Auto accessories show from March 28

International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of Automotive Aftermarket Middle East 2004 (AAME)

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Tue 16 Mar 2004, 12:31 PM

Last updated: Tue 15 Nov 2022, 10:44 AM

The regions international trade show for vehicle parts, accessories, tyres, batteries and garage equipment has declared that there will be no leniency for companies exhibiting fake parts at the show.

If any exhibitor is found displaying fake parts, strong action will be taken, including the shutting down of the stand and black listing the exhibitor. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, president of the Falaknaz Group, IEC's parent company, said :"As an integral part of the Middle East automotive aftermarket sector we have a duty to support, in the strongest possible way, industry efforts to eradicate this unscrupulous trade. With over $100 million lost every year to counterfeiters in the region, drastic steps are needed to help combat this threat.''

The exhibition will be held from March 28 to 30 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and will fulfill the demands of the latest spare parts, components and accessories in this region increased by highest ownership of vehicles as well as heightened customer expectation and competition.

According to the Automotive Brand Protection Coalition Middle East, it is estimated that up to 30 per cent of all garages/outlets could be selling fake parts in the UAE.

Alyson Coady, spokesperson for the Coalition, said: "There are two main areas we are looking at concentrating on regarding this, government support and public awareness. Public awareness is the key objective at the moment as we are trying to educate people that the cheapest deal is not always the best deal. We also have a website in development that will be an information portal with links to recommended dealers, tips on how to recognise fake parts and links to other customer awareness organisations.'' He added, "We are working with government officials by offering training to identify fake parts as they arrive in the Middle East, and by advising them on new developments and new techniques employed by counterfeiters.''

This year's event will give visitors access to 180 companies displaying the latest products, technology and services in the automotive aftermarket industry and will also give them an opportunity to attend industry focussed seminars that will highlight the market trends and the growth opportunities in the sector.