Automechanika Dubai 2017, the largest automotive aftermarket in the Middle East, kicked off today – marking the start of a three-day pitch by global and local companies to the region’s auto parts and services market, which is expected to grows 4.9% to a value of $14.8bn by 2021.
Spanning 69,000m2 of exhibition space, the event will host 30,000-plus trade visitors from May 7 to 9 as they attend the stands of 1,954 exhibitors from 57 countries – a presence further underlined by 25 country pavilions and 36 international trade associations.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser, said: “It’s estimated that a further 1.8 million commercial vehicles will ply Middle East roads in the GCC and pave the way for some impressive opportunities for the automotive services industry.”
Automechanika Dubai covers six product groups, including in the order of descending size: parts and components; tyres and batteries; accessories and customising; repair and maintenance; electronics and systems; and care and reconditioning.
The 15th edition of Automechanika Dubai 2017, which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, was opened by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
Pauwels added: “Automechanika Dubai presents the key to this dynamic market, offering a unique platform for global and local players alike to look for new regional distributors, open up new markets, or expand on existing customer bases where there’s still plenty of room for growth.”
Philippe Colpron, VP for aftermarket at WABCO, noted: “The GCC has become a very attractive market for transport and logistics in the last years. As the oil price is declining, the region is looking for new ways to grow, for example with a stronger focus on tourism.”
The Belgian-headquartered WABCO provides of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems for commercial vehicles, achieved sales of $747.3m in Q1 2017, and is showcasing its entire range of aftermarket technologies and services at the show.
Colpron continued: “In the next years there will be a significant number of big events, including the Expo Dubai 2020 and the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. These events are connected to giant infrastructural projects which result in a higher demand for transport and logistics.
“Our role is to support the transport and logistics companies in the region to reduce the downtimes of fleets and to maximise their efficiency.”
Two industry conferences are also running alongside the event to provide a deeper understanding on connected mobility and the future direction of the regional aftermarket: The Spare Parts and Maintenance Conference held today, and Smart Traffic Middle East from May 8 to 9.
