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UNITI expo 2018 attracts 17,000 attendees

UNITI expo 2018, the leading European trade fair for the fuel retailing and car wash industries, closed its third edition with record numbers.



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Over 17,000 attendees are reported to have taken part in UNITI expo 2018, which took place May 15 – 17 in Stuttgart, Germany, beating the previous record of UNITI expo 2016 of 15,000 attendees, according to the organizers.

Three days of trade fair welcomed 467 exhibitors from 37 countries and participants from over 120 nations, cementing its role once again as the biggest European event for the forecourt and carwash industries.

Across 40,000m2, UNITI expo 2018 catered for all services related to the set-up, operation and improvement of a service station. Hall 1 of the modern Messe Stuttgart hosted the German-focused Convenience area. Visitors could find there the incredible GenussGARTEN, which offered free catering services and innovative food concepts, as well as key companies such as Redbull, Coca-Cola and Lekkerland.

“It’s the third time we are here. It’ a very good option for us to show our convenience options and to have contact with our customers as well as our convenience and forecourt partners,” said Martin Kiefer, Coca-Cola European Partners.

In the same hall a number of German and international fuel brands showcased their services and innovations. New mobile apps for payments and loyalty of brands such as Shell and Total were some of the key innovations being presented.

"We had some very good discussions with representatives of medium-sized petrol station companies who are interested in doing business under the Esso brand in the future. Esso has enormous growth potential in Germany,” explained Alexander Hentschke, head of the German Esso forecourt business.

The Carwash area covered the remaining part of Hall 1 as well as most of Hall 2. The trade show served as a platform for many of the industry’s biggest players to unveil their newest products. Kärcher presented its new, advanced roll-over machine, WashTec its Easy Carwash concept that brings convenience closer to car wash users, and Christ Wash Systems introduced its new brush involving friction and touchless technology for the first time, among many other innovations. 

Hall 3 welcomed some of the industry’s biggest names in the Forecourt Technology sector as well as innovative newcomers trying to disrupt the sector. Many pump manufacturers showcased new digital technology and how they have adapted their portfolio to current trends like alternative fuels. The effects of cloud solutions and artificial intelligence remained to be key topics.

“This is the first time that Dover Fueling Solutions has been present at this show with two different stands, one for Wayne and another for Tokheim. We’re showing a lot of new things,” said David Crouse, President of DFS. 

Three separate forums were the stage for numerous presentations and roundtables that allowed visitors to gain invaluable industry insight. 

The next edition of UNITI expo has been announced for May 26 – 28 of 2020 at the Messe Stuttgart.

*PetroPlaza will soon publish various video reports of UNITI expo 2018. 

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