US Autoparts makes turn to Mid East as home market saturates

For the first time 27 US-based vehicle component and accessory companies will be represented at the show, to be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) from May 6-8, via a catalogue event put together by the Commercial Section of the US Consulate in Dubai.

Although the Commercial Service backing falls short of official certification by the US Department of Commerce, it is nevertheless a major boost for AAME's organiser, International Expo-Consults (IEC).

'The automotive parts manufacturing market in America and Canada is virtually saturated and has limited future home growth,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.

'With little domestic market share to compete for, and competition and price pressures increasing daily, US-based automotive aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers are recognising that now is the time to take their business global.

'The Middle East is particularly attractive because it has one of the world's highest per capita levels of car ownership, with almost one-in-five vehicles imported from the US. In addition, the total spare parts market is worth in excess of US $11 billion, with re-exports from Dubai alone valued at between US $1 and $1.5 billion annually.'

AAME 2003, that will be held for the first time at the DIEC, will feature over 150 companies from across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Far East and Australasia.

According to Falaknaz, the vertical trade show will not only reflect the on-going need for mechanical products, including non-electric/electronic engine hard parts and chassis, drive train and suspension parts and components, but also the developing trend for new technologies and improved electronic systems.

'Industry experts forecast that over the next five years the electronic parts and components sector will witness strong growth, a direct result of the automobile's continued transformation from a mechanical machine with electronic enhancements into a software driven device,' said Falaknaz.

'AAME will provide exhibitors with a platform to demonstrate the latest technological advances as well an opportunity to network with the region's principal suppliers and distributors.'