Bosch Car Service in the region set to increase from six to 20 outlets by the end of the year

The Bosch Service organisation consists of around 10,000 automotive workshops worldwide. Bosch will present it entire range of products and services at Automechanika Gulf 2004, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 23-26, 2004. Bosch will also use the show to enhance its profile as a comprehensive provider of solutions for the automotive industry and to increase Bosch brand awareness in the Middle East.

Jacek Siwinski, General Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Middle East, said: "Automechanika Gulf has proved to be a regional event with 40 per cent of the registered visitors last year coming from outside the UAE, according to statistics. We expect that the exhibition will steadily become more of a manufacturers' fair, presenting the profiles of companies like us, with the involvement of small local trading companies not so prevalent. It is encouraging that Automechanika Gulf is growing fast, from occupying one hall in 2003 to three halls this year."

"We intend to present the entire range of products and services available from Bosch Automotive Aftermarket. We offer an enormous range of products from spare parts for European, Asian and American cars and trucks, to garage equipment for sophisticated diagnosis and repair of vehicles and components. Furthermore, we offer workshop concepts that help the independent service companies to grow their businesses and deal with the latest technology," added Siwinski.

The Bosch Car Service portfolio has expanded in the region after the first such outlet was opened by Central Motors in Abu Dhabi in February last year. "Our exclusive Agents in the Gulf are Juffali Auto Parts Company in Saudi Arabia, Central Motors in the UAE, Al Qurain in Kuwait, Malatan in Oman, Nasser Bin Khaled in Qatar and Al Haddad in Bahrain. All agents will be represented at the Bosch stand at Automechanika and discussions with any potential partner can be conducted at the show," added Siwinski.

Bosch develops and sells "ESItronic" software containing the equipment and service information for more than 50,000 vehicles, making Bosch's software the most comprehensive system in the market place. Bosch also offers technical training, literature and hotline support for partners.

Bosch would also like to draw attention to the importance of using genuine and OE quality spare parts at Automechanika Gulf. "This is crucial for the safety of car drivers and passengers," said Siwinski. "Proper vehicle maintenance and fixing of genuine spare parts can reduce the number of accidents on the roads; it saves money, fuel and protects the environment."

The spare parts market in the region is valued at over US$11 billion per year and Dubai's automotive accessories re-export trade is growing at just under 20% per year. However, this healthy market is being affected by counterfeit goods on a daily basis, with over US$200 million lost every year to counterfeiters in the region.

"Bosch Automotive Aftermarket's turnover is rapidly growing in the Middle East. It increased almost 20 per cent this year to date, in comparison with last year. We project even higher growth this year as quality awareness in the region is increasing and the number of vehicles fitted with Bosch systems and components grows steadily," added Siwinski.

Globally, Bosch achieved a good growth in turnover and profits last year. The sales reached a level of 36.4 billion EURO, approx 4 per cent above the previous year. The profits went up to 1.8 billion EURO before taxes due to excellent performance in the automotive Business Sector of Bosch. Last year, Bosch invested over 2.6 billion EURO in research and development and maintained its position as the most innovative company in the automotive industry by registering 2748 patents in 2003.

Automechanika Gulf 2004 covers a range of automotive segments including vehicle parts, components for the drive, chassis body and electrics of vehicles, equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, tyres, batteries and performance systems. In 2003, the event attracted over 5,000 trade visitors, 54% of whom were either senior company directors or owners.