Дякуємо!
Ваш e-mail було додано до списку розсилок.
Discussion panels with automotive market experts on the key business challenges for those who sell, repair, and operate vehicles
When
May 12–14, 2026
Where
International Exhibition Center, Pavilion 3
Discussion panels with automotive market experts on the key business challenges for those who sell, repair, and operate vehicles
When
May 12–14, 2026
Where
International Exhibition Center, Pavilion 3
Auto Business Forum Partner
PROGRAMME
DAY 1 — May 12
10.00 – 11.30 | Panel 1Automotive Aftermarket – 2026. What’s Driving the Market?
Organizers:
"The world of auto service is transforming faster than the firmware of a modern electric vehicle updates."
What do customers really want and need today? Our goal is to anticipate development directions for all related industries and help businesses adapt to the new reality.
Moderator Ostap Novytskyi
● Analyst at the Automotive Market Research Institute, media expert, and visionary.He has been active in the automotive industry since the early 2000s, progressing from a leading industry journalist to an independent analyst and digital transformation consultant. With 20 years of media experience and hundreds of interviews with market players, he possesses unique expertise in consumer behavior and market trends.
Today, he focuses on strategies for digitalizing the auto business, analyzing the effectiveness of digital tools, and developing AI-Readiness protocols to help companies adapt to the age of artificial intelligence.
● Founder of the media project Ostap’s Garage
Speaker Maryna Kytina
● Expert in electromobility, author of the Green Mobility News program, and jury member of the Car of the Year award in Ukraine as well as the international automotive award WWCOTY.
● Actively promotes electromobility on her YouTube channel and on the TV channel Pershyi Avtomobilnyi.
● Advocates for all types of alternative energy, energy storage, and cogeneration in Ukraine.
Speaker Volodymyr Smirnov
Co-owner and CEO of WAH Premium, with many years of experience in the automotive business dating back to the 1990s.
During this time, he has worked in and managed both official new car dealership networks and used car sales divisions.
Today, his focus is on developing WAH Premium and working in the pre-owned vehicle segment, where success depends not only on sales but also on a deep understanding of the market, customers, and all automotive business processes.
Speaker Oleksandr Taranyk
Co-founder and Director of the specialized electric and hybrid vehicle service network ZS Electro – an expert service for maintenance and repair.
One of the early market players who transformed engineering expertise into a scalable service model. He has hands-on experience with electric vehicles at all stages of market development, including the first mass-market models from the Chinese segment.
Today, he focuses on building the ZS Electro franchise as an independent technological platform for electric vehicle servicing. The key approach is an effective alternative to dealer solutions: instead of full component replacement, the network provides professional restoration of complex parts, including batteries, inverters, and software.
Who Should Attend:
Owners and managers of service stations(independent multi-brand workshops, network service centers, dealer service centers, specialized services – EV, bodywork, commercial vehicles)
Purchasing managers(service station and service network buyers, auto parts store owners, fleet procurement managers)
Fleet managers(corporate fleets, logistics companies, municipal transport, construction and service companies, government fleets)
Representatives of importers and distributors
Representatives of automakers and dealership networks
IT and digital solutions providers for automotive services
Leasing and financial companies
Insurance companies
Educational and certification centers
Industry media, consulting companies, market analysts, and professional associations
Let’s discuss and explore:
● The technological challenge: how the market is responding to the wave of new brands and the demand for “digital” service.● The transformation of business models: service stations as new centers of trust, dealer solutions, and synergy with sales.● Finding a niche: from high-level engineering and software to micro-technology services.
The “Chinese wave” and the Tesla paradox
● How has the consumer changed – is it enough for them to simply own a car and handle it independently, or is it important to purchase from an official showroom with a warranty and service network?
● Where is the line between “buying from the open market” and “buying officially”?
● The psychology of experienced drivers vs. first-time car buyers.
● New electric vehicles – a car or a gadget?
Service Stations as Dealers — Full Business Cycle, Digitalization, and Analytics
● Demand for cars from the U.S. remains stable. Service stations can become “offices” that purchase vehicles at U.S. auctions, restore them using their own resources, and sell them—earning not only from services but also from the margin on the finished product. A simple body shop can evolve into a full-cycle dealer, unlike “offices without a wrench.”
● An STО-dealer operates in a highly chaotic environment: purchasing in the U.S., logistics, inspection, repair, and sales. Keeping records in a notebook or scattered spreadsheets often means that the real profit becomes clear only after six months—and is frequently lower than expected.
