7 Reasons Automechanika is Not the European SEMA
While everyone is still reeling from SEMA, there’s a little thing called Automechanika that is SEMA’s European cousin. With attendance numbers close to 140,000 and exhibitor numbers over 4,000, the closest event we have here in the US would be SEMA. But Automechanika is about as close to SEMA as NASCAR is to say Formula One.
It’s not necessarily that one is better or worse, they just couldn’t be more different. Here are a few good reasons why:
1. They put the Mechanika in Automechanika
Upon first glance, it’s clear that Automechanika is not just an aftermarket parts show. It is much more focused on the auto repair and OEM parts industry, which, judging by the 11 exhibit halls, is huge. You would think that sometimes this would get boring, but then, after you’ve seen your 150th racing clutch, you see things like…
2. Tractor Pulling Is Insane
Tractors. What a snooze-fest right? Well, how about one with 6,000 horsepower and 3 helicopter turbines? Yeah, I’m glad I have your attention. The German company Westphalia exhibited this machine which is the latest model for their Iwan pulling team and included a rear tire that stands over 6’ tall. And you thought tractor pulling was just a redneck thing... take that Monster Truck!
3. Car Wash City Buffs It Out
While both SEMA and Automechanika have enough air fresheners to make your sinuses explode, only Automechanika has the bubbly mecca called Car Wash City. Here, the European car wash manufacturers highlight new ways to buff, polish and scrub down your favorite 4-18 wheeler. The “city” consisted of half a dozen tents with full size machinery, it was weirdly wonderful. I dare you not to try to run through at least once.
4. Mechanic Games Are Fun
Speaking of mechanics, like SEMA, Automechanika does include a lot of workshops for professionals to hone their skills on engine, body and tire repair. But then there was the place called the “Mechanic Games” which turned out to be a lot more fun than an oil change. Here, both aspiring and professional mechanics got to fly off of what is either a giant spinning frankfurter or a spinning cylinder head bolt. Either way, it was hilarious.
5. The Food Is Franken-Yummy
SEMA does a great job highlighting American cuisine at its best. Bar-b-q, burgers, hot dogs and draft beer in plastic cups reign supreme. This Frankfurt show is filled with engine-nerds from all over, yet is distinctly German, so in between an airbag demonstration and a bike rack mounting clinic, you can stuff yourself with some real, delicious German beer or hard cider (Apfelwein) and some Pulled Deer. When in Rome…
6. German Cars Are the Default
When in Frankfurt, Germany the German car naturally becomes the demo vehicle. So instead of highlighting an air filter in a Dodge Viper, you’ll showcase it in an AMG GT3 instead. Because, well, you’re just so damn close to Nürburgring.
7. It’s Not Vegas
Sure, at SEMA you can visit Paris, Venice and even New York (New York), but only Automechanika is in Frankfurt, a real live European city. With that comes beautiful things like steins filled with local lager, brats with sauerkraut and the finest displays of German craftsmanship parked in their native habitat.
This isn’t to say that Automechanika can necessarily replace your SEMA visit, as the Driving Line team demonstrated in their 2016 SEMA Coverage. This is a different type of event entirely. If you’re into aftermarket madness, SEMA is still the one and only. Automechanika Frankfurt is much less about the bling and more about performance, maintenance and the new technologies that are transforming automotive ownership, repair and maintenance. Oh, and the beer is way better, if you’re into that kind of thing.
