Automotive Aftermarkets Middle East clocks in USD 78 million in sales contracts

The recently concluded event closed its 10th Anniversary Edition with a grand showing and its best to date. Records for both sales agreements and visitor attendance were attained as the Exhibition raced towards the finish line on a successful and rewarding note for several participants.

An exceptional number of 5,157 trade visitors from over 45 countries cruised through this landmark Exhibition which was flagged off by Juma Al Majid-A leading light in the automotive field and the Founder & Chairman of Juma Al Majid Group. Record deals worth over US $ 78 million were finalized within the duration of the show and many more were to be negotiated in the aftermath of the event.

The Exhibition organized by International Expo-Consults (IEC), has once again re-established itself as a premier tradeshow for the Automotive Aftermarkets sector that include spare parts, garage equipment, tyres, motorcycles, batteries and related accessories for the burgeoning Middle East markets and the sprawling African continent. This largely B2B show attracted over 200 participating companies including national pavilions from China, Taiwan, Turkey & individual companies from more than 14 countries.

In his closing remarks, a very pleased Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, International Expo Consults expressed his delight at the very positive outcome of the show in many respects. 'The Exhibition has acquired the greatest traction on its 10th anniversary and the upbeat indicators speak for themselves. The post-event survey has revealed that the event has far exceeded the exhibitor's expectations'. With the exhibition recording a 38% increase in business volume and a 20% increase in visit turnout the organizers have every reason to feel the rush of adrenalin like a winning driver at the Grand Prix.

Feedback from the exhibitors has also been very complimentary. Norman Lamprecht from the South African Automotive Export Council expressed his delight at their participation. 'We are very impressed with the organization and quality of this event. The Exhibition is attracting very high quality serious business visitors. We have had over 200 business leads and lots of queries,' responded a satisfied Lamprecht who sees excellent potential for South African companies in these markets and hopes to be back next year with an even bigger showing.

More accolades have come from other participating companies. Another satisfied exhibitor was Jimmy Horiat, President, RJ International (BG range of products), USA who was clearly excited about his participation in the show. 'We are showcasing revolutionary products, fuel & oil derivatives which actually make engines as good as new,' claimed Horoat, enthused by his presentation. RJ has already bagged sales orders from major auto groups such as Al Naboodah (dealers for Volkswagen / Porsche / Audi), Al Habtoor (Mitsubishi, Rolls Royce) and Al Ghandi (Fiat).

The Chinese Pavilion was the star attraction at the Exhibition and was the hub of sales and visitor turnout. David Wang, the organizer at the pavilion was clearly elated with the ensuing results. 'We have far exceeded our targets both in terms of business interaction and sales turnover exceeding US $ 50 million,' declared Wang who was also buoyed with the endorsement received from visitors. He reiterated that the Chinese pavilion will increase its exhibition space at next year's event.

Similar comments have also come from a representative cross section of other companies which have stood to reap benefits as a result of their participation. Prominent among these was Pablo J. Gongora, Sales Manager, L & D Aromatics, Spain. 'We have had over 100 business visitors and hope to convert at least 20% of these into sales,' said Gongora, pleased with the quality of visitor participation. His company has achieved the sales target it had set for the Exhibition.

A local participant, Sahni of Desert Face Trading LLC, UAE also had in excess of 100 serious visitors at his stand. 'We see tremendous business potential through this show and we have already committed for next year's event,' affirmed Sahni.

Another highlight at this year's tenth anniversary celebrations of the only Automotive Postmarkets Industry exhibition of its kind in the Middle East was the support of Automotive Brand Protection Coalition ME (ABPC), the first Automotive Coalition in the world to oppose the continuing bane of fake and counterfeit products, which for several decades has dogged and taken its toll on the industry. Non-genuine, look-alike and fictitious parts have plagued the trade and not only dented but seriously questioned the credibility and sustenance of the business itself. Members mulled this issue at length and discussed ways and means to counter, control, deal and initiate punitive measures against offenders. Participants agreed that this is continuing, gnawing problem which poses a major irritant to the industry and needs to be nipped effectively and through concerted action.

The race is on and competition stiff for the enormous US $ 5 billion and rapidly expanding UAE market alone for spare parts and accessories. The growth rate is also a phenomenal 10% per annum. The exhibition provided the perfect platform for both buyers and sellers from this sector to gravitate to. This trade has enormous potential across the Middle East with its excellent road infrastructure, investment and other facilities in addition to cash-surplus customers eager to procure the best and latest in automobiles and automotive technology. This sentiment is not lost on sellers of automotive products and services, who are equally keen to derive mileage from this progressively dense market. As an observer noted 'The automotive sector is akin to the traffic conditions in the region it may be congested but there certainly is room for everyone'. Players will, in the face of competition, have to demonstrate their quality of products, their commitment to the region and be prepared for the long haul ahead.