AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT SHOWCASES THE FUTURE OF THE AFTERMARKET
From September 10 through 14, thousands of automotive aftermarket professionals were in Frankfurt, Germany, for the iconic Automechanika Frankfurt trade show.
This year’s event highlighted significant trends in electric mobility, sustainability, and digitalization. Exhibitors presented a vast array of products, including advancements in electric vehicles; ADAS and other ultra-modern vehicle tech; smart repair technologies and more. Sustainability was a key theme throughout the event, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly practices and products. This focus reflected the automotive industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and adapt to changing consumer demands.
Sustainable innovations underscored the industry’s commitment to a more sustainable and efficient future. Notably, several companies unveiled products designed to not only work with high voltage vehicle technologies, but also embrace the very essence of sustainability through the methods they are made and used.
The atmosphere at Automechanika was electric. The event served as a vital hub for sharing ideas and driving innovation within the automotive community. Collision Repair magazine was on-site to capture all the exciting new product launches and demonstrations of industry-leading technology—plus catch up with all of our friends on the other side of the ocean.
SATA UNVEILS NEW PRODUCT LINE, FEATURING JET X PREMIUM SPRAY GUN
SATA launched a series of products at Automechanika, including the jet X premium spray gun. The spray gun boasts a new look: what stands out is the simple, elegant exterior in matte black with red accents. According to SATA, the most important innovations are of a technical nature.
An innovative nozzle technology is intended to set new standards in atomization. The labyrinth system invented by SATA guides the air in the nozzle so that it exits free of turbulence and pulsation. This ensures that the material is atomized extremely finely and homogeneously. The spray pattern is said to be particularly easy to control with optimized material distribution and clearly defined fade-out zones.
The jet X also has several other clever features, such as a trigger that can be removed in no time at all and without tools, with an integrated wrench for the fluid tip. The jet X is ergonomic and lighter weight than ever before. And with fewer components, the maintenance is said to be quick and easy.
SATA also launched LCS—the Liner Cup System at the event, which fits all SATA spray guns with a QCC cup connection–and without an adapter. This improves the weight and centre of gravity of the gun and makes cleaning easier, said the company.
TELWIN UNVEILED ITS RANGE OF SMART REPAIR PRODUCTS AT AUTOMECHANIKA
Telwin launched its lineup of Smart Repair products at Automechanika designed to improve collision centre productivity, efficiency and speed while cutting costs and consumption.
The Telwin Smart Repair Battery Puller for the repair steel sheets features an interchangeable lithium-ion battery and smart battery status reporting. It has a cordless design and is able to quickly spot weld pins and washers for optimized productivity, says Telwin. This tool also offers digital control with synergic variation in welding parameters based on the type of work,and a 20mm sheet metal cleaning area. The T-RACTION 250 smart straightening system for steel and aluminum uses compressed air to develop a vacuum effect that ensures optimal adhesion to the bodyshop floor, without any need for additional support or fixing points. The system has a manual hoist that develops a traction force of 250 kg, and it’s ideal for straightening thin sheets through slotted washers or glue systems.
Telwin’s new Smart Repair trolley complete workstation was also unveiled at Automechanika. This complete workstation offers six drawers and four swivel wheels, plus a complete set of more than 150 tools for repairs with both glue and spotter. Learn more about the tools at telwin.com, or reach out to the exclusive Canadian distributor of Telwin equipment, Crescent Industries, at rescentindustries.ca.
LINQ IT UP!
PPG CLAIMS PRESTIGIOUS INNOVATION AWARD AT AUTOMECHANIKA FRANKFURT
PPG won an Innovation Award at Automechanika Frankfurt for its Linq digital ecosystem. Judges selected the product for its ability to “enhance bodyshop efficiency and sustainability by digitizing and automating repair tasks.”
The PPQ LINQ digital ecosystem includes the PPG LINQ COLOR software; the PPG MAGICBOX bodyshop assistant; the PPG VISUALIZID software; the PPG DIGIMATCH Spectrophotometer and the award-winning PPG MOONWALK automated paint mixing system.
