For almost a year and a half now, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the entire automotive industry into disarray. We’ve already heard plenty about supply chain disruptions that have delayed the release of new models and the shipment of auto parts. Needless to say, we hear less about how auto part shows have also been affected by constant rescheduling.
Thankfully, the organisers of auto trade shows have not yet given up hope and are still trying their best to carry out their events. For example, 2021 and 2022 will (hopefully) see local events like the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo happen. Plus, global events in places like Japan and China are also still on schedule.
Whether or not these events will go on as planned is still yet to be seen. With fingers crossed, we’re listing here some of the top auto parts & accessories trade shows and expos that you can keep your eye on for the rest of 2021 and 2022.
Auto Parts Expos Happening in Australia
First, let's start by looking at the auto parts expos that are happening on our own shores. As you'll see, there are events still set for this year, as well as several big events planned for next year.
National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo
Event Link: https://4x4show.com.au/
When & Where:
- This Year: 20-22 August 2021 in Melbourne
- Next Year: 18-20 March 2022 in Brisbane (the 2021 event for Brisbane has passed)
For all you 4x4 and outdoorsy types, you’ll be glad to know that the National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo is still happening (at the time of writing this article).
This is the event to look out for if you're into 4WD and offroad vehicles, as well as camping and boating.
Among many other attractions at the expo is the 4x4 aftermarket section. The organisers are planning to make this a one-stop shop for all sorts of 4WD and offroad auto accessories, so you can be sure to find what you need there.
Best of all, you can expect exhibitors to be showing off the latest products, most of which are not yet available anywhere else.
This event happens in two locations each year: Brisbane and Melbourne. Right now, the Brisbane event has already passed, but you can still catch the Melbourne event in August. Next year’s Brisbane event is already set for mid-March in 2022.
Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (2022)
Event Link: https://autoaftermarketexpo.com.au/
When & Where: 7-9 April 2022 in Melbourne
Next up, we also have the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (2022). As the name suggests, you can expect to see an entire expo hall full of the latest and best aftermarket auto parts and accessories in one place.
You’ll be able to see the feature car displays, showcases of brand new products to hit the Aussie market, as well as free seminars to know about the latest goings-on in the auto world.
If you're in the industry, you can also expect networking events and award shows to be a part of the final itinerary.
Collision Repair Expo (2022)
Event Link: https://www.collisionrepair.com.au/
When & Where: 7-9 April 2022 in Melbourne
Happening at the same time and place as the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (2022) mentioned previously is the Collision Repair Expo (2022). You can probably expect similar attractions at both events, though this one will be tailored more towards a collision repair expo instead (as the name suggests).
But what does that mean, exactly? Well, to give you a sense of how it’s different, the 2019 event had interactive demonstrations of the latest methods for repainting cars that have just received accident repairs.
International Automotive Trade Shows & Expos
Even on the global stage, international automotive trade shows and expos are experiencing the same fate as those in Australia. Some have been rescheduled, while others have been cancelled entirely.
Long-distance travel doesn’t seem very likely these days, though you might have a better shot at travelling to international expos that are closer to home. So, here are two somewhat nearby international events you’ll want to keep an eye on, namely in China and Japan.
Shanghai International Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Fair 2021
Event Link: The official link is here, but it still gets frequent updating, so here’s a third-party event link instead.
When: 25-27 August 2021
If you're looking for international auto parts and accessories shows to attend, you could consider this one happening in Shanghai, China. That's especially true if you're more inclined towards electric vehicle auto parts than those for other types of vehicles.
There's not much detail yet about what's going to be there. Even the official website is still under maintenance. Hopefully, more information will be coming out closer to the event date.
We can assume so far that it's going to be an international event that shows off the latest EV parts and accessories to come on the market this year.
14th Automotive World 2022 in Japan
Event Link: https://www.automotiveworld.jp/en-gb.html
When: 19-21 January (2022)
Early next year in Tokyo, you can also expect the 14th Automotive World 2022 expo in Japan. The organisers have dubbed this one as an “Advanced Automotive Technology Show”. Plus, it’s happening in Japan of all places, so you know you’re going to be experiencing some of the most cutting-edge auto parts and accessories available anywhere in the world.
According to the event outline, the show will include an EV tech expo, autonomous driving tech expo, and so much more.
This event will have something for everyone, regardless of the vehicle that your business specialises in.
Get Updates from Carpart.com.au!
For more information about auto parts shows, trade shows, and other events happening in the car world in Australia and beyond, keep an eye on the blog at Carpart.com.au. There, you’ll see frequent updates on the goings-on in the automotive world!
By Ray Hasbollah