The curtains came down on the 12th edition of Automechanika Dubai, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday, (Thursday, June 5th), with exhibitors, trade visitors and the organiser, all expressing positive sentiments at the outcome.

The three days of the Middle East’s largest trade and business networking gathering of the automotive aftermarket, saw a larger than expected turnout of trade buyers from across the region. Exhibitors were upbeat about the large number of trade enquiries and business leads generated, as international players pulled out the stops to interest visitors in their latest innovative product lines.

There were brands making their debut appearance in the region, country pavilions packed with a cornucopia of wares vying for attention as well as product launches galore over the three days of the greatest aftermarket exhibition in the Middle East.

“Going by early reports, Automechanika Dubai 2014 looks to have completed a standout run, with exhibitors positive at their results and trade visitors turning out in great number,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“The show’s success underlines the tremendous business potential that exists in the regional automobile aftermarket and indicates an extremely bright future going forward.”

Extremely satisfied with their outing were exhibitors of the German pavilion.  Peter Rehberg, Managing Director of asanetwork, the automotive association representing the German pavilion at Automechanika Dubai, said:  'Automechanika Dubai has grown remarkably within the last few years and we now have the largest German participation worldwide here, with 83 exhibitors participating.

'The exhibition is one of the few trade shows where people can establish very strong business relationships, particularly in markets that are hard to reach, such as those in Iraq, Iran, North Africa, Pakistan.  Our exhibitors are certainly very satisfied and are looking foreward to extending their involvement in the event for many years ahead.”

Chackochan Varghese, Sales Manager for After Sales at Al Habtoor Motors, a regular exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai over the years said: “We have been participating in the show for many years now as it represents an ideal platform for us to know about the latest trends and new technology in the industry.

“The event also helps us to meet new customers who are interested in our new range of genuine products we display here. We have received more visitors this year from different countries in Europe and MENA region. We hope to participate next year with an even bigger presence.”

Marc Borlinghaus, Business Development Manager at Arwani Trading Company, added: “Arwani Trading is one of the oldest companies in the UAE, and we have been at Automechanika Dubai since the very first show 12 years ago.  The event is very important for us to access markets outside of the UAE. Just two weeks ago we completed a project with Volkswagen of Nigeria which came about directly through Automechanika Dubai. These types of contracts and business deals are done as a result of exhibiting at the show.“

Automechanika Dubai featured the following key focus areas: parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management, tyres & batteries, and the latest automobile services.

The two-day Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars and workshops given by leading experts and prominent industry figures., continued to be extremely popular, with a large number of trade visitors, industry professionals and government representatives attending the informative sessions.