Over 2,000 exhibitors from 58 countries took part in one of the most successful editions of Automechanika Dubai last month, enabling consumers, professional visitors and manufacturers to view a wide range of offerings in auto parts and services.

Some 30,000 visitors flocked to the booths to glimpse technologies and products. The strong turnout from the international trade reinforces the decision by leading global players to continue investing in the Middle East and Africa, said organisers Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

The expo featured six product groups: Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Repair & Maintenance; Tyres & Batteries; Accessories & Tuning; and Service Station & Car Wash. 

US-headquartered Johnson Controls Power Solutions, the world’s largest automotive battery manufacturer, introduced new technology in its popular Varta battery portfolio that is designed to excel in hot and dusty Middle East conditions.

“These high-quality batteries for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and busses are available for delivery to dealers starting immediately”, said Ruben Fernandez, the company’s general manager for the Middle East and Africa. The company supplies 146 million batteries every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers.

OTHER EXHIBITORS

UAE-based Al Dobowi announced the opening of the Middle East’s largest battery manufacturing plant. The facility, set to open later this year, will have capacity to produce 1.2 million car batteries annually, said the company’s chairman Surender Kandhari

“We’ve partnered with Exide, one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of batteries. Now Exide batteries will be proudly made in the UAE, and distributed throughout the MEA,” he added.

“Tyres and Batteries has proven to be one of the remarkable success stories at Automechanika Dubai, and has grown significantly over the last few years in particular,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

Marshal Tyres, a brand belonging to Kumho Tyre from Korea, launched five new tyres, said a statement from the company.

BKT from India launched its latest series of tyres in the all-steel OTR (off-the-road) segment, which specifically targets port, construction, earthmoving, and materials- handling applications.

Zafco presented its own brand Zeetex, as well as the Otani, Double Coin, and Accelera and Forceum brands.

Martins Industries from Canada, one of the world’s only tyre equipment and racking manufacturers that sells directly to the end user, was an exhibitor.

“Automechanika Dubai has brought us over the last few years some large tyre racking projects with customers in several Middle East countries,” said Martin Depelteau, vice president of sales and development.

Meritor, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of axles for the heavy duty industry, also showcased its offerings. Exhibiting for the second time at the expo, the American-headquartered Fortune 500 company views the MEA automotive aftermarket as one of its key growth markets.

“The MEA is one of core strategic topics for the next three years, so this is really a very important market,” remarked Janusz Zielinski, the company’s sales director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“We’re showing that we’re coming from the OE (Original Equipment) side; we’re not just a spare parts manufacturer. It’s important to communicate that our products are of OE quality, because what we sell to the OE is the same as what we sell to the aftermarket,” said Zielinski.

At the forefront of the 118 Repair & Maintenance exhibitors was Caltex, the show’s Gold Sponsor and Official Lubricant Partner.

Exhibiting for the first time, Caltex showcased its Havoline lubricant range for passenger vehicles, Delo (Diesel Lubricating Oil) for commercial vehicles, and its Techron fuel system cleaner.

A total of 23 Brazilian companies showcased their various products and services within a 216-sqm stand. Among the notable Brazilian firms that participated in the event were Autolinea, a manufacturer of brake parts and cylinder heads; Autotravi (rubber seals and finishes); Baterias Moura (batteries); Biagio (turbochargers); Chiptronic (electronic fuel injection modules); and Freios Controil (brakes).