Innovation is all about forward thinking. It starts with a new idea and culminates in its successful implementation. It could be a new way of doing things or a new product, but the end goal is to add value to the market, the industry, and all relevant stakeholders. And this, in a nutshell, is what the Automechanika Innovation Awards are all about. Moreover, it provides creators, manufacturers, importers or distributors of innovative new products an exclusive platform to showcase their concepts to the world.
Entries will be judged by a group of hand-picked jury members that will be tasked with identifying the most innovative and pioneering automotive products that are manufactured, supplied or distributed in South Africa. They will score each entry on a predetermined list of criteria that covers the design, quality, efficiency, functionality, practicality, value for money, environmental friendliness and – of course – innovation of the product.
Organisations represented on the panel of judges include the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) and its associations, the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), members of the media, and the sponsors of the event.
In keeping with the latest automotive trends, both in South Africa and abroad, the 10 categories for the 2023 competition are:
· Parts
· Accessories & Customising
· Driver Assistance & Safety
· E-mobility
· Data & Connectivity
· Diagnostics & Tuning
· Repair & Maintenance
· Original Equipment Products & Services
· IT & Management
· Service Station & Car Wash equipment
In order to be considered for the award, prospective entrants must submit photographs and a detailed description of any automotive aftermarket or original equipment product they have developed, manufactured, imported, or distributed in South Africa. Entries opened at the beginning of May and the cut-off date to enter is midday on Friday, 18 August 2023. There is no entry fee.