Middle East spare parts trade rides a high

Dubai - Leading brands head to Automechanika Dubai where exhibitors increase 7%

Automechanika Dubai 2016 opened doors on Sunday amid a healthy outlook for the Middle East's auto spare parts and service industry.
The growth in exhibitors has underlined the positive sentiment in the Middle East spare parts market that, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S), was valued at $12.98 billion in 2015 and is estimated to grow six per cent annually to reach $17.27 billion by 2020.

That comes as Middle East vehicle sales are set to rise from 3.2 million in 2015 to 4.4 million in 2020, according to F&S, bringing the total car tally on regional roads to 44.5 million, up from 34.8 million in 2015.

The three-day exhibition was inaugurated by Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre featured 2,017 exhibitors from 58 countries, showing a seven per cent increase on the previous edition in 2015.

Spanning 15 halls, Automechanika Dubai covers six product groups of parts and components; electronics and systems; repair and maintenance; tyres and batteries; accessories and tuning; and service station and car wash.

The combined growth of car sales and spare parts demand has attracted the attention of the world's leading aftermarket brands at Automechanika Dubai 2016, as they showcase their latest wares and innovations to an expected audience of more than 30,000 trade buyers from 135 countries.

"Automechanika Dubai is accustomed to setting new records every year, and 2016 is no different," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of the show's organiser, Messe Frankfurt Middle East. "In its 14th edition this year, Automechanika Dubai has passed the 2,000 exhibitor mark for the first time. Compare that to the 119 exhibitors at the inaugural show in 2003, and it's clear we've come a long way."

"What sets Automechanika Dubai apart is that it serves as a crucial knowledge platform to analyse industry trends, opportunities and fresh perspectives, view the latest products available in the market, connect with existing contacts and seek new business partners," Pauwels added.

With 90 per cent of the exhibitors based outside of the UAE, Automechanika Dubai 2016 is also the most internationally representative in its 14-year history, highlighted by 25 country pavilions, including debut pavilions from Japan, Peru, the Netherlands and Iran.

Spearheading the international exhibitor charge are country pavilions from Gemany and Italy, with 103 and 78 exhibitors respectively, US (58) Brazil (25), Korea (88), Turkey (75), South Africa (16) and Japan (11).

Ioannis Vrantzoglou, managing director of Shaeffler Middle East, said: "Schaeffler is taking part at Automechanika Dubai to gain new deals, meet new customers and boost our sales activities within the Middle East and Africa. We are operating in a huge, emerging market that's not yet saturated, with a lot of potential and opportunities. Under a normal and steady political situation, the growth is expected to continue."

Automechanika Dubai returns with the Truck Competence Initiative in 2016, highlighting more than 1,000 exhibitors that service the truck and commercial vehicle segment, from truck parts, systems and electronics, to workshop equipment, body repair and care.

Also returning is the Automechanika Academy on Monday, where a line-up of experts and thought leaders will share their insights on the most important aspects of the regional spare parts and maintenance market. Three network events covering Saudi Arabia, Iran and Africa will also focus on doing business in three of the most exciting markets for the global auto aftermarket community.

- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com