Autotec show coming up

Over 150 companies and five national pavilions will be represented at Autotec Automech-anika, to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 17 to 20.

The automotive aftermarket segment in the region is valued at over $11 billion per year.

Industry sources estimate that the Saudi market for automotive aftermarket parts, which reached sale figures of approximately $655 million during 2001, excluding tires and OEM parts, accounts for 46 per cent of the Gulf market.

Post-war Iraq is expected to open up huge opportunities for the automotive aftermarket sector as the reconstruction process begins in full swing.

Besides the general automobile sector, various organisations involved in the rebuilding of Iraq will also require substantial equipment to operate in the hard terrain.

Epoc Messe Frankfurt has already received an enquiry from the United Nations office in Iraq for specific automotive equipment.

Epoc Messe Frankfurt is a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, the world's third largest fair organiser that conducts the Automechanika exhibitions in 10 countries across four continents.

"The growing demand for original and quality spare parts as opposed to counterfeits has increased competition levels in the market," said Michael El Nayal, managing partner, Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

"Moreover, international car manufacturers and auto spare parts suppliers are aggressively campaigning against fake automotive parts. Epoc Messe Frankfurt will ensure that none of the exhibitors will be allowed to display counterfeit parts at Automechanika Gulf.

"The Automotive Brand Protection Coalition Middle East (ACME) which spearheads awareness programmes on counterfeit parts will be a key participant at the show."