Dubai, UAE: A total of 1,695 exhibitors from 59 countries shared centre-stage as the 12th edition of Automechanika Dubai 2014 opened today (Tuesday 3 June), 19 per cent larger than the previous year.

Running for three days at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Middle East’s largest automotive aftermarket event was opened by H.E. Matar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

The strong growth of the premier showcase for auto parts and services comes as Dubai Customs released figures showing that Dubai‘s auto parts trade was valued at US$10.9 billion in in 2013, an increase of eight per cent over 2012. Global analysts Frost & Sullivan also estimate that the GCC’s consumption of auto components will be worth US$ 14.46 billion by 2016.

That will come as good news to the companies out in full force at Automechanika Dubai, which includes 205 exhibitors from the UAE – a 41 per cent increase year-on-year.  The three-day event has also recorded an 11 per cent surge in international exhibitors taking part, with 1,490 on board compared to 1,336 in 2013.

The significant cross-spectrum growth firmly underlines Automechanika Dubai’s regional primacy as the preferred trade and networking event for the automotive aftermarket.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organiser of Automechanika Dubai, said: “Automechanika Dubai has traditionally played a significant role in the ongoing development of the Middle East’s vibrant aftermarket industry by serving as a show window to the region for a wide range of international and local brands.

“Being based in Dubai – a major import and re-export hub driving trans-regional trade – Automechanika Dubai’s growth reflects the increasing global interest in doing business in the region.”

Covering more than 56,000sqm of space across 12 halls, Automechanika Dubai will host 22 country pavilions, including the world’s largest German Pavilion for the automotive aftermarket industry.

A total of 37 international trade associations will also ensure that trade buyers and industry professionals gain key insights into the latest trends and developments shaping the auto aftermarket globally.

Andreas Bodemer, Vice President of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, Middle East and Africa, one of 91 German-based exhibitors said: “Automechanika Dubai is the most significant automotive aftermarket exhibition in the wider Middle East region and is a crucial platform for us to reach new markets as part of our region-wide expansion plan.

“We have an ambitious 2014 growth target across our operating markets and exhibiting at Automechanika Dubai is integral part of our strategy to achieve this objective.”

Other companies rubbing shoulders on the exhibition floor include UAE heavyweights ENOC (Headline Sponsor) Mineral Circles Bearings (Gold Sponsor), Al Habtoor Motors and Global Autoparts (Silver Sponsors); and Indian Tyre Manufacturer BKT (Diamond Sponsor), which launched its latest range of Off Highway Tyres at the show.

Anshul Samant, Sr. Manager of Export Marketing at BKT, said: “BKT has a high growth potential in Middle East in 2014, and exhibiting at Automechanika Dubai is important for us to build brand-awareness while growing our relationships with existing customers.”

Another highlight of the opening day at Automechanika Dubai was the announcement of multiple cooperation agreements between Dutch company Intertruck Group and global automotive aftermarket suppliers Mahle, Wabco, and Eaton, whereby Intertruck will be the official distributor for the three top brands throughout the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The independent position of Intertruck as one-stop-shop supplier of Mahle, Wabco, and Eaton, gives them a unique position in the burgeoning regional automotive aftermarket,” said Marcel van Eeuwen, CEO, of Intertruck.

Intertruck also introduced its brand new Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solution, delivering cash flow advantages that lead to improved efficiency within the total supply chain of between 20 and 30 per cent.

Added van Eeuwen: “Our VMI concept can quickly improve immediate availability of parts, whilst lowering the stock levels. With lower overall costs on one side, we succeed in providing higher vehicle mobility to our customers.”

Automechanika Dubai covers a wide spectrum of products, including automotive parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management, tyres & batteries, and the latest automobile services.

The flagship automotive aftermarket event also features the popular Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars and workshops given by leading experts and prominent industry figures.

The most anticipated presentation of the two-day summit, which starts tomorrow (Wednesday 4 June)  includes a Dubai Auto Parts Trade Statistics Update from the Dubai Customs, Strategy & Corporate Excellence Department.

Automechanika Dubai is open from 10am-7pm daily. For more information, please go to www.automechanikaDubai.com.