Singapore targets USD18 billion Middle East automotive aftermarket in a big way

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'113084';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[];

This year, 12 companies from Singapore will be taking part in Automobile Aftermarket Middle East (AAME). This is the first time such a large group from the city-state is participating in the event.

Singapore Information Services Pte Ltd (INSIS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of IE Singapore, will be leading the companies to the event. This is in line with its mission, which is to heighten the profile of the Singapore business community internationally through various media and channels.

Last year, MarkoTack was the only company from Singapore to take part in AAME 2006. The company closed a US$100,000 deal on the very first day of the exhibition. It is therefore not surprising that MarkoTack has chosen to take part in the exhibition again this year.

More Singapore companies are participating in AAME 2007 as there is a growing demand in the Middle East for vehicle spare parts and accessories. Singapore already enjoys a strong position both in the automotive and the aftermarket component sector due to its expertise in value-added electronics. In addition to being the international headquarters for many automotive companies like Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Senso, Bosch, etc, Singapore is also a manufacturing base of automobile components for renowned companies like Delphi, Sanden and Takata. Companies like Siemens VDO, Delphi and Navman also make use of Singapore as one of their key global research and development nodes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President, International Expo-Consults, which organizes the show, said: 'This year, the number of exhibitors has gone up. The increase in participation just goes to show the growing interest Dubai is attracting as the hub of Middle East automobile aftermarket industry.'

He added that exhibitions like AAME will become increasingly important for countries like Singapore as businesses in the United Arab Emirates can use Singapore as a springboard to make inroads into other parts of Asia, which is one of the fastest emerging markets for automotive parts with the number of new vehicle registrations growing by over 25 percent a year.'

International vendors from across 15 countries are expected to showcase their latest products, designs and ideas during AAME, which will be held from March 12 to 14, 2007 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibitors include industry leaders dealing in automobile parts, accessories, repairs and maintenance, garage equipment, tyres, batteries and performance systems etc.