Automechanika Gulf '05, biggest automotive parts event ever

It also offers countless other opportunities, especially as the Emirates acts as a major hub for a healthy re-export business.

Global trade fair gurus, Messe Frankfurt, recognised these dynamics some years ago and recently launched their international automotive after market, spare parts and accessories exhibition, Automechanika. This May sees the third successful edition of the show at Dubai World Trade Centre, which is already 95% sold.
The Automechanika brand represents a specialist series of trade fairs that take place in Germany, China, Turkey, South America & Russia. These credentials have facilitated the Gulf event's rapid growth which is already double the size of last year's show.

According to Michael Dehn, Automechanika Gulf's exhibition manager, the reasons for the show's popularity are as a consequence of strong international business and an increasing trend to maintain vehicles. He said "the UAE is a great market for us as it combines car-mad enthusiasts with serious business opportunities, fleet operators and traders. This spells out a great opportunity for suppliers to the maintenance, retailing and body care sector."

Testament to this claim are the 450 exhibitors set to join the Gulf's ultimate show for all things automotive. Around 30 countries will be represented including national pavilions from Germany, Turkey and Spain, with professional Association representation expected from Tunisian Export Promotion Center "CEPEX" and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).

Apart from attracting some of the world's best automotive suppliers, the Dubai edition of Automechanika has become the ultimate work shop window for trade visitors. Last year Dehn says that 5,492 attended from a massive 72 countries. He said "many of these visitors came from Africa, Iran and throughout the Middle East which serves to prove how popular the Automechanika concept is, we expect more this year."

The reasons for their visit centres not just around the wide range of suppliers on show, but also the knowledge that Automechanika prides itself on a strict policy prohibiting counterfeit products. "The Automotive Brand Protection Coalition are major supporters of the event which offers visitors the opportunity to find out more about the dangers of this illegal trade," said Dehn.

Apart from serious information, the show promises serious fun with inspirational body care specialists presenting the latest painting techniques and effects. One such exhibitor is Germany based Glasurit with their local importer Al Danawi who attended the previous show featuring a stunning wood paint finish. They'll be back this year with even more exciting examples of how workshops can customise cars for discerning clients.

First time exhibitors Al Zarouni Intl Equipment will be launching the latest technological development by German company MAHA. Suppliers of testing equipment to TASJEEL and EPPCO, Al Zarouni will be launching the first mobile testing unit. According to Mr Al Zarouni "the mobile testing unit will make its debut in the UAE at Automechanika Gulf 2005. The unit is an ordinary 20 foot container equipped with a complete testing station."

The testing unit has a professional test lane for cars, trucks and buses. "We can have the test centre set up and running within less than 15 minutes and it is even protected by a movable roof which is essential in this part of the world," added Mr Al Zarouni.