MEKO Fest brought together 1,000 automotive industry professionals in Järvenpää

On September 26, MEKO Fest brought about 1,000 automotive industry professionals and nearly 50 exhibitors to Aino Areena. The theme of the event was “The Repair Shop of the Future.” Discussions on stage and in the aisles focused on artificial intelligence, the growing number of electric vehicles, and changing skill requirements.

Sanna Reunanen, CEO of MEKO Finland, describes the event as a success. Throughout the day, attendees explored new products and AI services and discussed electric vehicles, batteries, and training. In her LinkedIn post, she thanked customers, exhibitors, and the staff who helped organize the event. “Thank you for being there. Events like this and the energy we generated together are the fuel for tomorrow,” Sanna commented.

Artificial Intelligence to Aid Technical Support

Leo Lahikainen, Chief Operating Officer at MEKO Finland, highlights the increasing digitization of everyday life at repair shops. A customer’s decision may be made online even before the first phone call: they compare service prices and want to book an appointment directly in the repair shop’s calendar.

The Group’s new AI-based technical support portal was unveiled at MEKO Fest. According to Lahikainen, its knowledge base consists of quality-assured repair cases handled by MEKO’s technical support network over the past decade. The portal is scheduled to launch in Finland later this year.

Alongside technology, Lahikainen emphasizes expertise. “Diagnostics, software, and electric vehicles are key aspects of a mechanic’s work.” “Accurate identification and rapid availability of replacement parts are also crucial, as repair shops simultaneously service and repair both older vehicle fleets and new vehicle technologies,” he summarizes.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Issues in the Spotlight

Samy Olin, chain manager at MECA Truck, describes a busy day in the chain’s lounge. Both current chain members and new contacts interested in the business were in attendance.

According to Olin, Mikko Järvinen, a leading expert at the Finnish Automotive Industry Association, addressed issues with AdBlue systems and the return of vehicles to road traffic in his presentation. The program also featured a presentation on MECA Truck’s fleet service.

Andreas Stamborg, Clarios’s Nordic sales manager, who represented Clarios and the VARTA brand, offers an exhibitor’s perspective on the event. He says he discussed battery technology and the future of transportation with customers. According to Stamborg, events like this serve as a reminder of how important partnerships and face-to-face interactions are for the industry’s development.

Recognition for Franchisees and Repair Shops

Janne Nousiainen, Chain Director at MEKO Finland, attended the event to honor the year’s top chain entrepreneurs and repair shops. According to him, the awardees were genuinely touched by the recognition they received. For Nousiainen, MEKO Fest marked the culmination of his first month with the company. The day provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of the repair shop industry and future success factors with industry professionals.

Following the professional program, the event continued with an auction and an Oktoberfest-style evening celebration. One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by Elastinen.