NEWS
AUTOMECHANIKA DUBAI 2021 COMES TO SUCCESSFUL END The show attracted 20,574 visitors from 129 countries A new awards programme, innovative product launches, and bustling exhibition halls shared the spotlight at the Middle East and Africa’s largest automotive aftermarket trade fair, Automechanika Dubai 2021. The 18th edition of the annual three-day event concluded on the 16th of December 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), having welcomed through the gates 20,574 visitors from 129 countries. Trade buyers, dealers, workshop owners, and industry professionals were treated to a wide range of products, solutions and services presented by 562 exhibitors from 47 countries, as the buzz on the show floor reflected fresh optimism that Dubai’s post-pandemic regional trade hub status is on an upward trend. “We’re very pleased with the industry response to Automechanika Dubai 2021, after what has been a hugely challenging period,” Automechanika Dubai Show Director, Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, said at the close of the show. “Exhibitor stands have been busy throughout, and the international participation of both exhibitors and visitors has been very impressive, which is crucial for our stakeholders to expand their
business links and distribution networks as we enter a post-pandemic recovery. “We’ve seen a 40 percent increase in senior management and an 18 percent increase in procurement and purchasing personnel visiting the show compared to the last edition in 2019 – another signal of increased business activity and interest in finding new partners.” Spread across eight DWTC halls, Automechanika Dubai featured six sectors: parts and components; electronics and systems; tyres and batteries; car wash, care and reconditioning; repair and maintenance; and accessories and customisation. The showpiece event returned with its regular highlights, the Innovation Zone, the Automechanika Academy, and debuted with the inaugural Automechanika Dubai Awards – which organisers say is the only programme in the Middle East that celebrates success, prestige and excellence by recognising high performing organisations and individuals in the auto aftermarket. A shortlist of 49 from more than 160 nominations contested 19 categories, with hundreds of professionals gathered at a breakfast ceremony on the second day of Automechanika Dubai.
Meanwhile, exhibitors and visitors alike were happy to be back in a physical face-to-face exhibition environment again. Automechanika Dubai also featured 12 country pavilions, while other debut highlights included the Modern Workshop; a knowledge sharing platform of the Repair and Maintenance section; and the Tools and Skills Competition. The 19th edition of Automechanika Dubai will take place from the 22nd to the 24th of November in 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information, visit www.automechanikadubai.com
CAPRICORN MEMBERS GAIN OUTSTANDING REWARDS AFTER FIRST YEAR Capricorn celebrated the first anniversary of its revamped Capricorn Rewards program in late 2021 Introduced in late 2020, the program from Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative provides Capricorn’s 24,000 automotive service and repair business Members across Australia and New Zealand with outstanding value for their reward points earned from parts, tools, equipment or office essentials purchases. The all-new Capricorn Rewards program has proven to be a hit following its first full year of operation. Over its first year, more than 70 percent of all Capricorn Members logged into the Capricorn Rewards website, with more than 140,000 logins
generated during this period. This resulted in Capricorn Members redeeming products to the value of $37.5 million during its introductory year. Offering more choices for Members to redeem their hard-earned Capricorn Rewards points, with the convenience and speed of online shopping, easy ordering and prompt delivery, Capricorn says it is clear that Capricorn Rewards has become a highly appreciated addition for Capricorn Members. The vast array of retail products included in the Capricorn Rewards program include electronics, homewares, outdoor living, sports and fitness equipment, along with experiences and gifts. Capricorn Members are still able to use their rewards points for gift vouchers or to pay their Capricorn Trade Account at the end of the month. “The purpose behind establishing this new program was to further engage and reward our Members, along with our Preferred Suppliers, by providing more meaningful returns in terms of product choices, ease of use and providing real value for their hard-earned Capricorn Rewards
points,” Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser, said. “We have been delighted with our Members’ response to the new Capricorn Rewards platform.” Capricorn says Capricorn Reward points are a key benefit for all of its Members to gain more value for their everyday business purchases, earning 1.5 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. It says this makes it one of the most generous rewards programs in Australasia, with Capricorn Members able to redeem rewards points at a rate of 100 points per $1. Capricorn says its constantly growing Capricorn Rewards program is one of many ways it can pay to be a Capricorn Member. For more information about joining Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop/join Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine February 2022
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