NACE Automechanika Atlanta welcomed thousands of professionals in the automotive service and collision repair industry to attend the three day event. This year, for the first time, Automechanika was held in conjunction with the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association's The Big R, which covers market developments, technological information and industry trends from a reman perspective. 

From August 8 to 10, over 500 exhibitors showcased their products and services at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The show featured mechanical, collision and management-related classes, hands-on demonstrations, presentations and innovative product displays. Training seminars covered a variety of topics in collision and service repair ranging from management to diagnostics, including electrical fundamentals, driveability diagnostics and advanced diagnostic techniques.

The show’s Technology and Telematics forum on August 8^th addressed the issue of customer dissatisfaction in the repair process. OEMs and insurers continue to become more involved in the collision repair process to ensure improved customer satisfaction. The panel anticipates that OEMs will increase their repair information and training offerings. At the show, GM announced the new GM Certified Collision Repair Network and explained that the OEM is partnering with Mitchell to provide estimation, repair and parts information on one platform.

On August 9^th, NABC Recycled Rides presented Atlanta resident John Quinones with a 2014 Dodge Avenger SE, donated by Farmers Insurance of Atlanta. Quinones hadn’t owned a car since 2005, when his car engine blew up. His lack of transportation held him back from better job opportunities. The vehicle will allow him to pursue a higher paying job, a new residence and a higher standard of living. NABC Recycled Rides is a program that repairs and donates vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation.

On August 10, over 700 students from the metro Atlanta area were also in attendance for Career day. These students were introduced to the opportunities the automotive industry has to offer by a panel of experts, under show’s Carrier Connection. The common theme emerging from this discussion was that there are numerous opportunities to grow, and there is as much potential for success in the trades as there is in fields requiring more formal education. The students were then allowed to explore the show floor and connect with exhibiting companies about the individual opportunities the firms offered.