New record set with trade visitors crossing 30,000-mark
The unrelenting momentum of Automechanika Dubai continues to gather pace with no signs of slowing down, as visitors to the three-day event passed the 30,000 mark for the first time in its illustrious 13 year history.
A total of 30,835 trade buyers from 130 countries passed through the 2015 edition of the Middle East and Africa’s largest automotive aftermarket trade fair, a seven per cent increase over the previous year, according to organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
With 1,889 exhibitors from 59 countries occupying 17 per cent more space than in 2014, Automechanika Dubai 2015 concluded on 4 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with more international and local representation than ever before.
The increasing global interest in the wider region’s automotive aftermarket also comes as Dubai Customs released figures showing Dubai’s trade for auto parts and accessories was valued at US$ 12 billion in 2014, 10 per cent more than in 2013.
That figure includes imports of auto parts, accessories, tyres, and engine components worth US$ 7 billion last year, while exports and re-exports were worth US$ 5 billion, reinforcing Dubai’s premier status as a major liaison between Asian, European and North American manufacturing countries and consuming regional markets.
Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The double-digit growth of Dubai’s auto parts trade underlines the Emirate’s important role as a key gateway to emerging markets throughout the world.”
“This growth goes hand-in-hand with Automechanika Dubai, which is the wider region’s only dedicated trade platform where the entire global automotive aftermarket community converges for three busy days to expand their presence and business networks not only in the Middle East and Africa, but also the subcontinent and CIS.”
New product launches, partnerships, distribution agreements, and manufacturing facility announcements by leading global majors and local players alike were the norm at Automechanika Dubai 2015.
Automechanika Dubai focuses on six product sections of Parts & Components and Systems and Electronics (1,340 exhibitors in 2015), Tyres & Batteries (190 exhibitors), Accessories & Tuning (166 exhibitors), Repair & Maintenance (109 exhibitors), and Service Station & Car Wash (84 exhibitors).
The largest section, Parts & Components and Systems & Electronics, spanned more than 41,000 sqm of exhibition space alone, and was packed with biggest names of the international automotive aftermarket.
As the dust settles on another record-breaking show, the wheels are already in motion for Automechanika Dubai 2016. The 14th edition will take place from 8-10 May 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a month earlier than its usual dates to accommodate the Holy month of Ramadan.
Media Partner: MOTORINDIA
