Record exhibitor numbers sign up for Automechanika Shanghai show
A record-breaking 1,600 exhibitors have already confirmed they will attend the fourth Automechanika Shanghai show at the Shanghai New International Expo Center between December 10 and 12.
This year's event will cover 92,000 sq m, an 80 percent increase in hall space over last year. The figures confirm Automechanika Shanghai is one of China's leading professional forums for automotive parts, equipment and services, said organizers.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd in partnership with the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation, the show is the second-largest worldwide among the 13 Automechanika trade shows, just behind its Frankfurt fair, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary from September 16 to 21 in Germany.
In keeping with Automechanika's global brand format, products ranging from affordable to luxury and basic to hi-tech will be displayed in five categories: parts and systems, accessories and tuning, repair and maintenance, IT and management, and service stations and car wash operations.
"With more than 1,600 (exhibitors) from 17 countries signed up for Shanghai we have already surpassed our 2007 figure of 1,250," said Fiona Chiew, Group Manager, Trade Fairs, Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong.
Among the confirmed exhibitors are well-known brands including Dongfeng Motor's parts and components business unit, Wanxiang Group, Shanxi Fast Gear and China North Industries.
Heading up the category of repair and maintenance will be global giants Bosch, Corghi and Snap-on, as well as leading Chinese players like Launch Tech and Maxima.
"With eight showroom halls, we expect 1,800 exhibitors and more than 30,000 visitors to attend this year. This reflects tremendous interest in China's automobile industry and its automotive parts, equipment and service supplier sectors," Chiew said.
China's rapidly growing economy has created a sound environment for the automobile industry with domestic sales expected to grow by 12 percent to hit 10 million this year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Latest figures show that more than 4.3 million vehicles were sold in the first five months this year, up 17 percent from the same period last year.
China's robust demand has created wide attention abroad.
A growing number of overseas associations, including the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei, the German Association of Trade Fair Industry and the US Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, are organizing groups to the show.
As well, the Spanish Automotive Equipment and Components Manufacturers Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Brescia, Italy and UBI France are arranging delegations to debut at the event.
Automechanika Shanghai is an important sourcing venue for both domestic and international buyers, while for exhibitors it is an opportunity to boost sales and gain exposure as well as meeting potential Chinese partners, organizers said.
Automechanika will house thousands of quality Chinese manufacturers and suppliers from all over the country, offering easy access to quality Chinese partners, organizers said.
A series of informative programs featuring the latest developments and market intelligence are scheduled concurrently during the show.
(China Daily 10/13/2008 page7)
