With 670 exhibitors from 18 countries receiving a total of 5 631 trade visitors from 38 countries over three days, Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 Shows reaffirmed their positions as the largest shows of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
The events have proven once again that nothing beats face-to-face business engagement between suppliers and their existing and potential clients on a professionally organised business platform.
Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad 2023 were major enablers in the revival of existing and the development of new business relationships across the spectrum of the relevant industry sectors, launching new products and services with a focus on innovation in the industry.
Several successful national conferences, hosted by trade associations of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) such as TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association, in collaboration with Right to Repair), Women in the Industry, SA Bus Operators’ Association (SABOA), Fuel Retailers’ Association (FRA) and Collision Repairers’ Association (CRA) were held during the events.
In keeping with the Automechanika culture of a ceaseless affinity for innovation in the industry, there was an expected strong focus on innovation at the Shows. Eight deserving finalists were considered for the Automechanika Johannesburg 2023 Innovation Award.
The crown went to Strategic Fulfilment Branch Mapping, developed by Motus Aftermarket Parts in partnership with Swedish-based Syncron, an innovation that will undoubtedly add immense value in the motor industry.
Looking to the future, Messe Frankfurt South Africa has confirmed that the show dates for the 2024 editions of Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo will take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, Nasrec.
Whereas Futuroad is all about trucking and logistics, the product categories at Automechanika Johannesburg 2024 will reflect the incredibly wide sector spread in the automotive aftermarket, including automotive parts & components, electronics & systems, accessories & customising, tyres & batteries, car wash & care, oils & lubricants, diagnostics & repair and body & paint.
Add to this the search for true innovation through the prestigious 2024 edition of the Automechanika Innovation Awards Competition, which further enhances the winning industry formula that is Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
