Hella Gutmann presented its new MT-HV module combined with the mega macs X multi-brand diagnostic tool for high voltage measurements on hybrid and electric vehicles at Autopromotec. The MT-HV module communicates with mega macs X via Bluetooth and is powered by a rechargeable battery, thus eliminating wiring that could be a hindrance during high voltage tests.
Service equipment manufacturers ecube and Fasep formed a team at Autopromotec to display both mobile and garage-based equipment. The ecube mobile tyre service unit is an all-in-one 48V solution that can be fitted in the back of any van or trailer. It is designed to be compact, lightweight, user friendly with no engines running while servicing anywhere and anytime customers.
Kumho presented its latest tyres and award-winning technologies at Autopromotec 2022. It also used the opportunity to underline its new approach to the Italian market, similar to its UK strategy, as Carlo Citarella, managing director of Kumho Tire Italia, explained. He said that Autopromotec gave the company “a great opportunity for the whole Kumho Tire Italia Team to speak directly with our customers, following the new direct approach to the market. Only by talking directly with the customer can we better understand the retailer’s needs and offer a service that lives up to their expectations.“ The manufacturer’s tyre range has been calibrated to meet these expectations. The latest tyres on stand included the Ecsta PS71, Ecsta HS52 and Ecsta PS71 EV summer tyres, the new Wintercraft WP52 and the all-season Solus HA32.
Falken exhibited at Autopromotec 2022 from a major 194 square metre stand in Hall 20. The Sumitomo Rubber Industries brand showed several highlights from its wide range of products for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks and truck tyres. Highlights include the new winter tyres from Falken: the Eurowinter HS02 and the Eurowinter HS02 Pro, both of which have the Advanced 4D Nano Design technology and convince with their conservation of resources and innovative technological attributes.
Triangle Tyre presented its recently developed Diamondback PCR range and Triangle-branded commercial tyres with their Italian distributor Sunebo SRL at Autopromotec 2022. Sunebo has been Triangle’s partner in the Italian market for many years, distributing its TBR and OTR tyres. At the Hall 20 booth, Triangle’s new TRD09 truck tyre pattern in the size 295/80R22.5 was most prominently displayed. The range is soon to be extended with new 315/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5 sizes. The new regional haul tyre features extended mileage and even wear thanks to its optimised tread design and enhanced casing durability.
The biennial exhibition of automotive equipment and aftermarket products Autopromotec returned for its 29th edition between 25 and 28 May in Bologna following its Covid-induced postponement in what would have been its regular position in 2021. While the challenges to the European automotive industry continued to be evident – the show was reduced in length by one day to four days for this event, and the absence of Italy’s own Nexion Group are evidence of difference to pre-pandemic events – there was a notable buzz around the halls. Conversing primarily with tyre industry colleagues situated in Hall 20, the general feeling from exhibitors and visitors conveyed to Tyres & Accessories was that it is positive to be back at such events after a prolonged absence, though challenges remain, whether related to the emergence from the pandemic or tied to more recent developments, such as war in Ukraine.
Point S, the independent tyre dealer and car maintenance network, will be exhibiting at Autopromotec at Bologna Fiere on 25-28 May. Throughout the four day trade show, Point S will be celebrating the history of the tyre trade by way of an exhibition that promises to tell the story of the profession over the past 100 years.
Leading Italian garage equipment maker, Nexion Group, will not participate in Autopromotec 2022 because “the conditions are not yet in place to ensure a presence capable of best representing the prestige of its brands, while guaranteeing the safety of its customers and employees”.
When Koelnmesse confirmed the re-rescheduled dates for The Tire Cologne as 24-26 May 2022, it invited a retread of a 2020 spat with the organisers of Bologna based auto-repair and aftermarket show Autopromotec, whose 2022 edition is scheduled for 25-28 May. Then, Koelnmesse reacted to the enforced cancellation of the scheduled 2020 edition of The Tire Cologne by setting 18-21 May as the new dates for the show. The proximity of these dates to Autopromotec 2021, which was scheduled for 26-29 May, drew a strongly worded response from Renzo Servadei, chief executive officer of Autopromotec. He compared Koelnmesse’s decision to Darwinism: “This is not the time to play “survival of the fittest”. Even in the exhibition sector, the levers of competition can never prove fatal as today, while strategies of solidarity and collaboration should be triggered.”
Autopromotec has postponed its 29th edition, originally planned for 26 – 29 May 2021 for a year. The event will now run Bologna from 25 – 28 May 2022. According to the show’s organisers Promotec SpA, the protection of exhibition was the primary reason for the decision. However, The Tire Cologne’s decision to postpone its 2020 show to dates that clash with the previously planned 2021 running of Autopromotec is likely to have featured in the decision.
Following the news that The Tire Cologne will be postponed to 2021, Renzo Servadei, chief executive officer of Autopromotec has criticized the decision to proximity of the Cologne show’s revised dates to the pre-planned Autopromotec in Bologna.
The biennial Autopromotec trade fair will next take place in May 2021, and will be held over just four days instead of the traditional five. The dropping of a show day is one of several changes in format the organiser has announced.
Autopromtec’s organisers recently flew to Lisbon to receive the award for the best fair international 2019 ahead of the International Motor Show in Geneva, Motortec Automechanika Madrid and the IAA in Frankfurt. The award was given by the Portuguese Automotive Magazine based on a survey conducted by interviewing exhibitors who participated in various European fairs.
When the doors for Autopromotec 2019 opened at the end of May, the show organisers were already reporting a 4.4 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors. More than 1,650 companies exhibited at Autopromotec 2019. 43 per cent were non-Italian companies from 53 different countries. It has undoubtedly become a large and influential international show, but how will this work in a post-Brexit environment?
Mention Brembo and the Italian manufacturer’s brightly coloured brake callipers immediately spring to mind. At the same time, the brand carries with it messages of premium quality, OE fitments on the best-known cars and top-flight motorsport credentials. During Autopromotec Tyres & Accessories Alfredo Albarella, Area Manager BU Aftermarket Brembo SpA and heard about how Brembo’s latest “Xtra” UHP brake range and “Expert” dealer both aim to offer customers something extra.
Hella
Fasep
Kumho
Triangle
Autopromotec
Nexion
Promotec