Growth in automotive aftermarket guarantees continued success for Automechanika Gulf

His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is monitoring all projects and has given instructions to speed up all road work related developments, easing traffic and improving public transport. 'People will detect a visible difference in Dubai's roads and transport within two years,' said Mattar Mohammad Al Tayer, Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority. Growth in traffic denotes that the automotive aftermarket is growing at a phenomenal rate, which is mirrored through the success of Automechanika Gulf, which is set to take place on May 28th - 30th Dubai World Trade Centre.

Imports and re-exports within the UAE continue to accelerate. Between 2003 and 2004 the annual growth of re-exports increased by 29%. Out of the 10 re-export destinations, which mostly export oil, Iran is the largest re-export destination. In 2004 the 2nd biggest growth in re-exports was noted in the vehicles sector and this accounted for 10.3% of total re-exports. This represents a growth rate at 50.5% amounting to a total of US$1.7 billion.

Imports have almost doubled within four years, which works out at an average growth rate of 19%. Between 2003 and 2004 total imports within Abu Dhabi and Dubai alone increased by 27.2%, 13.6% of this was based on importing transport vehicles. The continuous growth has a notable effect on the regions economy and creates employment possibilities.

All fundamental reasons, which support the growth of a leading exhibition such as Automechanika Gulf which attracted in excess of 450 exhibitors from 37 countries at the event in 2005.

Almuteena General Trading LLC, established in 1994 has grown to represent the future in aftermarket engine components and have become comparable to some of the world's leading brands. Almuteena have developed, and continue to retain a strong presence in their field within the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Mr. Pooria Dideban, Managing Director says,' Automechanika is the best show within the Middle East for aftermarket and engine components'.

Arwani Trading Company based in Dubai was established over 20 years ago; through their experience in this field they have acquired a diverse portfolio. At this year's show they will be exhibiting a range of garage equipment, including automotive lifts, wheel balancers, wheel alignment and trolley jacks.

UAE based Sedana, who have been established since the mid seventies, supply and service equipment and tools related to maintenance for the automotive industry. They have a range of lifts which include electric hydraulic 2 and 4 post lifts; tyre service equipment including wheel alignment units, car and truck tyre changers; workshop equipment with garage cranes, trolley and gear jacks.

Diesel Technic, a first time exhibitor at Automechanika, is one of the world's largest full range suppliers of commercial vehicle spare parts in the automotive aftermarket.

Established in 1972 in Sulingen, the company began selling spare parts for diesel injection units. Over the past 30 years the company has successfully expanded, supplying spare parts for established European manufactures Scania, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, DAF and MAN.

Another first time exhibitor from Germany are Contitech renowned for developing, manufacturing and supplying power transmission belts, padding belts, air spring systems and vibration control. Contitech is now a worldwide contender within this field.

Automechanika Gulf is part of a series of trade fairs that take place in Germany, Argentina, China, Turkey, Mexico, Russia and Thailand, all being very successful shows. Automechanika Gulf itself, attracted in excess of 7000 visitors from 76 countries, making this event the largest spare parts and equipment trade fair within the wider Middle East and Africa.

Every aspect of the automotive aftermarket industry was covered at the event from motor parts, repair equipment, accessories, security and in-car entertainment units, tuning and body styling. According to Michael Dehn, Exhibition Manager 'Automechanika Gulf works extremely well in Dubai, which is recognized as an established trading point. It is the perfect hub for imports and re-exports, and the enthusiasm for cars within the Gulf region is phenomenal, creating great business opportunities for those involved. This year's show is guaranteed to host the international leaders within the industry.'