15% increase in total auto parts trade between Q1 2009 and Q1 2010

According to recent statistics the total direct trade in the auto parts industry has registered an approximate 15% increase for Q1 2010 in comparison to the same period last year, with a significant increase also noted in the re- export sector. With total 2009 figures on a par with those from 2007, the industry still looks bright.

Batteries, engine parts, parts & accessories and tyres all fall under the evaluated categories, with the positive figures reflecting the overall developments and growth curve experienced in the automotive aftermarket sector. The recently concluded Automechanika Middle East which enjoyed a 5% increase in visitor numbers as well as in number of exhibitors, also reflects the potential within the sector.

Mr Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organiser of Automechanika Middle East, said: “Dubai has always been considered a major hub for the Middle East and the lo-cation of choice for manufactures and distributors to target the mar-kets of the region. Dubai’s trade volumes remain robust and with new developments such as the recently opened Dubai Logistics Corridor this is sure to continue.”

Mr Gazi Bilikozen, Senior Show Manager, Automechanika Middle East, said: “The recent import and export figures released in Dubai within the automotive industry confirm our confidence that this is still a burgeoning industry. The results from our recently concluded exhibi-tion speak the same and we intend to build on this for Automechanika Middle East 2011 which will take place from June 7 to 9.”

Another notable trend in the sector is that Dubai’s re- exports within these product groups have also registered an increase, highlighting the city’s strength as the focal point for targeting the surrounding region including the GCC, Middle East and Africa. Amongst some of the most popular re-export markets are Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan and Libya.

Automechanika is the leading international meeting place for the au-tomobile sector. As the world’s biggest trade fair for the automotive aftermarket it spotlights innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & management and the latest automobile services. Automechanika Middle East is one of 14 global Automechanika fairs held in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

For further information visit www.automechanikame.com.