landscape, emphasizing sustainable mobility solutions and the increased adoption of new energy vehicles. This sector aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations that drive sustainability in the industry.
Occupying more than 26,000 m² of Hall 5.1 with more than 450 exhibitors, the exhibits will present advancements in key electrical components and systems, charging and energy storage, intelligent driving and chassis, as well as fuel cells, electrical systems, battery technology, autonomous driving and digital management solutions. This scope reflects significant growth compared to previous editions.
It includes JMC's intelligent driving systems, SHedrive's electric propulsion system for new energy vehicles, Black Sesame's high-performance autonomous driving chips, Hesai Technology's LiDAR system, and more.
The area will include, among others, Guangzhou Wanzhenda Power Technology's refurbished engine, which uses 70% fewer resources than new alternatives. The area will also host seminars on policy and sustainable development. Prominent participants include Stellantis, which will present a reconditioned power battery for electric vehicles, along with GEEVO, Sankaku and Yuchen, all set to present their latest offerings.
Exhibition areas and side events pave the way for sustainable development
The return of the Innovation4Mobility Exhibition Areas will serve as hubs of innovation and transformation in mobility technology, with dedicated spaces for product showcase, networking and information exchange. From this perspective, more than 30 seminars on the main stage of Innovation4Mobility will cover topics ranging from automotive AI to sustainable development, helping professionals engage with the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the future of mobility.
This year, the fair will host more than 70 side events involving various sustainable development topics, such as the 2024 International Automotive Industry Conference, presented by Automechanika Shanghai, which will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for industry leaders. With a focus on internationalization, digitalization and sustainability, topics include electrification, smart technologies and digital strategies in the supply chain. The event will also feature a panel discussion on green transformation, capital management, and practical ESG initiatives in the automotive industry. Bosch, CALB, Dongfeng Motors and Geely are among the top companies with representatives speaking at the conference.
In addition, cultivating talent is key to the long-term development of the automotive industry, a perspective that will be emphasized during the 2024 International Automotive Industry Talent Development Conference. The conference will focus on cultivating high-tech capabilities and aims to integrate resources from various sectors to provide a comprehensive view of how to develop skills, both domestically and internationally.
With environmental protection at the center of Automechanika Shanghai, the fair will launch a step counting campaign called "Walk for Nature," a special event celebrating the exhibition's 20th anniversary. Participants are encouraged to count their steps during the four days of the fair, as the total will be matched with a monetary donation to support tree planting in the community. It's a tangible reminder that every small effort contributes to a greater environmental impact.
