BIMS 08 attracts leading German and Austrian companies

AC Schnitzer Automobile Technik, BRABUS GmbH, HAMANN-Motorsport GmbH, Lorinser Sports Service, TECHART and Wiesmann Roadster have confirmed their participation at BIMS, scheduled to take place 4th to 7th October 2008 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIEC).

Lars Crone, Team Manager - Messe Essen GmbH, the joint venture partner of Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) for BIMS, has confirmed the participation of the leading German companies in the October motor show. 'BIMS is the ideal platform for European exhibitors to penetrate the neighbouring Saudi Arabian and Qatari markets.'

'I met with Mr. Lorinser, Owner and CEO of Lorinser, Mercedes-Benz; Mr. Buschmann Owner and CEO of Brabus, Mercedes-Benz; Mr. Hamann, Owner and CEO of Hamann, Ferrari and Porsche; Mr. Behringer, Owner and CEO of TECHART, Porsche; Mr. Koch, Owner and CEO of AC Schnitzer, BMW; and Mr. Wiesmann, Owner and CEO of Wiesmann Roadster to discuss their participation at BIMS,' says Mr. Crone. 'All of them are willing to come in a joint German Pavilion for exclusive, prestige cars.'

According to Mr. Crone, the German tuning companies are keen to build new opportunities with Bahrain where the Government and local networks have affirmed their full backing for BIMS.

'They are looking forward to working with the mother brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Ferrari as their local dealerships and supply industries have already expressed support for the event. They are also keen to explore additional business opportunities with the local Bahraini dealers.'

Pankl Racing Systems AG, an Austrian company that develops, produces and distributes engine systems, drive systems and chassis components for motor racing, high performance cars and aerospace, has also been contracted to exhibit at BIMS 08.

Pankl Racing Systems is a global group employing more than 800 persons.

Its facilities in Austria, UK, USA, Slovakia and Japan serve these niche markets with high grade, innovative, ultra lightweight components designed to withstand extreme mechanical stress.

Messe Essen, the owner and producer of the Essen motor Show, now on its 41st year, has a proven track record for organising crowd-drawing, automotive fairs that set standards.

BIMS is the maiden joint venture event of Messe Essen GmbH, owner and producer of the internationally-recognised Essen Motor Show, and Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA).

BECA functions under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Hasan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce. BIMS is being organised with the support of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and Gulf Air.

World-class

'We are proud to partner with BECA in hosting this world-class, annual event in Bahrain,' affirms Mr. Crone. 'The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and the opening of high-performance sports car maker RUF GmbH of the first ever automobile manufacturing and assembly facility in the Arab world in Sakhir last year have given the Kingdom a competitive advantage over its neighbours.'

AC Schnitzer Automobile Technik, one of the largest, most renowned vehicle customisers worldwide for the BMW brand, also delivers high-value tuning for the Mini and Land Rover brands.

Backed by 30 years of experience in engine construction and various world records to show for it, BRABUS GmbH is a well-known brand for the tuning of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

HAMANN-Motorsport GmbH specialises in personalising BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini vehicles, whilst Lorinser Sports Service has three decades of experience tuning Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

TECHART manufactures handcrafted and bespoke Porsche vehicles and Wiesmann Roadster fits BMW engines and high-quality German driving technology components into their self-designed sports cars.

BIMS is a business-to-business and business-to-consumer event envisaged to become the region's annual major meeting point for leading car and truck manufacturers, agents and show goers. Enthusiasts, media and industry insiders are in for an exciting, three-day programme featuring interactive activities that will complement the displays of new production vehicles, classic cars, thought-provoking concepts and the most environmentally-conscious machines. Side events will also be held at the BIC.