From September 10 to 14, Vojvodina showcased its potential in the automotive supply industry at Automechanika, one of the world’s leading automotive fairs, which has taken place every two years in Frankfurt since 1971. Companies from Vojvodina drew significant interest from firms in the European Union, India, Turkey, and the Middle East and Africa regions.
During its second appearance at Automechanika, organized by the Vojvodina Development Agency (RAV), six companies participated and showcased their expertise in metal processing, engineering, technological solutions, and component manufacturing. These companies – NS Steel, Fortuna Cink, Solintech, EuroCons Group, Frezal, and Jomi-ing – specialize in various segments, including metal part production, surface protection, and the design and implementation of innovative technological solutions. Their common goal is to provide high-quality products and services. During the fair, they established 255 new contacts. They initiated several potential deals, with the most significant interest in producing metal parts for the automotive industry and technologies related to cleaning DPF/FAP filters and SCR catalysts.
Saša Vranješ, owner of NS Steel, reflected on the fair and noted that this was their first time exhibiting at Automechanika in Frankfurt. He expressed satisfaction with the results: “We had over 50 meetings in five days and gave as many presentations of the machine we produce. We received interest from Australia, Brazil, Spain, France, Poland, India, etc.” Fortuna Cink shared similar experiences: “Technically speaking, we are the last link in the production chain before a part goes into the automotive industry. We focused on foreign companies with production in Serbia and possibly in the region, and we are satisfied with our participation,” said Borko Golić, logistics manager at Fortuna Cink.
The Vojvodina Development Agency also conducted several significant meetings at the fair, including discussions with development agencies from Germany and the United Kingdom about potential future collaborations and joint projects. They established a partnership with the Hungarian Association of Automotive Component Manufacturers. They held conversations with representatives of Automechanika Shanghai and Automechanika Dubai about expanding Vojvodina companies’ presence in Asian and Middle Eastern markets. The Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Germany, Aleksandar Đurđić, visited the Vojvodina stand, offered support, and discussed strategies for enhancing cooperation between companies from Vojvodina and Germany, as well as implementing new projects in the region.
Despite global challenges facing the automotive industry, including the shift to electric vehicles and supply chain issues, Vojvodina remains a competitive player in the automotive supply sector. The region offers highly developed industrial capacities, specialized labor, and continuous support for innovation. RAV will continue promoting this sector.
Domestic companies will have their next opportunity to find international partners and potentially conquer new markets on November 19, when RAV will organize Supplier Day 2024 – focusing on the metal, rubber, plastic, and electronics industries.
