The seventh Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) will take place from 20 to 22 May 2021 at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition and Convention Center.
In 2020, the Chinese government began a Chengdu-Chongqing developmental plan to “generate synergies between the two cities and establish a robust automotive cluster”. CAPAS organisers said the show’s debut in the Chengdu-Chongqing Dual-City Economic Rim zone is designed to spotlight growing prospects from the initiative and key brands within the region.
“The Chengdu-Chongqing economic rim’s strong manufacturing capabilities, skilled labour and equipment, as well as car ownership and consumption have made it a highly promising market,” said Hao Shiqiang, Secretary-General, Sichuan Automobile Industry Association. “The union between the two cities supports new energy project launches in relations to connected mobility and the research and development of alternative fuels for drive systems. In addition, the region’s young workforce also contributes to establishing more talent. These have become key attributes for [South-West China’s] heightened competitiveness.”
Andy Yu, Regional Territory Manager of Southwest at MANN+HUMMEL, said South-West China possesses strong prospects for industrial development.
“Second-tier and third-tier cities, like Chengdu and Chongqing, in addition to rural towns will play an important part in advancing the automotive aftermarket,” said Yu. “Being a parts manufacturer, we can benefit from its potential by exploring and maintaining good relationships with purchasing alliances and customers, building a sound network of distribution channels, as well as marketing a brand effectively.”
Together with the new zone and dedicated events, CAPAS 2021 will also expand its coverage of two other themes – connected mobility in the new energy vehicle sector, and the aftermarket. The show will illustrate the region’s prospects through strengthened industrial collaboration within the economic rim, the development of smart electric vehicles, transformations in the aftermarket, and more.
CAPAS said that in 2020, vehicles made in Chongqing generated exports valued at C¥5.81 billion, an increase of 5.7 per cent, meaning the automotive industry will continue to be an important driving force for the economic rim.
“The economic rim covers 42 cities in the region, and its population of some 100 million connotes massive purchasing power,” said James Yu, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd. The region’s nationally-rated highway system is generating more access between South-West China, as a transportation hub, and the rest of the world.
“CAPAS introduces a number of value-added services and events like the Online Business Matching Programme and CAPAS 520 Shopping Festival to reinforce these strategic advantages. The two events will nurture both foreign trade and domestic demand, which reflect the synergy between the Dual Circulation policy and the Chengdu-Chongqing developmental plan. Furthermore, they also demonstrate CAPAS’ key functions in facilitating business exchange and fostering industry advancement.”
CAPAS is jointly organised by CCPIT-Auto, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and CCPIT-Sichuan.