Industry expert to highlight future trends in Middle East automotive aftermarket sector during Automechanika exhibition

Leading experts in the automotive industry will highlight issues that concern the automotive aftermarket sector at the Autotec Automechanika Gulf exhibition, to be held from May 17 -20, 2003, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition will also showcase innovative technologies and products of leading international automotive manufacturers.

The automotive aftermarket industry is an increasingly complex and competitive business that is undergoing profound change. Improvements in new vehicle technology have lengthened repair cycles and contributed to slower growth in service repair sales. The technological sophistication of new vehicles call for the use of highly trained service technicians and other personnel.

In addition, research has shown that an alarming percentage of motorists are neglecting recommended maintenance of critical performance and safety equipment and systems. Peter Rehberg, a leading expert in the automotive industry and the head of the ASA (German Federation of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Services Equipment) will focus on 'The future of the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East,' during a presentation at Autotec Automechanika. Peter has more than 30 years of management experience in the automotive aftermarket. Pia Pacovsky, who is responsible for Brand Protection for Daimler Chrysler in the Middle East region will speak on the 'Importance of brand protection in the automotive industry: Fighting the danger of counterfeit parts."

"Everyone who uses a vehicle, from the motorist to the heavy-duty vehicle operator, benefits from the automotive aftermarket's ability to provide a huge selection of parts, tools and equipment through its network of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service technicians. Autotec Automechanika aims to bring together all of these people under one roof to network effectively and also gain an insight into the working of the industry from automotive experts and technology leaders in the industry," said Michael El Nayal, Managing Partner, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the organisers of Autotec Automechanika in the region.

Exhibitors from all over the world representing more than 20 countries will be part of Automechanika. Raytek GmbH, a leading worldwide provider of non-contact infrared temperature measurement solutions will display its handheld point-shoot-and-read thermometers designed specially for vehicle inspection and maintenance; which quickly measure the temperature of hot/cold, hard-to-reach and moving targets from a safe distance.

Al Qubtan Trading Co., which is based in UAE and a part of the Kargroup based in Germany, will participate with Behr Gmbh & Co. KG, Germany in the German Pavilion at Autotec Authomechanika. Behr Gmbh specializes in environmentally compatible vehicles air-conditioning, engine cooling and thermostatic control devices. It is one of the leading original equipment manufactures for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and special vehicles (including the aircraft, ships and rail vehicles).

The global market leader in design, manufacturing and distribution of tyre inflation and gauging equipment, Pneumatic Components Limited ("PCL") from the UK, will display its new range of digital tyre inflation products that have been designed for use on petrol filling station forecourts, tyre shops, garages and other specialist outlets.

Ruotecompany S.p.A. from Italy, which has a collection of over 120 different sizes of light alloy wheels, interchangeable with the original ones will also be exhibiting at Automechanika. The company is pioneering the production of a 20" reproduced wheel and three 15" wheels.

Leading UAE suppliers, on the other hand will exhibit a vast range of international products and services at Automechanika Gulf. They include Engel, who manufactures portable fridge freezers suitable for cars, boats and all indoor and outdoor conditions. Engel fridge freezers are purpose-built to withstand off road driving conditions and extremes in weather and working environments. Available in many sizes, these fridge freezers are simple and easy to operate from the car cigarette lighter. The fridge converts to a freezer at the twist of a dial.

OTAL of Dubai represents a variety of innovative and practical automotive aftermarket products that provide simple solutions to complicated and time-consuming tasks. In addition to the well known products, Freylit Carwash Water Recycling and Oil / Water Separators, OTAL are exhibiting two new products for the first time in the Gulf. Easy-balance, an absorbent balancing powder used as the easiest way to balance a truck, bus or 4x4 wheels without the use of balancing machines or lead weights and Petro-clear, fuel filters that remove particulates down to 10 microns and emulsified water.

Al Yousuf Motors, the automobiles division of Al Yousuf Group, which represents many international brands in the UAE such as General Motors, ACDelco, Daihatsu, Yamaha, Suzuki and Daewoo will also be participating in the exhibition.

Another major exhibitor will be Polimar, who represents premium brands in automotive refinishing products in the UAE and other Gulf countries and enjoys a leading position as a body and paint solutions provider in the Gulf. Their product range includes Standox vehicle refinishing systems, 3M automotive products and abrasives, Festo and Rupes power tools, Trisk infrared equipment, USI Italia spraying and baking booths, Car-o-liner collision repair and welding systems.

Serious car lovers, who own a large collection of expensive collectable cars will be offered the very best solutions in car care and detailing - polishing, interior cleaning and rust proofing from Sara Auto Care. The company offers a host of very high quality accessories such as Central Tyre Inflation Systems, Kleen wheels, lights from Lightforce-Australia and Golight-USA, Centramatics automatic wheel balancing, Allied Beadock wheels and racing wheels-USA, neon lights and Classic car and bike tyres.