UAE auto spare parts event enjoys massive growth
Statistics recently revealed by Mobis, the auto parts subsidiary of Hyundai, indicate that the automotive aftermarket, spares and products offered for sale by garages and retailers, accounts for over two thirds of the overall auto parts market - the balance being sold to manufacturers as original equipment. With this position being replicated throughout the region, it's no surprise that the next edition of the Dubai based specialist aftermarket show, Automechanika Gulf, is predicting to be much larger than previous events.
This year's show attracted 305 exhibitors from 29 countries with 5,492 trade visitors attending from 71 countries, making it the largest spare parts and equipment trade fair in the Middle East. The organisers, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, have already increased the space allocation by 50% in response to comparable growth in exhibitor numbers for the 2005 event, scheduled for 28 - 30 May 2005 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
"Apart from growth in the number of exhibitors, the overall visitor profile increases as more and more visitors are attending the show from different countries", said Michael Dehn, Automechanika Gulf's exhibition manager. "The show is seen as a must for all those in the aftermarket business around the wider Middle East and Africa" he said. Epoc Messe Frankfurt believe that Dubai is now recognised as a major trading cross roads for the auto aftermarket, for both imports and re-exports. "In 2003 visitors from 42 countries attended the show compared to 71 countries this year. Traders have benefited from direct flights to Dubai from West Africa, the CIS and further a field", he said.
The evolving vehicle sales market is also effecting the type of exhibitors attending. Dhen said "it is great to see Original Equipment Manufactures exhibiting with their aftermarket sections at our show. It takes some time for them to join a newly launched show."
Dhen said "many of the exhibitors are now coming from Europe particularly Italy, Germany, France and the UK. This reflects the large number of new car sales from European manufacturers over the past few years, now requiring maintenance and spares."
According to the latest IMF report on the UAE, vehicle and automotive imports amount to nearly Dh15 Billion (US$4.1 Billion) in 2002, with steady growth of 9.2%, well above the GCC average at 6.4%. This means that the market in 2005 can conservatively be estimated at nearly US$5 Billion. The re-export market too is a massive opportunity worth upwards of around US$80m, especially to countries like Iran and more recently Iraq.
Dehn said "the fact is that the whole region is passionate about what they drive and spend vast sums on maintenance, oil changes, accessories, valeting and even special car number plates. One recently sold for $370,000 at auction in Dubai." With 3.5m passengers cars on the roads of the GCC and a further 2.2m other vehicles, the market is clearly vast.
One of the main features of the Automechanika Gulf event is the promotion of the co-operation the organisers have established with the region's Automotive Brand Protection Coalition, an industry group that aims to stamp out often dangerous fake parts. This group comprises all major manufacturers like Daimler-Chrysler, Ford and GM.
Automechanika is a flagship brand name applied to around 10 comparable events organised by Messe Frankfurt around the world, from China to Mexico. This means that the Dubai show enjoys the global spotlight generated from Messe Frankfurt's 74 international offices.
-Ends-Show Profile:
Automechanika Gulf is the biggest automotive spare parts and equipment show in the Middle East. The range of exhibits is unbeatable in terms of both width and depth. The show attracts top international and local exhibitors presenting a wide range of parts, equipment and products for all motor vehicles including: repair equipment, tools, auto care products, forecourt equipment, security systems, in-car entertainment, body styling products, batteries and exhausts. Automechanka Gulf 2005 will be held from the 28th - 30th May 2005 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Dubai edition of Automechanika forms part of a network of Automechanika trade fairs organised around the world by the parent company, Messe Frankfurt. Other Automechanika events take place in Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Malaysia, Russia, Turkey and China. The biggest Automechanika in Frankfurt was founded in 1971 and has since then continuously expanded into 22 halls in 2004.
Company Profile:
The Epoc Messe Frankfurt team in Dubai has over 20 years experience of organising international trade fairs throughout the world. Their successful portfolio includes Intersec 2005, Materials Handling, Hardware & Tools, Garden, Landscaping & Outdoor Living, ISH Kitchen & Bathroom, Gulf, Lightstyle - Gulf Lighting, Beautyworld Gulf, Houseware & Hometech, Automechanika Gulf and the Middle East Toy Fair. Epoc Messe Frankfurt is a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, the world's second largest trade fair organiser conducting over 100 events worldwide with 15 subsidiaries across Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East.
Issued on behalf of Epoc Messe Frankfurt by Momentum
For information contact:
Amanda Reed Momentum
Tel: +971 4 390 1630
Mobile: +971 50 7548890
Email: amanda@momentum.cc
© Press Release 2004
