GORINCHEM – The 2024 edition of the Auto Prof trade show held on 30, 31 January and 1 February at Evenementenhal Gorinchem was visited by more than 7,000 professionals from the automotive industry. This year, the independent aftersales event was more than ever dominated by innovation and experience. ‘It was three fantastic days with as many as 75 exhibitors participating this year, as a result the exhibition floor was buzzing with activity and innovation,’ said Cornelien Baijens on behalf of exhibition organiser Easyfairs Netherlands.
One of the highlights at Auto Prof was the Damage Repair Square with the premiere of Teamwise PDR with their Teameyes, a brand new hail damage scanner. Goodmen Equipment’s mobile spray booth also attracted a lot of interest. Another crowd puller was the Demo Arena with Turbo-chargers, Serenco, Auto Distribution, ANWB, Tuning-shop and AA Equipment, among others. Presented here were the latest developments and techniques in EV diagnostic equipment, software optimisation, TechTrainings demonstrations and test bench Turbos.
The Talent of the Future initiative at Auto Prof brought together five participants, including University Racing Eindhoven with their self-designed and manufactured Formula 1-style racing car, Han Hydromotive with their car that became the second most fuel-efficient car in Europe and Africa in the Shell Eco-Marathon in 2023, Summa Collega with the latest car body repair techniques, Forze Hydrogen Racing with their hydrogen racing car and demonstration, and Het Koning Willem 1 College with their AutoCove 2.0 project and tyre changing capabilities.
A first at Auto Prof was the World Wrap Masters, organised by FESPA Netherlands. The final of the Dutch edition showed the importance of craftsmanship when it comes to film mounting on vehicles, but now also for interiors and objects. Many visitors stayed to watch as the finalists got to work wrapping. This new section at Auto Prof was an absolute eye-catcher.
Furthermore, Auto Prof had two knowledge domes and a knowledge theatre this edition. The extensive programme paid attention to diverse topics such as scope diagnosis and particulate filter durability to sustainable engine maintenance and EV technology. ATC and GMTO both had their own knowledge domes during the show and Auto Prof’s theatre offered exhibitors as well as external speakers the opportunity to highlight current topics.
In addition, the go-kart track, racing simulators and the Hella Service Partner Garage provided the necessary experience on the exhibition floor. Baijens: ‘All in all, it was a very successful edition. Auto Prof is increasingly becoming an annual event where a total concept is offered. Besides the familiar relationship management, the focus is also on innovation and experience. This edition was a great example of that. We are continuing on this chosen path and are therefore proud to announce the date for the next edition: 4, 5 and 6 February 2025.’
For more information: www.autoprof-vakbeurs.nl/en/
