Indian autoparts makers eye Mid East market

This year's Indian pavilion, which will house at least 10 companies, will take up more than 100 square metres an increase of 10% on last year.

Figures from ACMA, India's Automotive Component Manufacturers Association show that automotive component production has risen from less than US$2 billion in 1995 to more than US$ 4billion last year, with 10% of production exported globally.

At AAME first time exhibitor Goetze Limited, which makes shock absorbers, piston rings, front forks for two-wheel vehicles and other light alloy products will be looking to appoint local and regional dealers.

Mohan Narayan, Goetze Vice President said: 'Having won numerous best vendor awards for our products, we feel confident that now is a good time to move into the Middle East. We are looking to increase our regional product visibility by attending AAME, and expect business to grow as regional economies continue to become stronger.'

Suspension components manufacturer GS Auto, also attending AAME for the first time, hopes to open a regional sales office as a result of the show.

Commercial Director, Surinder Singh Ryait, said he sees Dubai as the regional hub of the automotive industry. 'We are an ISO-certified company, established in 1938, with a vast network across India comprising more than 500 dealers. We are very much geared towards becoming a world-class company, implementing the concepts of total product maintenance, total quality management and lean manufacturing.

'We hope that in opening an office in Dubai, our business potential will be realised.'

In addition to India, five other countries will have national or industry pavilions at AAME 2003, which will be held from March 25 - 27. They are Australia, China, Pakistan, Taiwan and, for the first time Turkey.

Organiser International Expo-Consults (IEC) reports that more than 200 companies from more than 30 countries across North and South America, Europe, the Middle and Far East and Australasia will exhibit at AAME has doubled in size to 3,000 square metres.

'The region has had trading relationships since time immemorial with India, so it is fitting that there is a large Indian presence at AAME 2003. The GCC spare parts market is now worth in excess of US$11 billion, making it highly attractive to international manufacturers and suppliers,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.