PPG says the entire LINQ portfolio features automated routine tasks and prioritizes optimized resource use. The company also insists it provides scalable solutions that can be customized to suit business size in addition to precise application and monitoring systems that reduce risk of errors and rework. Finally, the LINQ system is said to reduce material waste, energy consumption and process times, helping businesses reach their sustainability goals.
Jason Moseley, CEO of the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) and presenting juror at the Automechanika Innovation Awards ceremony explained why he and other judges selected the product as an award winner.
“The PPG LINQ digital ecosystem is really a complete digital solution in a market where optimizing the use of materials and efficiency are so important. That’s why we have chosen this new system as the winner.”
FROM SCRAP TIRE TO CLEAR COAT
BASF BRINGS BURNT RUBBER A NEW MEANING WITH CHEMCYCLING TECHNOLOGY
BASF Coatings unveiled a first-of-its-kind technology at the recent Automechanika Frankfurt trade show with its launch of next-generation clearcoats manufactured from recycled tires.
The new product lines, which are projected to be available in Canada in early 2025, employ the company’s ChemCycling technology. They are marketed under BASF’s premium brands, Glasurit and R-M. By leveraging BASF’s ChemCycling technology, recycled feedstock derived from waste tires is used to create certified Ccycled® products, diverting them from landfills or incineration. The recycled feedstock is attributed to the certified Ccycled clear coats through a mass balance approach: BASF Coatings’ Glasurit AraClass A-C-24 Eco Balance and R-M Race Finish-R eSense clearcoats are the first automotive refinish products that use this technology, according to Jane Niemi, head of global marketing for BASF Automotive Refinish who was on-site.
BASF claims these new clearcoats’ drying speeds allow for fast processing—the company says the coating dries in 20 minutes at 40 degrees Celsius.
“By reducing drying time, energy consumption is significantly lowered, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This feature is particularly advantageous for electric vehicles as it minimizes their exposure to excessive heat,” according to the product announcement.
“At BASF Coatings, we’re always pushing what’s possible, empowering bodyshops to lead the change with sustainable technologies that are unique to the market,” said Chris Titmarsh, senior vice president of global automotive refinish coatings for BASF. “With our exclusive ChemCycling, our vision is to support a circular economy by reducing the use of fossil raw materials, minimizing waste and cutting CO2 emissions in the value chain.”
ALL IN THE CLOUD
AXALTA LAUNCHES AXALTA NIMBUS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE PLATFORM
Axalta announced its latest innovation at Automechanika Frankfurt—and it has a Canadian twist. The Axalta Nimbus global customer experience platform was unveiled on the first day of Automechanika Frankfurt in September. This new technology seamlessly connects customers to Axalta’s portfolio of tools and resources to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, boost performance and maximize profitability. Logan Macpherson, Axalta’s Ajax, Ontario-based director of customer experience and digital applications for global refinish led a global team to develop the system and bring it to fruition.
Set to go live in North America in early 2025, Axalta Nimbus is designed to provide a cohesive end-to-end experience for Axalta customers across the globe. The company operates in 120 countries with more than 80,000 customers globally.
“By working together in a single platform, comprehensive business insights provide actionable data that help owners and managers make informed decisions to increase profitability and performance,” said Patricia Morschel, vice president of marketing and commercial operations for Axalta global refinish, who demonstrated the new technology on the Automechanika show floor. “Axalta Nimbus is easy to use with an intuitive user interface for increased efficiency and customizable capabilities based on business needs.”
With Axalta Nimbus, customers can access Axalta Nimbus Color, Catalog, Stock, Store, Insights, Academy, and Support. Axalta Nimbus Color leverages proprietary algorithms to find, sort, and return accurate colour formulas and powers the Axalta Irus fully automated, digital colour management process.
Managers can review real-time consumption data and inventory management with Axalta Nimbus Stock and replenish inventory directly through the Axalta Nimbus Store. Axalta Nimbus Insights help refinish customers improve business performance using customizable dashboards and key performance indicators to drive informed business decisions. To learn more about Axalta Nimbus, visit www.refinish.axalta.eu/nimbus.
