Key issues regarding safety in road transport, more specifically safety issues in truck transport - were in focus at the inaugural meeting of the Automechanika Dubai Network, which took place at the H Hotel, in Dubai on Tuesday, April 2.
Organized by German trade fair and conference leaders Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the inaugural networking event attracted a number of UAE's leading automobile aftermarket players, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, service providers and other stakeholders.
The Automechanika Dubai Network, which will now be held on a quarterly basis, will focus in turn on key aspects that are considered vital for the automotive aftermarket industry in the wider region. Delegates will highlight current issues affecting the industry and will come up with suggestions to improve existing conditions and propose effective solutions.
"Since the automotive aftermarket plays such a significant role in the economies of the region and touches all of us, we considered it vital to create a platform that brought together the industry's stakeholders to address key issues," said Michael Dehn, Group Exhibitions Director, Epoc Messe Frankfurt. "The Automechanika Dubai Network will help enhance mutual cooperation between various industry sectors and promote effective communication about possible solutions to key industry concerns," he added.
The first meeting drew attention to the pressing need for greater safety in truck transport in the region. Participants commented on the various aspects that affect the road transport of cargo and supplies in the region and the high rate of accidents currently.
Ioannis Vrantzoglou, Managing Director, Schaeffler Middle East, said: "There is a need to build stronger awareness campaigns on many areas of truck safety for the roads. This should include educating truck drivers and operators on safe transport practices as well as better interaction between fleet operators and local authorities on optimum safety measures."The poor condition of tyres was underlined as one of the key reasons for road accidents involving trucks. Poorly maintained tyres that were often worn down to the treads are one of the major cause factors for accidents. Additionally, lax supervision on the part of truck operators and lack of awareness amongst drivers often lead to truck overloading, which can then lead to disastrous consequences arising from damaged axles or loads shifting while in transport. Hans van der Spek, Business Manager at Intertruck LLC, said: "Safety in commercial vehicles is an ongoing discussion and there is a need for further awareness in this area. Safety in trucks is particularly topical after the recent spate of terrible accidents around the region. Future accidents can be prevented with the right measures in place and by ensuring the correct equipment is being used and serviced on a regular basis."Among those attending the Automechanika Dubai Network included representatives from leading automotive aftermarket majors with a presence in Dubai, such as OWS Auto, Mobis, Global Autoparts, Al Habtoor, Genavco, Al Furat General Trading to name a few.
Automechanika Dubai, taking place from June 11 to 13 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center will showcase a wide range of products and services which can be used to ensure higher levels of safety on the roads.
