EUROPE – A leading expert in the automotive and transport sector has claimed that far from being damaged by the economic downturn, Messe Frankfurt’s auto parts, repair and maintenance fair Automechanika is cashing in on recession economics.
Professor Charles McKay, from the German Institute of Mobility and Transport, told journalists and industry experts at this year’s 22nd biennial Automechanika that the decline in new car sales fomented by the global economic crisis has effectively played into the hands of the exhibition, primarily targeted at the used-carmarket.
“We are well off, but the market is in decline,” he said. “The past car market is driven by the fact vehicles are more reliable, and repair happens on a higher level. We need to retain the quality level on past cars to be successful; the past car market is now the most important one.”
McKay’s observations appear to be supported by attendance figures at this year's fair, which include record highs across space, exhibitor and pre-registered visitor metrics.
The professor also claimed research he conducted for the Automechanika industry study shows that while the market has consolidated for both branded and independent workshops, the number of people who now need their services – and the levels of quality they expect – is increasing.
“The middle class is dissolving and with it monthly disposable income,” said McKay, adding that fewer people are buying new and are instead maintaining their current vehicles.
“The gap is widening between rich and poor, and this means the nominal income of the poorer people in the society is going down.”
Automechanika runs at Messe Frankfurt until 16 September.
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