Automechanika Dubai 2018, a top exhibition for the automotive aftermarket, came to a successful end recently, having welcomed through the gates 27,639 visitors from more than 120 countries.

The 16th edition of the annual three-day event at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre witnessed new partnerships, innovative product launches and educational conference programmes.

Trade buyers, dealers, workshop owners, and industry professionals were treated to a wide range of products, solutions and services presented by 1,812 exhibitors from 61 countries, as the buzz on the show floor reflected fresh optimism that Dubai’s regional automotive aftermarket trade hub status is on an upward trend.

According to figures released at the event by Dubai Customs, Dubai imported, exported, and re-exported $10.9 billion worth of spare parts and accessories in 2017, a three per cent increase over 2016.  Dubai’s auto aftermarket trade volume also increased year-on-year, with 2.25 million tonnes of tyres, batteries, engine components and systems shipped through the Emirate in 2017, 8.4 per cent up on 2016.

“We’re very pleased with the industry response to Automechanika Dubai 2018,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East.  “Exhibitor stands have been busy throughout, and the feedback we’re getting is that there’s greater geographic reach in terms of where visitors are coming from this year, which is crucial for our stakeholders to continue to expand their business links and distribution networks.”

“We wanted to shine the spotlight on new products and solutions that are shaping the future of the regional auto aftermarket, and to that end our new Innovation Zone proved very popular,” Pauwels added.  “It’s also great to see leading global players in the auto services industry use Automechanika Dubai as a platform to announce new partnerships, underling its important role as a facilitator of business success.”

Pauwels referred to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Automechanika Dubai 2018 between AutoPro, a subsidiary of ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company) and ACDelco, one of the world’s leading automotive spare parts and services brands.

The MoU will see both companies collaborate on a series of service centre locations across the UAE. In the coming year, up to ten sites will become the first Auto Pro locations to be certified as authorised ACDelco service centres.

Automechanika Dubai covers the six product groups of Parts & Components and Electronics & Systems (1,102 exhibitors in 2018) Tyres & Batteries (221 exhibitors), Accessories and Customizing (219 exhibitors), Repair & Maintenance (200 exhibitors), and Car Wash, Care, & Reconditioning (70 exhibitors).  

Automechanika Dubai 2018’s global significance was underlined by the presence of 23 country pavilions and 36 international trade associations, while more than half of the tens of thousands of trade visitors in 2018 came from outside of the UAE.

Automechanika Dubai returned with its popular Truck Competence initiative, where more than 1,500 exhibitors showcased products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.  

An extended Automechanika Academy programme also offered more insights into the present and future of the MEA automotive aftermarket, spearheaded by the Innovation Zone, where global players such as Renault, WABCO, and Beissbarth presented their latest products that are ushering in a new era in automotive technology.

The Automechanika Academy also presented the first Smart Commercial Vehicles Middle East Conference, where the latest developments in smart, connected, sustainable and intelligent commercial vehicles were under the spotlight.  

The 17th edition of Automechanika Dubai will return from 10-12 June 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. – TradeArabia News Service