Automechanika Gulf 2004 establishes itself as regional platform for automotive aftermarket trade between Europe, the Middle East and Asia

After a very successful debut in 2003, Michael Dehn, Project Manager Automechanika Gulf, expects this years' show to be the hotspot for trade visitors who want to experience the most important brands and products in this sector.

Over 300 international exhibitors, including global players such as AC Delco, Bosch, Dana, Ford and Goodyear, will showcase their latest products, trends and innovations on around 4,000 sqm. 20 percent of last years' attendees were re-exporters and wholesalers; this emphasises the shows' worldwide importance as a platform for the trade between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Above all, the leading international Associations are recommending Automechanika Gulf to their members.

The show will be opened for trade visitors only and features four product groups:
• spare parts & components: vehicle parts and components of the drive, chassis, body, electrics and electronics groups for automotive aftermarkets
• accessories & tuning: vehicle accessories, special equipment, tuning, performance systems, design refinement
• repair & automotive services: equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, garage building and management, refuelling and care, disposal and recycling
• other aftermarket services and products

The latest official figures state a total number of 5,840,702 vehicles in the GCC States (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Qatar). Thereof, 1,367,858 vehicles accounted for the UAE with a rising average rate of about 10 percent. The vehicles on the road in the Arabian Gulf are mainly Japanese (66 percent), followed by European with 23 percent, USA with 6.5 percent and 4.5 percent from other countries. Parallel to the development of the automotive sector, the aftermarket takes a similar road in the Gulf States.

Taking a look at the Iraqi development, a huge demand for used cars is recognised by international market research institutes, being predominantly accommodated through the ports of Dubai. Especially low priced used German or American cars attract Iraqi buyers, paving the way for a parallel increase of related spare parts and garage equipment sales. New car sales are also picking up, at present with the biggest share in large SUV's.

Auto parts are consistently listed as one of the top ten re-export commodities from Dubai. Around 65 percent of the imported goods (spare parts, accessories) are being re-exported to other Middle East countries, to Africa and the countries of the former Soviet Union. The automotive accessories re-export trade is growing at just under 20 percent per year. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman are amongst the most important trade partners. Eastern African states such as Kenya and Sudan have strong trade relations to Dubai.

Automechanika Gulf 2004 will be supported by AAIA American Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (USA), ACME Automotive Brand Protection Coalition Middle East (Dubai), ASA Federal Association of the Manufactures and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment (Germany), EGEA European Garage Equipment Association (Belgium), NAAMSA National Association of Automobile Manufactures of South Africa, SERNAUTO Spanish Automotive Equipment and Components Manufacturers Association (Spain), SMMT The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (UK), and ZDK German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs (Germany).