Record Tenth Year Anniversary Edition of Automechanika Middle East off to Great Start
12% increase in Dubai's auto parts total trade in 2011
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in style, Automechanika Middle East, the premier trade and networking mega exhibition for the regional automotive aftermarket, got underway yesterday (Tuesday, May 22nd), at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 2012 edition of the Epoc Messe Frankfurt organised trade fair is 24% larger than last year, underlining the continuing growth story of the Middle East automotive aftermarket.
The three-day trade exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), who was accompanied by senior representatives from the organiser, government officials and leading figures from the regional automotive aftermarket.
With statistics from Dubai Customs indicating that the city's trade in auto parts had risen by 12% in 2011 to total US$ 9.9 billion, prospects for sustained growth in the aftermarket industry continue to remain positive, attracting fresh interest in the region among international aftermarket players. Figures for Q1, 2012 will be revealed today (Wednesday, May 23rd) by Dubai Customs during the Automechanika Academy taking place as part of the exhibition.
"It has been a remarkable decade for Automechanika Middle East as it has continued to reflect the continued growth and development of the region's aftermarket," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. "Today, Automechanika Middle East is acknowledged as the definitive and most representative networking platform for the industry in the wider region. Not just a simple trade fair, Automechanika Middle East plays a significant role in enhancing regional awareness about industry best practices and the benefits of latest trends and developments," Pauwels stated.
The exhibition continues to be a platform of choice for international manufacturers to launch their products and services into the wider region. Among the exhibitors with regional debuts at the exhibition is ZAFCO, Platinum Sponsor of Automechanika Middle East, who is introducing its environmentally-friendly ZT1000 tyre.
Planning to make a significant impact on road safety is Autokontrol, who is presenting its range of speed limiting devices. Approved by the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) for implementation in school buses and vans, these devices have the potential to save lives by preventing accidents due to speeding.
"Safety on the roads is something that concerns each and every one of us," said Ron T. Tagg, Marketing Director of Autokontrol. "Our devices have been approved by the authorities and are easy to install and use. We hope to make a difference in the regional market with our participation in Automechanika Middle East."
"We are introducing our new FAG wheel bearing repair solution for European commercial vehicles at Automechanika Middle East," said Mr. Ioannis Marios Vrantzoglou, Managing Director of Schaeffler Middle East. "We intend to build on our presence across the region through our participation at the exhibition. Automechanika Middle East has become a must attend trade fair for anyone wanting to penetrate the automotive aftermarket in the wider region."
Mr. Axel Grossmann, Managing Director Middle East FZE of filtration specialists Mann+Hummel from Germany, is looking forward to increase their market share in the region. Participating as part of the larger than ever German Pavilion at the trade fair, Mr. Grossmann, said: "We have recently established our Middle East subsidiary in Dubai and we hope to make an impact in the market with the direct supply of our filters. Automechanika Middle East acts as the perfect platform to further acquaint ourselves with how the local market operates and we look forward to generating new business leads here."
Over the years Automechanika Middle East has grown to be a truly representative trade fair reflecting the automotive aftermarket in the region. It attracts international exhibitors keen on making further inroads into the region, leading industry experts adding their insights into the latest trends and developments in the field and a region-wide audience of trade buyers.
The popular Automechanika Academy will be held today (Wednesday, 23rd) and tomorrow (Thursday 24th) as part of the exhibition. The series of seminars, workshops and presentations by leading experts and prominent industry figures will address key concerns, developments and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket.
Featuring 1,324 exhibitors from over 56 countries, Automechanika Middle East 2012 is classified into 5 product sections for the benefit of exhibitors and trade visitors, namely: Parts & Systems, Repair & Maintenance, Tyres & Batteries, Service Station & Car Wash and Accessories & Tuning.
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© Press Release 2012
