Automotive aftermarket brands eye growing MENA market

Dubai / Emirates Business

As the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa posts impressive growth rates, international auto aftermarket players are keen to be a part of this growth by increasing their footprint across the region.
This can be gauged by the influx of international manufacturers and suppliers of aftermarket products and equipment to Automechanika Dubai 2016 – the leading international trade show for the automobile aftermarket industry in the region.
A considerable number of leading aftermarket brands are either in the process of establishing their presence in the region or are considering doing so, thanks to the extremely positive business prospects emanating from the region.
According to leading analysts Frost & Sullivan, the MENA region will continue to be among the primary driving forces of the global automobile aftermarket, with demand for auto spare parts expected to be worth US$ 16.85 billion by 2020, up from US$9.5 billion in 2013.
This surge in demand is being driven by a variety of factors, chief among which are rapid urbanisation and growing infrastructural and industrial development in the surging economies across the region.
“The Middle East is now one of the world’s most significant automotive markets, thanks to higher income levels and a penchant for quality automobiles,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Automechanika Dubai.
“The advantages of maintaining a base in the region gives companies the ability to better access and meet the needs of their regional customers.”
Among those looking to reinforce their regional presence include some familiar names and a host of new players all interested in interacted with the large number of trade buyers who will be present at Automechanika Dubai 2016.
Showcasing their flagship brand MOPAR and new product line Magnetti Marelli will be Trading Enterprises, whose Managing Director Mohammed Maktari, said: “Despite the slowdown in the auto export market that started after the conflict in Ukraine following the Crimea issue and the diminishing oil prices, we expect to double the amount of re-exports in 2017 compared to 2015.”
Central Trading Company represents over 25 leading automotive brands in the UAE including: Michelin Tyres, Kormoran Tyres, Castrol Lubricants, Aloca Aluminium Wheels, FB Batteries, Bekon Batteries, Baroclem Batteries, Forch garage consumables and chemicals, Henkel, Dewalt, Expert, automotive refinishing paints like AkzoNobel (Dynacoat and Lesonal), Nippon Paints,Turbo, InnoColor and CTC paints, Alpha Beta Masking Tapes, waterless car wash NO-H2O, in addition to their Tyreplus network of service centres.
At Automechanika Dubai 2016, the company will focus on the new Pilot Sport 4 tyres from Michelin, which offer superior levels of comfort, performance and safety. Central Trading Company will also be featuring their NO-H2O brand of waterless car wash systems. NO-H2O is made from a scratch free formula which emulsifies dirt particles. It has a positive charge in the product and with the negative charge from a microfibre cloth the dirt is encapsulated in the cloth removing the dirt and leaving behind a polished finish unlike any other car wash product available currently.
Showing off their new Revo Global AC system for buses and Trailer Refrigeration Unites to the regional market will be Spheros, a leading manufacturer of air-conditioning and heating systems designed for buses.
“Automechanika Dubai allows us to reach a wide selection of trade buyers from across the region and it’s very important for us to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our systems,” said Paul Rainer Hofman, Managing Director of Spheros Middle East. “The Middle East is a very important market for us, as regulations stipulate that all buses in the UAE must have air-conditioning systems installed.”
Automechanika Dubai 2016, the Middle East & Africa’s largest trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket, is expected to attract more than 2,000 exhibitors from 60 countries, when it opens doors for business from 8-10 May 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In 2015, Automechanika Dubai featured 1,882 exhibitors from 59 countries, and welcomed 30,365 visitors from 134 countries – 53 per cent coming from outside of the UAE. The global appeal of the three-day event was reinforced with the presence of 21 country pavilions and 38 international trade associations, while 88 per cent of the exhibitors came from outside of the UAE.
Now in its 14th edition, Automechanika Dubai 2016 will focus on the six core product groups of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Repair & Maintenance; Tyres & Batteries; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Accessories & Customising.
Returning is the Truck Competence initiative, where more than 900 exhibitors will showcase their products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.
Automechanika Dubai 2016 will also feature the popular Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars and workshops given by leading experts and prominent industry figures. These seminars will focus on
key issues that affect the automotive aftermarket.