Buoyant auto aftermarket sets stage for record participation at Automechanika Dubai

DUBAI- The Gulf market for auto components is gearing up for double digit growth over the next three years, as global automotive majors set sights on the Middle East’s largest trade event for the automotive aftermarket in Dubai next month.

According to global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, the GCC market for auto parts, batteries, and tyres will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.9 per cent to reach US$ 13.46 billion by 2017.

More than 1,600 exhibitors from 59 countries will look to capitalise on the buoyant market at Automechanika Dubai, which takes place from 3-5 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the 2014 edition of the three-day event has grown by more than 20 per cent in size, as Dubai consolidates its position as the leading import and trans-shipment destination for auto components.

“International automotive aftermarket majors continue to target the GCC in increasing numbers, as economic growth pushes up vehicle sales, spurring demand for reliable supplies of auto parts and components,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“As the Middle East’s largest and most comprehensive trade and networking exhibition for the automotive aftermarket, Automechanika Dubai 2014 will welcome even greater numbers of leading international manufacturers and suppliers looking to increase their regional footprint.”

Now in its 12th edition, Automechanika Dubai covers a wide spectrum of products, from automotive parts, systems, bodywork & paintwork, car washing, tyres & batteries, to workshop and filling-station equipment, IT products and services, accessories and tuning.

According to the Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Tyres & Batteries have been the fastest growing category at the dedicated trade event, with Accessories & Tuning, Parts & Systems, Repairs & Maintenance and Service Stations and Car Wash also growing rapidly.

Feedback from trade buyers and exhibitors also indicates a surge of interest in truck parts and equipment, bearings, lubricants and workshop equipment at the upcoming edition.

Spreading across 12 halls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai 2014 will welcome delegations from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Making their Automechanika Dubai debut will be the Morrocan Pavilion, Swedish company SKF, Denso from Japan, Delphi from the UK, and major UAE-based players Juma Al Majid, Arabian Automobiles, and Central Trading.

Nihad Dzinalija, Regional Director of SKF Middle East, said: “To further strengthen SKF‘s position in the Middle East automotive after-market, it is important for us to participate at Automechanika Dubai.

“With our wide range of products for passenger cars, trucks and trailers, we are looking forward to engaging with customers from across the region at the upcoming exhibition.“

Salah Aldein Yousef, Department Manager of Spare Parts at Juma Al Majid, added: “Automechanika Dubai is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and pulls in the majority of regional industry stakeholders, which is why we have decided to participate. We are hoping for excellent results from the exhibition.“

Automechanika Dubai 2014 will 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.