US firm in USD250,000 Mid East breakthrough

The deal for transmission and differential parts came on the final day of a successful three-day AAME run at the Airport Expo Dubai.

The Chicago-based company targeted AAME as the right platform from which to launch its regional expansion into the spares parts' sector.

'In 20 years of of exhibiting at automotive shows this is the best initial result I have ever had,' said Nick Linville, Export Manager, Midwest. 'It confirms the Middle East has enormous potential for us to expand our worldwide network.

'I am very optimistic that we can build on this deal and develop region-wide awareness of our products. We have had a great deal of inquiries from visitors and I am sure we will convert a significant number into firm orders.'

Taiwan's Jordan Motors also saw AAME 2002 as the right business forum to launch its expansion plans with its all-new range of all wheel terrain vehicles.

Jordan, which has a 52% market share in Kuwait and also exports to Saudi Arabia, spearheaded its attack on the southern Gulf by unveiling its innovative multi-passenger Buffalo Mocar, an enclosed all terrain vehicle which is a combination of a motor cycle and a car.

'The Mocar is a unique vehicle and we believe there is big potential throughout the Middle East, where people enjoy a good lifestyle and have money to spend on leisure products,' said Bella Chen, Marketing Associate, Jordan Motors.

'It is our first time at this show and we have been impressed by the level of interest we have received. In fact, we sold all the sample vehicles on our stand, to a UAE visitor, on the opening day.'

Jordan also introduced its gas powered Blackswan moped to the region at AAME 2002. 'We see a big market for gas powered vehicles in the sub continent and in countries which have strict environmental regulations,' said Chen.

Turkey's Segar, a leading producer of electromagnetic and air horns, sees Dubai as the ideal window to the region's lucrative re-export market.

'Dubai is the hub of re-export business in the Middle East. We believe there is potential to develop regional business worth US$ 1 million annually,' said Mujdat Yesildag of Segar.

To kickstart its Gulf expansion, Segar launched two new products at the exhibition, its lightweight 55B Mini Disc Horn, designed for motorcycles, and its compact 65B Mini Shell Horn, targeted at European made cars.

Organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), AAME 2002 featured 130 exhibitors from 19 countries. It included six national or industry pavilions from Australia, India, Italy and for the first time Brazil, China and Taiwan.

'The Middle East is a strategic market for Brazil and there is a lot of potential for Brazilian companies to increase exports to the region,' said Carla Tanos Abou Nabhan, of the Abu Dhabi based Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

'Globalisation means that Brazilian companies must seek new markets if they are to continue to grow. Our products can compete, on quality, with the best in the world.

'Brazil is a great buyer of Arab products and we want to expand our bilateral commercial relationship by giving support to the automotive sector, since there are a great many Brazilian vehicles operating in the Middle East,' said Nabhan.

Brazil's participation at AAME 2002 was also supported by SINDIPECAS, the National Association of Automotive Components anufacturers that represents 500 associated companies with revenues of US$ 12 billion, and Brazil's Embassy in the UAE.

AAME is set for further expansion with IEC revealing the exhibition will double in size for 2003.

'We already have commitments for three new national pavilions from the UK, the US and Germany and we will be targeting manufacturers agents in the UAE to ensure greater local participation next year,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC.