“Product innovation is synonymous with the Automechanika brand and as such, a group of highly qualified and respected automotive experts representing recognised organisations and representative bodies within the industry has been assembled to score products based on a predetermined list of criteria. These include design, quality, efficiency, functionality, practicality, value for money, environmental friendliness and – of course – innovation,” says Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organisers of Automechanika Johannesburg.

The cut-off date to enter is midday on Friday, May 6^th, 2022.

Organisations represented on the panel of judges include the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), the Automobile Association (AASA), the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the Automotive Industry Export Council (AIEC), the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) and Absa, which is also a sponsor of the event.

“Absa sees its involvement with Automechanika Johannesburg and the Innovation Awards as a catalyst for collaboration and partnership with the automotive and related industries. Investing in innovations will propel the aftermarket industry into the next stage of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution. As such, it is my mandate to assist businesses in reaching that next level and to stay relevant and competitive through innovation,” explains jury member Thami Letsoalo, Business Development Manager: Automotive Sector at Absa.

The jury members will draw on their expertise in fields such as macro-economics, import and export, aftermarket retail, business and skills development, transformation, sustainability, automotive technology, marketing and more to identify the most innovative and pioneering automotive products that are manufactured, supplied or distributed in South Africa. Through this process, products that bring fresh perspectives to the OE or aftermarket segments in which they compete – and which hold the promise of performing beyond expectation – will be identified.

In keeping with the latest automotive trends, the categories of the 2022 competition are:

1. Parts
2. Accessories & Customising
3. Driver Assistance & Safety
4. E-mobility
5. Data & Connectivity
6. Diagnostics & Tuning
7. Repair & Maintenance
8. Original Equipment Products & Services
9. IT & Management
10. Service Station & Car Wash equipment
11. · Beth Dealtry – Analyst – NAACAM
12. Jeanne Esterhuizen – President – RMI
13. Norman Lamprecht – Executive: Trade, Exports and Research – NAAMSA
14. Lesibana Ledwaba – General Secretary – MIBCO
15. Thami Letsoalo – Business Development Manager: Automotive Sector – Absa
16. André Pistorius – Business Development Manager: Training – AASA
17. Jan Schoeman – COO – RMI

Panel of Judges

• Beth Dealtry – Analyst – NAACAM
• Jeanne Esterhuizen – President – RMI
• Norman Lamprecht – Executive: Trade, Exports and Research – NAAMSA
• Lesibana Ledwaba – General Secretary – MIBCO
• Thami Letsoalo – Business Development Manager: Automotive Sector – Absa
• André Pistorius – Business Development Manager: Training – AASA
• Jan Schoeman – COO – RMI