A total of 2,017 exhibitors from 58 countries are participating at the ongoing Automechanika Dubai 2016, the region’s largest automotive aftermarket exhibition, marking a 7 per cent increase over the previous edition in 2015.

The event which kicked off today (May 8) will run until May 10, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in Dubai, UAE.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The solid growth in exhibitors has underlined the positive sentiment in the Middle East spare parts market that, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S), was valued at $12.98 billion in 2015, and is estimated to grow six per cent annually to reach $17.27 billion by 2020, said a statement.

Middle East vehicle sales are also set to rise, from 3.2 million in 2015 to 4.4 million in 2020 according to F&S, bringing the total car tally on regional roads to 44.5 million, up from 34.8 million in 2015, it added.

The combined growth of car sales and spare parts demand has attracted the attention of the world’s leading aftermarket brands at the exhibition, as they showcase their latest wares and innovations to an expected audience of more than 30,000 trade buyers from 135 countries, it said.

The event covers six core product groups which include parts and components; electronics and systems; repair and maintenance; tyres and batteries; accessories and tuning; and service station and car wash.

With 90 per cent of the exhibitors based outside of the UAE, the event is also the most internationally representative in its 14-year history, highlighted by 25 country pavilions, including debut pavilions from Japan, Peru, the Netherlands, and Iran.

Spearheading the international exhibitor charge are country pavilions from Gemany and Italy, with 103 and 78 exhibitors respectively, US (58 exhibitors), Brazil (25 exhibitors), Korea (88 exhibitors), Turkey (75 exhibitors), South Africa (16 exhibitors) and Japan (11 exhibitors).

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of the show’s organiser, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The event is accustomed to setting new records every year, and 2016 is no different.”

“In its 14th edition this year, Automechanika Dubai has passed the 2,000 exhibitor mark for the first time. Compare that to the 119 exhibitors at the inaugural show in 2003, and it’s clear we’ve come a long way,” he said.

“What sets Automechanika Dubai apart is that it serves as a crucial knowledge platform to analyse industry trends, opportunities, and fresh perspectives, view the latest products available in the market, connect with existing contacts, and of course, seek new business partners,” Pauwels added. – TradeArabia News Service