Knowledge skills in spotlight at auto aftermarket show

With more than 650 exhibitors taking part from 40 countries, the stage is set for a truly huge event.

But Automechanika is more than just a trade show; it's part of an international circuit of auto events organised by Messe Frankfurt. They have used their global reach to produce an information-packed seminar programme under the Automechanika Academy brand.

The Academy has become synonymous with market information and industry networking. Experts from the automotive aftermarket address the economic, technical and scientific issues associated with the automotive industry. Attending the various sessions is free of charge.

One of the specialist contributions will be made by Roland Vogt of Fleet Company GmbH in Munich. He will share some unique experiences based upon managing a fleet of 26,000 vehicles. Fleet management is fast emerging category in the region, within both the public transport and private vehicle sectors.

The latest trends in import and export volumes and values will be presented by Adel Al Ashram, Senior Manager for Statistics of the Dubai's Ports, Customs & Freezone Corp. These figures will be revealed for the first time at Automechanika Academy.

Gene Williams of Auto Strategies International in the USA brings a wealth of knowledge to share with the trade focusing on the business side of the vehicle market. As in any business, numbers count. What are the origin countries for parallel imports to the GCC? What are the destinations of re-exported motor vehicles from the GCC? Williams will shed some light on these issues providing delegates with the inside track on this often business.

The subject of dynamometer will be presented by Thomas Schulz of Germany. Dynamometer, or 'dyno' for short, is a device used to measure RPM and torque from which power produced by an engine or other rotating device can be calculated.
Looking more specifically at the repair shop sector, Peter Rehberg of ASANetwork will also offer his views on a successful business formula.

Automechanika Academy will also present a valuable contribution from Dubai Municipality on the theme of re-cycling tyres, 'Turning Used Tyre Waste into Gold'. With so many new cars and trucks plying the roads of the UAE, having a strategy in place to manage the disposal of used tyres is essential. The specialist from the Municipality, Saleh Salem Alqaiwani, will explain their plans to deal with this important subject.