The keys are in the ignitions and engines at full throttle, as the final countdown begins to the inaugural edition of Automechanika Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's only dedicated automotive aftermarket trade show. The 15th edition will be held at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events on Jan. 26-28, 2016. More than 170 exhibitors from 27 countries are set to line-up this coming Tuesday at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, as they get ready to roll out the welcome mats for thousands of trade buyers in one of the global automotive industry's most promising markets. Local and international manufacturers showcasing their latest products, including automotive parts and systems, electronics, accessories, tires, batteries, lubricants and tuning equipment. Organized by Messe Frankfurt Middle East in partnership with Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), Automechanika Jeddah 2016 is the 15th global instalment of Automechanika, the world's leading international automotive trade show brand. With the 7,100sqm of available exhibition space fully booked several months ahead of opening, the rush to participate at the annual trade show underlines the overwhelmingly positive sentiment that exists toward the Kingdom's vast automotive aftermarket. "Saudi Arabia's automotive aftermarket has huge growth potential, as indicated by the sheer number of passenger and commercial vehicles currently plying the roads, not to mention new car sales every year," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. "Demand for commercial vehicle spare parts alone is expected to reach $3.65 billion by 2020, growing 10 per cent annually, and comprising 66 per cent of the Gulf region's total demand. "Add to that the estimated ten million passenger vehicles on the Kingdom's roads by 2020, and the opportunities are plenty for manufacturers of aftermarket spare parts, accessories, components, tires, batteries, systems and electronics," he added. "We at ACE are proud to partner with Messe Frankfurt Middle East to host this world renowned event addressing the automobile aftermarket sector. With leading Saudi companies participating alongside international companies, the show will be an ideal platform displaying what is new in this industry to the visitors and also provide the Saudi and international companies new vistas of business opportunities," Zahoor Siddique – Vice President ACE, said. Automechanika Jeddah 2016 encompasses the six core product sections of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems: Accessories & Tuning; Repair & Maintenance; Tires & Batteries; and Service Station & Car Wash. With country pavilions from Turkey, Taiwan, India, and China, Automechanika Jeddah 2016 delivers the latest innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & Management and the latest automobile services. At the forefront of major exhibitors will be 18 official launch partners: 3M Saudi Arabia, Abdul Zahir Basheer Automotive Trading, Ample Auto Tech, Aqaseem Lubricant Factory, Eurolub, Juffali Industrial Products Company (JIPCO), Hardex Brakes, Lorry Genuine Parts, Luthra Industrial, Martins Industries, Mineral Circles Bearings, PAL Radiators & Oil Coolers, Saudi German Brake Manufacturing, Steel Impex & Industries, Sun Global, Supra Rubber Industries, Universal Energy Storage, and Yousef Ahmed Rashid Aldossary and Sons Co. Automechanika Jeddah will deliver an unmatched platform for the world's leading auto aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers to establish long-lasting business relationships with buyers and distributers from throughout Saudi Arabia. — SG
