Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s leading international trade fair for the automotive industry targeting trade visitors from ASEAN, held during March 7-9, 2013, attracted a record number of exhibitors and visitors. The biennial show was opened by Mr. YB Dato’ Jacob Dungau Sagan, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, had a record number of 190 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions who exhibited their latest products, processes and technologies at the show.
More than 78 per cent of the exhibitors were from overseas countries and regions of Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and the US. The total number of exhibitors showed an increase of 15 per cent compared to the 2011 show. Visitors numbered nearly 4,500 with 15 per cent coming from overseas. Among the 60 visiting countries and regions, the top 10 visiting countries, excluding Malaysia, were Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore and Thailand.
Commenting on the show, Ms. Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., said: “This year’s show was the busiest ever, confirming it as one that targets the ASEAN region, and this was especially recognised by the returning pavilions from China and Singapore and the new pavilions from Europe, India and Taiwan. In addition, the support we received from different industry organisations and associations has firmly established the show as one that offers significant regional business opportunities.”
A high-quality regional event
A number of leading brand names exhibited at the show such as Beta, CMC, Corghi, Launch Tech, Mazda, Ravaglioli, Shell Helix and Stahlwille. The first time exhibitors were very happy with the results achieved at the show. For example, HTL International Pte Ltd. of Singapore wanted to create brand awareness for new and existing products, which included a 3-D alignment product from Italy.
The first day of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur marked the inaugural Malaysia Automotive Institute Aftermarket Conference with its theme “Automotive Aftermarket: Towards Sustainability Development”. The conference included topics such as ELV Program & Extended Producer Responsibility in China, the Japan Automotive Recycling System and the ECO Experience, apart from other interesting focus areas.