Exhibition attracted 1812 exhibitors and over 30,000 trade visitors
The 16th edition of the recently concluded three-day Automechanika Dubai 2018, the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) largest automotive aftermarket trade and networking event, featured 1812 exhibitors from over 60 countries.
Running for three days (1-3 May) and spanning 63,350sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai 2018 was flagged off by HE Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
This year’s edition attracted 23 country pavilions and a brand new Innovation Zone. There is a renewed sense of optimism in the MEA market where sales of auto parts and accessories is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7% over the next five years, according to organizers.
Promising market
“Research shows that the MEA auto aftermarket was valued at US$ 22 billion in 2017, with sales of auto parts and accessories across the region estimated to reach US$ 31 billion by 2022. With a fleet size of 92 million passenger and commercial vehicles, the MEA is still a key market for global and regional aftermarket players,” observed Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Automechanika Dubai’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
According to the organizers, Automechanika Dubai 2018 attracted an audience of more than 30,000 trade buyers from 135 countries.
Marwan Haidamous, Managing Director of Renault Middle East, said the French manufacturer was the first to bring the electric vehicle (EV) to the market. “The Renault ZOE Long Range electric hatchback is still the longest range, affordable EV on the market today with a 300km real time range, and is fully equipped to handle the harsh Middle East weather conditions,” said Haidamous.
Automechanika Dubai also returned with its popular Truck Competence initiative, where more than 1500 exhibitors demonstrated products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.
