THE SHOW WILL GO ON

Growth indicators in the automotive industry will drive opportunities in aftermarket sales AUTOMECHANIKA OPEN FOR BUSINESS

In light of the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) have launched an industry-wide campaign to show where events are ongoing – and Automechanika Dubai remains one of them.

The organiser Messe Frankfurt is therefore (as of the beginning of April) proudly displaying its badge, alongside other events and exhibitions, to state that is going ahead as per schedule, while “continuing to monitor the situation”. The automotive aftermarket’s business prospects have been underlined by a valuation forecast of US$18.5 billion by 2023, and suppliers and manufacturers are now looking to Automechanika Dubai, the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket and service industry in the MEA region, to predict the areas for industry growth.

The three-day trade event hosted over 30,000 visitors and 1,900 exhibitors in 2019, and has established itself as an international meeting point for global and regional players in the automotive industry. The 18th edition of the show will run from 7-9 June at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The growth was highlighted by global research and analytics firm Aranca – the show’s knowledge partner, which also forecast that aftermarket sales will be supported by an increase in passenger and commercial vehicles in operation, a number set to reach 27 million by 2023.

Kamran Siddiqui, a spokesperson for GP Global MAG – a Jebel Ali-based manufacturer of lubricants, fluids and coolants, believes

Increasing need for car ownership across the emerging economies is one of the factors driving demand”

infrastructure development in emerging markets will be a major contributing factor for the increase of vehicles.

“Increasing need for car ownership across the population of emerging economies is one of the factors anticipated to drive demand for the automotive aftermarket,” said Siddiqui. “Consumers in developed and developing regions have different mobility needs and continued urbanisation is likely to lead them toward car ownership.”

Aranca also identified factors such as an increased use of technology, the rise in popularity of ride hailing apps and a growing regional consumer base as key factors for aftermarket sales in the region.

“What is becoming clear is while certain products and services in the aftermarket are being shaken up by innovations within the

Automechanika Dubai is one of 17 instalments of Automechanika – the most successful automotive aftermarket trade fair brand in the world. It is the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket and service industry in the MEA region and returns from 7 - 9 June 2020 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The previous edition of the show connected 32,720 visitors with 1,900+ exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products, equipment and services across 13 halls. Over 8,000 business meetings took place at the show.

This strategically located trade hub also offered the opportunity to: Review products and pricing options from 63 exhibiting countries and 23 country pavilions; Negotiate partnerships with key manufacturers including exclusive distribution rights in key markets; Discover product innovations and be prepared for future market demand; Feel the pulse of the market and stay ahead of the competition. AUTOMECHANIKA DUBAI RETURNS

automotive industry, new opportunities are presenting themselves,” said Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Show Director for organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

“Demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, which has been supported by a raft of new, young consumers who prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly products is also having a dramatic impact on the market which we now see reflected in exhibitor offerings.”

With the automotive industry and the government driving to develop standards in vehicle repair in the region, delegates can visit the specialist product sections – Repair & Maintenance and Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning section, for the latest updates.

These segments are vital to the professionals in garages, dealerships and workshops, and to fleet managers who use this as a one-stop THE SHOW TO GO ON As of T&FME going to press, Automechanika Dubai is still set to go ahead.

shop trade platform, says Automechanika Dubai’s organiser Messe Frankfurt. Returning show feature, the Automechanika Academy, will identify and assess challenges and opportunities within the industry. Notable speakers include Nassim Al Mehairi, manager of Statistics Department - Dubai Customs who will provide statistical updates on Dubai’s automotive trade including the total market value of the automotive aftermarket trade in terms import, export and re-export figures. Suzanna Perrier, regional sales leader, EMEA – WABCO will meanwhile will look at how how TRANSICS WABCO can taking fleet management to another level through autonomous driving, digitisation of processes, optimisation and systems’ integration and security and efficiency systems’ connectivity. Andrea Piccin of GRS s.r.l will present the results of Automechanika Dubai’s survey with its visitor audience for the “Market Outlook: Middle East Automotive Aftermarket by 2025”. The results of which will be presented on the first day of the show. Those concerned with whether they have the expertise to fully utilise modern trucks should pop into the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – From Technology to Repair session presented by Pete Bradley, head of Technical Service & International Training, Hella Gutmann Solutions. This session will introduce ADAS, its impact on the day-today workshop operations and its future as a disruptive technology. It will educate garage professionals on the information, tools and components needed for repair as well as the process for calibration of cameras and radars.

What is becoming clear is certain products and services in the aftermarket are being shaken up”

Likewise, Graham Threlfall, global key account manager, Vehicle Refinishes, AkzoNobel will look at ‘Accident and Repairs in The Electric Age’. The industry veteran and bodyshop expert promises to take us through how the electric car is fundamentally different, the implications on repair and maintenance, and how the customer may interact with repairers and brands.

For those looking for solutions for the right here and now, Tiqani founder Rudy George Shukri will present ‘Fix it Right, I Might Come Back. Treat me Right, I will Come Back’. In it, he will look at how regional workshops and garages can retain business and build customer loyalty in the current market environment? In this session, Shukri will share his experiences in customer retention, the influencing factors, building a lean solid process around the customer experience, and more. Finally, the AfriConnections session will be a platform that facilitates networking between buyers and sellers from the African automotive aftermarket. Sandra Engelhard, senior analyst, Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting, IHS Markit, will look at the rise of the light vehicle market in East Africa. “Industry growth in the automotive aftermarket lies with understanding market influences and the application of new technology solutions to meet customer demand,” continued Bilikozen.

“We are facing an EV evolution, and the impact of sustainable vehicles will shift how many suppliers and manufacturers approach their businesses. It is our goal to make sure individuals and organisations have the information and skills necessary to cope and thrive during this transition.”

READY TO ROLL The 18th edition of the show will run from 7-9 June at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).