Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi’s maintenance service market for cars, buses and trucks is set to grow 6-8 per cent annually to reach US$1.2 billion by 2020, according to a recent report.
The UAE capital’s maintenance market was valued at US$844 million in 2015, up from US$790 million in 2013, analysts Frost & Sullivan said in a report released ahead the specialist trade exhibition Automechanika Dubai 2016.
There’re currently 670,000 cars, buses and trucks plying roads in Abu Dhabi, of which 90 per cent are cars. Consequently the car segment – including taxis, rental cars, leasing, and private cars – is the largest contributor to the emirate’s booming maintenance service market.
“Posting a 45 per cent rise in the number of registered vehicles between 2009 and 2014, Abu Dhabi is a key market for local and international automotive aftermarket players,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Automechanika Dubai, which takes place from 8-10 May 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“The market still has a lot of room for further growth, particularly when taking into account an expanding economy, fuelled in part by tourism and infrastructure investments. “This is also reflective in the growth of Abu Dhabi trade visitors to Automechanika Dubai, which in the last three years alone has increased by 33 per cent,” added Pauwels.
Automechanika Dubai is the Middle East and Africa’s largest trade and networking fair for the automotive aftermarket. With more than 2,000 exhibitors from 60 countries set to take part this year, the three-day event targets the growing regional demand for auto parts, services, accessories, tyres, batteries and auto components.
The increasing global interest comes as figures released by Dubai Customs show the Emirate’s trade for auto parts and accessories was valued at US$12 billion in 2014, 10 per cent more than in 2013.
That figure includes imports of auto parts, accessories, tyres, and engine components worth US$7 billion, while exports and re-exports were worth US$5 billion, reinforcing Dubai’s premier status as a major liaison between Asian, European and North American manufacturing countries and consuming regional markets.
The 14th edition of Automechanika Dubai will focus on the six core product groups of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems, Repair & Maintenance; Tyres & Batteries; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Accessories & Customising.
The annual exhibition regularly attracts some of the world’s biggest automotive aftermarket players, including Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, the USA’s largest manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket heavy-duty replacement parts.
Orlando Serna, Vice-President of International Sales at Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, said the company will be looking to grow its customer base in the region with its expanded product line servicing major Japanese makes such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Hino.
“Our presence is fairly new in the Middle East and African region,” said Serna. “Our goal is to bring our expertise, our commitment to quality and continual improvement to the wider region’s automotive aftermarket in the same fashion that we provide our current customers in the USA and worldwide.”
UAE-based Central Trading Company (CTC), is a regular exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai, and will represent its entire range of more than 25 world-renowned automotive aftermarket brands this year, including the launch of its Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyre.
Mohammed Aqel, General Manager of CTC, said they will also showcase No-H2O, a waterless car washing solution from Ireland that’s the only product certified for use on Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft in addition to trucks, vehicles, boats, buses and motorcycles.
“No-H2O uses no water in comparison to traditional car washes that waste an incredible amount of 132 litres of water,” said Aqel. “No-H2O is made from a scratch-free formula which emulsifies the dirt particles, leaving behind a polished finish unlike any other car wash product available.”
Automechanika Dubai 2016 is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors from 134 countries. Its global appeal will be underlined by the presence of 21 country pavilions and 38 international trade associations, while 88 per cent of exhibitors, and more than half of the visitors are expected to come from outside of the UAE.
Automechanika Dubai 2016 returns with its popular 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.
It 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.
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