A healthy outlook for the Middle East's auto spare parts and service industry has put the global spotlight on Dubai this week, as the region's largest automotive aftermarket exhibition got under way. Running for three days at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai 2016 has opened for business, featuring 2,017 exhibitors from 58 countries, a seven per cent increase on the previous edition in 2015. 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 a Middle East spare parts market that, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S), valued $12.98 billion in 2015, and is estimated to grow six percent annually to reach $17.27 billion by 2020. That comes as 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. The combined growth of car sales and spare parts demand has attracted the attention of the world's leading aftermarket brands at Automechanika Dubai 2016, as they showcase their latest wares and innovations to an expected audience of more than 30,000 trade buyers from 135 countries. "Automechanika Dubai is accustomed to setting new records every year, and 2016 is no different," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of the show's organizer, Messe Frankfurt Middle East. "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." "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. Spanning 15 halls at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai covers six core product groups of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Repair & Maintenance; Tyres & Batteries; Accessories & Tuning; and Service Station & Car Wash. With 90 percent of the exhibitors based outside of the UAE, Automechanika Dubai 2016 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, USA (58 exhibitors) Brazil (25 exhibitors), Korea (88 exhibitors), Turkey (75 exhibitors), South Africa (16 exhibitors) and Japan (11 exhibitors). German manufacturer Schaeffler is exhibiting at Automechanika Dubai for the 7th year in a row, and is showcasing its LuK, INA, FAG, and Ruville brands, covering a wide product range for engine, transmission, and chassis applications for almost all vehicles. Ioannis Vrantzoglou, managing director of Shaeffler Middle East, said: "Schaeffler is taking part at Automechanika Dubai to gain new deals, meet new customers, and boost our sales activities within the Middle East and African region. We are operating in a huge, emerging market that's not yet saturated, with a lot of potential and opportunities. Under a normal and steady political situation, the growth is expected to continue. Meanwhile, UAE company Mineral Circles Bearings (MCB) is out in force to announce its newly inked partnership with ILJIN, Korea's largest manufacturer of tapered roller bearings. MCB, the UAE's first company to supply automotive bearings for Japanese, Korean, European, and American car models, is looking for distributors in the Middle East and Africa for ILJIN, which holds a 30 per cent share of the world's wheel bearing market. Having first connected at Automechanika Dubai several years ago, the two companies have now gone full circle: "Together with ILJIN, we are currently on a look out for distributors," said Hassanein Alwan, MCB's marketing director. "With innovative vision and performance spirit, MCB and ILJIN's power beyond focus attitude paves the new future for the bearing industry in the region and the world over." Automechanika Dubai returns with the Truck Competence Initiative in 2016, highlighting more than 1,000 exhibitors that service the truck and commercial vehicle segment, from truck parts, systems, and electronics, to workshop equipment, body repair and care. Also returning is the popular Automechanika Academy on May 9, where a power-packed line-up of experts and thought leaders will share their insights into the most important aspects of the regional spare parts and maintenance market. Three network events covering Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Africa will also shine the spotlight on doing business in three of the most exciting markets for the global auto aftermarket community.
