From Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to the following Saturday, the biennial aftermarket trade fair Autopromotec is taking place in Bologna. Several low-voltage battery suppliers have also announced their presence, including Exide, a manufacturer of energy storage solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors. The plan includes the latest battery products for Nutzfahrzeuge, workshop tools, and workshops. As a platform for its versatile program, the company, which is now French with a long history, has designed a Piazza-style booth named 'Exide Academy Corner'.
Exide Academy Corner as a Training Venue
All visitors at the 'Fiera di Bologna' exhibition grounds, northeast of the city, have the opportunity to have innovative battery storage solutions explained to them with exclusive live training sessions. According to a press release, the professionals will focus on industry trends and current battery technologies, explaining the significance of 12V lead-acid batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles and their contribution to sustainable mobility.
The training program offered directly at the Exide booth includes the mobility of the future as well as the current products in the field of high-performance AGM and EFB batteries. Other topics cover battery technologies specifically for commercial vehicles, as well as practical applications such as battery testing and maintenance.
As a "comfortable meeting point," the venue is intended
to serve as a platform for technical exchange between workshop mechanics and specialist retailers, addressing topics relevant to the sector. The manufacturer promises significant insights "into current and future relevant battery topics."
The Training Program Covers Four Areas:
The section on AGM and EFB car batteries explains the important differences between the two types of batteries and why "choosing the right battery is crucial."
Applications for commercial vehicles are also considered. The respective technologies are presented, and the current range is showcased. Here too, the focus is on choosing the right solution for each application.
The practical segment will focus on battery testing and maintenance. The emphasis will be on measures that support dealers and technicians in extending battery life using effective tools and proven methods.
Finally, the last section deals with current market trends around electrification and 12V batteries, which play an important role in electric vehicles.
The seminars are intended for professionals from the aftermarket sector, "from trade experts to technicians." The aim, according to the announcement, is to provide relevant, practical knowledge that simplifies complexity for the participants and offers tips on battery service and sales.
Each thirty-minute workshop will be conducted by Exide experts, incorporating the company's extensive history as an original equipment manufacturer – Exide has been
active in this field since its founding in 1888 in the USA. The teaching languages are Italian and English. Registration can be done in advance via the Exide contact or online before the start of the trade fair, but it is also possible spontaneously directly at the booth during Autopromotec.
The Training Program in Detail:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025:
15:30: Electrification and 12V Batteries
Thursday, May 22:
11:30 Commercial Vehicle Batteries
13:30 AGM and EFB car batteries
15:30 Battery Testing and Maintenance
16:30 Electrification and 12V Batteries
Friday, May 23:
10:00 AGM and EFB car batteries
11:30 Electrification and 12V Batteries
14:30 Battery Testing and Maintenance
16:00 Electrification and 12V Batteries
Saturday, May 24:
11:30 Battery Testing and Maintenance
Highlights: New Labels for Commercial and Passenger Vehicle Batteries
The "Exide-Piazza" inspired by the Italian lifestyle consists not only of a training area but also serves as a venue for the new commercial vehicle battery range, "including the updated labels that will be launched throughout the year," as stated.
In addition, outstanding solutions for the passenger vehicle sector will be presented, whose appearance has been overhauled: Exide announces a clear, color-coded design that clearly signals the respective battery technology. The sales and marketing team is available to explain the significance to the professional
visitors.
Interactive Tools
The manufacturer of low-voltage batteries also offers digital workshop tools as one of the leading European original equipment manufacturers for the aftermarket to specialists and workshops. According to the information, the solutions have been specifically developed to simplify work and reduce time. The corresponding program, including workshop accessories, is also intended to be interactively communicated at the provider's stand.
Exide summarizes its current roadmap under the motto 'Energizing a New World'. Davide Massaro, Sales Manager Italy at Exide Technologies, emphasizes the global orientation and the growing importance of the event for the industry:
"We look forward to exchanging ideas with our valued customers and business partners from Italy and around the world. This event provides an excellent opportunity for valuable discussions and for initiating collaborations that will jointly advance our business."
The origins of Exide date back to 1888 in the USA, and since 2020 Exide has been operating independently from France. The headquarters is located in Gennevilliers, north of Paris, with the German branch in Büdingen, northeast of Frankfurt am Main. The company is also active in the field of circular economy, employing around 5,000 people. In addition to 11 production sites in Europe, three are dedicated solely to recycling.
Exide at Autopromotec Bologna, May 21-24, 2025, Hall
