Automechanika Dubai to reflect increasing international interest in regional aftermarket

Countries of the GCC are becoming increasingly attractive markets for the automobile industry, thanks to sustained eco-nomic growth rates and continued government-driven investment on transport and logistics infrastructure.

According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, vehicle sales in the GCC countries are set on a high growth path. Sales of cars and pickups are estimated to record a CAGR of 5.9% in the period 2012-2017 to reach 1.66 million units. Trucks and buses sales are set to rise at 8.7% annually over the same period to reach 155 thousand units.*

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest markets in the GCC in terms of vehicles on the road. According to Frost & Sulli-van, the total number of registered cars and pickups in the GCC is expected to record a CAGR of 6.3% in 2012-2017 to total 16.36 million units in 2017. Over the same period the number of trucks and buses on the road is expected to reach 1.42 million in 2017 recording a CAGR of 6.9% in 2012-2017.

As more and more personal and commercial vehicles in the region and a large amount are re-exported to other countries, this increase will also positively impact the automotive aftermarket, driving up demand for auto components and services.

Automechanika Dubai 2014, the largest international trade and networking event for the automotive aftermarket serving the wider Middle East, will reflect this increasing interest in the region, with organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt, expecting a record turnout from international exhibitors at this year’s edition .

Spotlighting innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management, tyres & batteries, and the latest automobile services, Automechanika Dubai is part of the global Automechanika family of events.

 A wide range of leading international manufacturers and suppliers of auto parts, tyres, batteries, auto products and ser-vices will showcase their latest product lines and technological innovations in a bid for a slice of the growing market.

“As the GCC automobile market continues to grow consequently pushing up demand for automotive components and services, Automechanika Dubai is witnessing a corresponding increase in interest from leading international aftermarket players,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “Being situated at the heart of the thriving import and re-export trade in the region, Automechanika Dubai attracts a majority of the major industry stakeholders and presents unmatched opportunities for business development, product sourcing and networking for both exhibitors and trade buyers.”

The exhibition and conference attracted more than 24,000 trade visitors and buyers last year and featured 1,481 exhibitors. Reputed for being a highly-effective business networking and facilitating platform for the region, Automechanika Dubai has witnessed a wide range of international brands making a large number of influential deals and tie-ups across the region.

Automechanika Dubai 2014 will also feature the popular Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars and workshops given by leading experts and prominent industry figures. These seminars will focus on key issues that affect the automotive aftermarket.