● Decision-making: relying on intuition or on consulting and analytics?
Service Stations and Dealers — Synergy and Trust
● Service stations as independent auditors for dealership platforms: trade-in evaluation, vehicle inspection before listing for sale, and the possibility of offering a joint warranty on used cars.
● Customers don’t return to where it’s cheaper, but to where they are remembered — how not to lose the connection after the transaction.
● A civilized secondary car market — are we ready for it?
Specialization and “Digital” Talent
● General service stations are losing to niche-focused ones. Cars are now gadgets on wheels. The owner’s focus is on software and multimedia (what they see), and only then on mechanics (which they understand less and less).
● Where to find specialists no one formally trains but who are in high demand — “IT specialists in grease,” experts in firmware and automotive electronics.
11.30 – 13.00 | Panel 2Vehicles for purpose: Solutions for public sector and business fleets
Co-organizers:
In the program:
● Presentation of the updated “Ukrainian Equipment for Communities” catalog
Discussion Panel
“Ukrainian Equipment: State Strategy and Fleet Solutions”
Target Audience
Representatives of local self-government and state authorities
Corporate fleet and municipal enterprise managers
Fleet managers
Ukrainian equipment manufacturers and financial partners involved in the renewal, management, and development of public sector and business fleets
14:00 – 15:30 | Panel 3Veterans in the Automotive Business: Staff shortages as a point of opportunity
Organizers:
Discussion Goal:To develop practical solutions and establish effective collaboration between the government, business, and educational initiatives in order to create systemic employment opportunities for veterans.
Key Discussion Points:
● Staff shortages in the automotive business: why veterans are not an alternative, but a full-fledged solution● The most relevant professions in auto service stations and related fields for veterans● Effective formats for rapid retraining and reskilling● The automotive business as a pathway to достойний income after military service● The role of business: workplace adaptation, mentorship, and internal programs● Psychological adaptation of veterans: what employers need to consider● Successful cases of integration into the automotive industry in Ukraine● Partnership models of cooperation between the government, business, and educational projects● Barriers and fears of employers: practical ways to overcome them
A practical workshop for owners, managers, and employees of auto service stations on effective interaction with veterans — as clients and as part of the team
● How to communicate with veterans without tension and conflict
● How to create a safe service environment and increase customer trust
● Behavioral and response patterns after combat experience
● How to integrate veterans into a team and strengthen the business
● Real-life case studies from practice
Speaker Nataliia Sablina
● Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology● Head of the International Association of Psychologists and Expert Trainers● Clinical psychologist, military psychologist, psychotherapist
Topic: “Veterans in the team: adaptation, communication, and effective interaction in auto service stations”
Speaker Volodymyr Narushynskyi
Founder of PE “VoYarHaz”, founder and owner of the trademark “Brotherhood of Automotive Diagnosticians of Ukraine”. He has been working in the hydrocarbons sector and their use as motor fuels since 1995
Topic: Modern training programs for automotive diagnosticians and repair specialists, and their adaptation to current labor market realities
Speaker Andrii Shulhin
Owner and director of “Bosch Service Shulhin Auto”, co-owner of the diesel service “Shuls”. Developer of automotive diagnostic methods (CSS, Px, ElPower) and scripts for motor testers (including USB Autoscope). A hands-on manager with many years of experience in organizing auto service operations, building teams, and training technical specialists.
Topic: Case studies on sourcing, selecting, and training qualified personnel for automotive repair enterprises.
Target Audience
Owners and managers of automotive businesses
HR specialists of automotive businesses
Representatives of the public sector, educational institutions, non-governmental and veteran organizations
Veterans exploring professional opportunities in the automotive business, technical services, and transport maintenance sectors
17:00 – 17:30 | Award CeremonyOfficial Awarding Ceremony of the prize fund to the Service Master Junior finalists
DAY 2 — May 13
10.30 – 12.30 | Panel 4Current fleet management issues: How to approach 100% efficiency in a commercial fleet?
Organizers:
Moderator Oleksandra Horbenko
● Expert in strategic communications, crisis management, and OSINT, PhD in Economics. She combines deep expertise in logistics, B2B marketing, and reputation management. She specializes in identifying risks in supply chains using OSINT tools and developing crisis communication protocols for logistics companies. Currently, she focuses on transforming industry media, covering digital transformation in logistics (automation, data, AI), and creating a platform for networking within the Ukrainian logistics community.
