Asia’s automotive industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, thanks to the world’s ever-growing consumer demand for new energy vehicles, faster workshop speeds, increased customisation options and improved in-car technologies. Many of the region’s aftermarket enterprises are subsequently looking for a more technological edge, more environmentally friendly products and processes, and superior repair and management standards.
This opportunity is already being brought to life at Automechanika Shanghai, Asia’s largest trade fair dedicated to the global automotive service industry. This year, the fair will welcome around 6000 exhibitors and 130,000 visitors, and is also expected to house some of the latest advancements from both the global and domestic automotive industries.
Take for example Astrace, a Chinese glass window film and paint developer which has various brands within the aftermarket sector. The company is exhibiting for the first time at Automechanika Shanghai 2017, with the goal of expanding into some of Asia’s most promising regions.
Kris Yang, Manager of International Business at Astrace, explains how Asia has a huge role to play in the sector’s future growth: “Our operations are already very well established in China, and like many other players in the aftermarket sector, we’re looking to broaden our horizons to the likes of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. These regions are all experiencing a growing presence in the sector, and with the help of Automechanika Shanghai we’re hoping to capitalise on this growth.”
“Asia’s aftermarket industry, and its film sector in particular, is experiencing more and more developments in the likes of heat blocking, UV protection, reflectivity and safety. What’s more, the industry is looking to take these innovations a step further by adding even more value for consumers. This includes the likes of films which can harvest energy to power cars, and intelligent glass displays which can display information to passengers, for instance.” Yang added.
Another company looking to take advantage of this trend is adhesives business Henkel, who says that Asia’s growing numbers in terms of car sales and ownership is also an attractive prospect for the sector. “Compared to the overseas market, the growth momentum in the Asian auto industry appears to be more obvious, with car ownership in China alone surpassing 200 million in March 2017,” says Shaohua Fang, APAC Vehicle Repair & Maintenance Business Director for Henkel.
“Thanks to this, as well as the growing expectation for higher quality and improved service, the aftermarket sector in the region expects a 30 per cent year-on-year growth in the coming years, becoming a trillion-dollar industry by end of 2018,” Fang added. He expressed how Automechanika Shanghai is an “ideal platform” for businesses to keep abreast of these trends and to gain stronger positions in the region.
Automechanika Shanghai will take place from 29 November – 2 December at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. This year will see the fair expanded to 330,000sqm. A new REIFEN zone will showcase the very latest tyre, wheel and rim products, while upgrades to the E-mobility & Infrastructure zone will see an even stronger focus on electronics, systems, and future solutions.
A number of key industry players, including Autoyong, ADAYO, Astrace, CARZONE, Eneos, Fangxing Rubber, Fleetguard, Fuchs, Henkel, Huitian, Isuzu, Linglong, NEXTEV, SINOTRUK, TEN-D Energies and Zhengao Auto will participate at the fair for the first time. Meanwhile, exhibitors returning to the show include the likes of ACDelco, Asia-Pacific Electrical, BAIC, BASF, Bullsone, China Changan, Continental Automotive, ContiTech, CRRC, Cummins, Dayco, DENSO, Interstate Batteries, Launch, MA-FRA, Mahle, MANN+HUMMEL, Mobiletron, MOTUL, SATA, Schaeffler, SINOTRUK, SK, Snap-on, SONAX, Valeo, Valvoline, VIE and ZF.
For more information about the show, please visit www.automechanika-shanghai.com