Dubai’s automotive re-export market registered solid growth with the total direct trade hitting $2.4 billion in the first half of the year. The spare parts and accessories represent 52 per cent of Dubai's auto import and re-export market, said an expert.

The emirate's direct trade in automotive parts and accessories industry remained robust with the 2009 first half results on par with the 2007 figures, said an expert.

In 2008, Japan registered as the largest importer for Dubai with Iran proving to be one of the key destinations for re-exports.

The re-export mainly features countries from the Middle East and Africa region, said Michael Dehn, Group Exhibitions director, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Automechanika Middle East, the region’s leading trade fair for the automotive aftermarket sector.

“These latest figures from DP World Statistics Department for the first half of the year just past bring welcome news to the industry and are testament to the fact that the sector remains robust,” Dehn added.

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, senior show manager, Automechanika Middle East, said: 'General consensus is that figures from second half of 2009, which will be revealed at our show in May, will be even stronger.'

'This builds confidence that the automotive aftermarket remains in high stead for 2010 and beyond. We are excited about the 8th edition of Automechanika, which has already attracted key industry figures and expectations are high for a high quality and successful event,' Bilikozen added.-TradeArabia News Service