● Founder of the media project Logistics in Ukraine
Speakers
Ihor Boiko
● Director of Development, UMT●15+ years of experience in fleet management and transport logistics automation, including for companies such as MHP Logistics, Kovalska, and Kyivkhlib.
Topic: Transition from manual fleet management to a system-based approach. Tomorrow might be too late.- Automation of management accounting- How to improve customer service using IT- Modern IT solutions for fleet management
Andrii Androshchuk
● Sales Director, OTP Leasing● Has extensive experience in strategic management of automotive sales and leasing portfolios at the market-leading company OTP Leasing.● Possesses deep expertise in building and scaling partner networks with leading car importers and dealership centers in Ukraine.
Topic: Tools for profitable vehicle financing for business: partner programs, international lines from EBRD and IFC
Yevhenii Verezomskyi
● Deputy CEO for Commercial Affairs at “Scania Credit Ukraine”● Over 15 years of experience in financing commercial freight transport for Ukrainian businesses● Expertise in developing effective financial solutions as part of a comprehensive approach to solving transport challenges and achieving maximum overall operational efficiency of vehicle fleets
Topic: Fleet economics: total operational efficiency
Who Should Attend:
Fleet managers(logistics companies, distribution, FMCG, retail, agricultural sector)
Corporate fleet representatives (manufacturing enterprises, construction companies, energy sector, municipal services)
Transport companies(carriers, courier services, international logistics)
Commercial vehicle dealers
Telematics companies
Insurance and leasing companies
10:30 – 10:55
Ownership Strategy and Financial Stability
Objective: Building/updating a fleet in 2026 amid rising costs, leasing risks, and wartime conditions — from “ground zero” to full scale.
Joint Focus: Comparison of models (own fleet vs leasing vs outsourcing), financial instruments (green transport + the latest “Private Partnership” model for multi-million development projects), and war-related risks (war insurance + compensation).
10:55 – 11:20
Operational Efficiency and Technical Challenges
Objective: Real-life cases from large fleet operators: how to maintain the balance of uptime, costs, and safety amid war, parts shortages, and aging fleets.
Joint Focus: Challenges from 2024–2026, the fleet manager’s role as a strategist (using TCO/TEO as a tool to calculate actual profitability and make decisions on write-offs/repairs).
11:20 – 11:45
Digital Transformation and Technologies
Objective: Process automation as the key to efficiency.
Joint Focus: Telematics, predictive maintenance, automation of spare parts/components warehouse, integration with last-mile operations (routing, analytics).
11:45 – 12:00The Future of Fleets: Electrification and Resource Availability
Objective: Energy independence and overcoming resource shortages.
Joint Focus: Electrification, solar power generation for fleets.
12.30 – 14.00 | Panel 5Auto Business 360°: The customer between Service Stations, Auto Markets, and the “Garage” – How the market model is changing
Organizers:
The customer is no longer tied to a single format — they choose between service stations, auto markets, and the informal “garage” service segment.
Under these conditions, a new auto business model is emerging — a systemic one that integrates retail auto markets, service centers, corporate clients, imports, own brands, and digital management systems.
The panel will discuss:● How the market is transforming● How customer behavior is changing● Which business models are becoming relevant in the new reality
This is an open discussion with practitioners working across different market segments and shaping the modern auto business in Ukraine.
Who Should Attend:
Owners and managers of service stations
Automotive retail companies
Importers and distributors
Corporate clients (fleet operators)
Customer Under Pressure: How Demand Is Changing
● Impact of the economy and fuel costs● Cost rationalization● New customer behavior scenarios
Garages, Service Complexes, and Auto Markets: How Customers Choose
● Is the “garage” segment a competitor?● Price vs. trust● Customer migration between formats
Auto Business 360°: From Disparate Points to a System
● Interaction between sales and service● Multiple customer touchpoints● Creating a unified customer experience
From Single Location to Network:Scaling Without Losing Quality
● Opening and developing locations● Process standardization● Quality control● The role of CRM and operational systems
Automotive Care Service:How the Customer Experience Is Shaped
● Brand and customer expectations● Service sequence● Trust as a factor in choice
Products in the system:imported and private label brands
● Building trust in the product● Price sensitivity● Balancing brand image and affordability
14.00 – 15.30 | Panel 6HR capital in Auto Service Stations: Business growth through people development. Experience of chain and independent service stations
15.30 – 17.00 | Panel 7Automation and customer experience (CX) Management: How does it impact the profitability of Auto Service Stations?
Organizers:
DAY 3 — 14 May
10.30 – 12.00 | Panel 8On electromobility in Ukraine