Exhibition space for the inaugural Automechanika Jeddah 2016 is fully booked, as the countdown begins to the start of Saudi Arabia’s only dedicated automotive aftermarket trade show early next year. With more than 150 exhibitors signing on, Automechanika Jeddah will span 7,100sqm of exhibition space when it opens from 26-28 January 2016 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events. The three-day exhibition is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East in partnership with Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), and is the 15th global instalment of Automechanika, the world’s leading international automotive trade show brand.
The rush to participate by international and regional manufacturers alike is a testament to the overwhelmingly positive sentiment that exists in Saudi Arabia’s vast automotive aftermarket. Research from analysts Frost & Sullivan indicates the Kingdom’s demand for Commercial Vehicle spare parts alone is expected to reach US$3.65 billion by 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10 per cent, and comprising 66 per cent of the Gulf Region’s total demand. And with more than 10 million passenger vehicles expected to ply the Kingdom’s roads by 2020, up from the seven million in 2013, the opportunities are plenty for manufacturers of aftermarket spare parts, accessories, components, tyres, batteries, systems and electronics.
“It gives us great pleasure to bring Automechanika – the world’s premier automotive aftermarket trade event – to Saudi Arabia,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “The robust response from both international, local and regional exhibitors to this inaugural edition confirms the tremendous potential that exists in the Saudi market, and the need that was felt by the industry for a truly representative trade and networking platform.”
Automechanika Jeddah 2016 will focus on the five core product sections of Parts and Systems; Accessories and Tuning; Repair and Maintenance; Tyres and Batteries; and Service Station and Car Wash. Nicholas Brunet, Country Business Leader at 3M Industrial Business Group, Saudi Arabia, said: “We are using this opportunity at Automechanika Jeddah to connect with industry experts and share with them our science based technology and passion for the automotive industry. 3M decided to be closer to their automotive customers in Saudi Arabia by having their Automotive Aftermarket Division’s staff based in the major Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
“Now at Automechanika Jeddah we can also have a better understanding of customer needs so we can use our expertise, technologies and global strength to develop and advance their operations.”
Automechanika Jeddah will deliver an unmatched platform for the world’s leading auto aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers to establish long-lasting business relationships with buyers and distributers from throughout Saudi Arabia. More information is available at www.automechanikajeddah.com