Automechanika takes an ethical stand for region's automotive trade

Set for 27 - 29 May at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition, the Gulf event now ranks as the second largest in a global chain of 15 Automechanika events. Organised by Messe Frankfurt, one of the world's top three trade fair companies, their commitment to support the purge aganst counterfeit parts is both a professional obligation and a matter of ethics.

The key message of the counterfeit story being espoused by Automechanika Middle East representatives is that there's no substitute for the real thing. Exhibition Manager, Michael Dehn, said "people need to be vigilant and disciplined about buying spare parts that conform with the original manufacturer's specifications. Because inferior quality counterfeit parts don't come with any form of warranty or guarantee, buyers are setting themselves up for constant replacements and a financial nightmare, let alone safety risks."

Speaking about the widespread prevalence of counterfeit products on the market, Dehn said, "the easy lure of counterfeit rip-off spares is that they seem a cheap option on the surface, which is why some people give in to them initially. But they need to realise that this is a false economy, comparative cost advantage is easily offset by the actual costs of their vehicles being sidelined for repairs due to faulty parts."

Arguably the most critical part of this scenario is that fake, undependable spare auto parts are potentially putting lives at risk, often leading to serious consequences, including fatal accidents. That's why Automechanika strongly urges the use of spare parts that conform to the specifications laid down by the original manufacturers and have them fitted by qualified technicians.

According to Frank Murray, a specialist in maintaining 4x4 vehicles with 26 years experience of running the UAE's formidable AAA garage, "using the right parts doesn't necessarily mean using parts branded with the vehicle manufacturers marque, but making sure that the specification conforms."

It's often worth noting that many car manufacturers outsource the production of parts and components to other producers.

Automechanika is part of an international circuit of 15 auto-aftermarket shows that take place around the world, from Frankfurt to Buenos Aries, and from Shanghai to Mexico City. The Dubai event is slated to be one of the largest, with the event now firmly recognised as an influential trade platform for the global automotive industry to do business in. As befitting its high position on the global auto trade-show circuit, Automechanika has taken important steps to ensure that all exhibitors will be displaying only genuine products at its expo.

Shedding light on the progress of the anti-counterfeit drive in the region, Automechanika officials commended the Brand Owners' Protection Group (BOPG) for their staunch help in the fight against counterfeiting. The BOPG is a Gulf-based non-profit organisation that fights illicit replication of genuine goods and helps enforce Intellectual Property Rights. Michael Dehn said "the BOPG are doing a good job in bringing about awareness about the issue, but we need to do more for the automotive sector, with stronger representation and action from the region's concerned manufacturer's", he concluded.

In 2006, Automechanika attracted more than 10,500 trade visitors from 89 countries. This year's showcase is poised to be larger and more diverse than before, and will take place from 27 - 29 May, 2007 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.