Turkey's autopart sector targets Mid East in USD10 billion export drive

The assault on the region's expanding component and accessories aftermarket is being spearheaded by the country's largest ever national pavilion at Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME) - the region's premier international trade show for automobile parts, accessories, tyres, batteries and garage equipment - which runs at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) until Tuesday.

Turkey's pavilion at AAME 2004, which is organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), has seen a 50% increase in the number of participants, a move the country's Export Promotion Bureau, ULUDAG, says reflects the rapid growth in its own automotive aftermarket segment.

'Turkey's automotive and auto parts industry exports are increasing steadily year by year. In 2003, the export value of spare parts and accessories was US $2.4 billion, a 26% increase from 2002,' said M. Erkut Ozerman, Chairman of the Board, ULUDAG Automotive and Sub-Industry Exporters Union.

Based on the overwhelming response this year, Turkey will return to AAME next year with a 50% increase in exhibitor numbers making it the country's largest pavilion to date.

'If you look at just the UAE market, there has been a 150% increase in Turkish exports since 2002. We grossed over US $30 million here last year,' said Ozerman.

After textiles, the automotive sector is Turkey's second largest manufacturing industry, employing more than 500,000 people. Over 3,500 small and medium size companies provide components for many of the world's leading car manufacturers, including General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Fiat, Opel, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen.

'In the near future, Turkey will be the world's 'alternative production centre of vehicles and parts', and the automotive sector will become one of the leading sectors of the manufacturing industry,' said Ozerman.

'Toyota has just opened a manufacturing plant in Turkey, meaning that all Corolla models for worldwide distribution will be produced there. Ford Motor Company is also set to produce all its light commercial transit vehicles solely in Turkey. It is a real shot in the arm for the market.'

AAME 2004 is the biggest in its nine year history and has graduated into two halls. Housing over 200 companies from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Far East and Australasia, AAME 2004 mirrors the growth of the Middle East Automotive Aftermarket industry.

'The development of the regional trade, which is now achieving an average of 6% growth annually, is one of the highest in the world,' said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President, IEC.

'With the Middle East aftermarket sector worth in excess of $11 billion, we are continuously striving to offer our exhibitors the best possible chance to secure a market share.

'The event gives visitors direct access to local and international companies displaying the latest products, technology and services in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry. It gives them an opportunity to attend industry focussed seminars that highlight the market trends and the growth opportunities in the sector.'

With a visitor footprint taking in the entire Middle East and North Africa, the show serves an industry where demand for the latest spare parts, components and accessories is being fuelled by one of the world's highest ownership of vehicles, as well as heightened customer expectation and competition.