Buyers show their support for China’s auto industry

Confidence in the Chinese auto industry was demonstrated by the record number of visitors and exhibitors at the world’s second largest Automechanika show in Shanghai which took place on
10 – 12 December 2008 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

At China’s leading professional forum for the automotive parts, components and aftermarket industry there were 30,845 visitors from 104 countries and regions viewed 1,982 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. The top 10 visitor countries and regions outside China were (greatest first) Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Iran, Japan, United States of America, India, Malaysia, Italy and Germany.

“Automechanika Shanghai provides a platform where high quality exhibitors and buyers can meet in one venue,” said Mr Stephan Kurzawski, Vice President, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
“Given the current global financial crisis at this year’s show we saw that both domestic and international buyers have a lot of faith in China’s auto industry in being able to provide relatively inexpensive and high quality solutions for the world’s auto industry.”

Exhibitors in the Parts & Systems category included well-known brand names such as Schaeffler, Wanxiang Group, Shanxi Fast Gear, China North Industries and Webasto. Global giants Bosch, Corghi and Snap-on, together with China’s Launch Tech and Bantam were among the Repair & Maintenance category exhibitors.

Moletech Global Hong Kong Ltd showcased their engine fuel efficiency product. Mr Andrew Kelly, Chief Executive Officer said: “Automechanika Shanghai offers us a good platform to educate our potential buyers face-to-face on how the technology works. We have seen more than 100 buyers, half of them are from overseas and the rest are from all major provinces in China. Participating at the show is one of the best means to learn the market. The contacts here are lots more substantial than at other shows.”

Optimistic about the future, Mr Peter Streletz, Export Asia Manager for German company Liqui Moly, manufacturers of additives and car care products, believed the current economic climate was good for business. “I think it is a big chance because in times where people have to save money they take more care of their car so they use more products,” he explained. “Of course the China market is affected, but not for us. We are quite happy because we can double our turnover compared to last year.”

Mr Boris Meng, Export Manager, Wanxiang Import & Export Co Ltd praised the high quality of overseas buyers. He added: “Our business is focused on export and as the economy is going down, we face quite a severe situation. But in this case, we are more eager to attend this show which is a key and must-attend show in China.”

“Facing such a bad economic situation, we are even more serious on the plans of trade show selection,” commented Ms Eva Zhang, Snap-on Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd. “Automechanika Shanghai is a ‘not-to-be missed’ show. Joining the fair helped to bring more confidence to our clients here and send them the message that we will continue our contribution here.”

Automechanika Shanghai also featured overseas pavilions from France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and the United States of America. Representing the American state of Georgia, Ms Lindsay Liu, Managing Director of Georgia said the show was chosen because of its high visibility. “We are very happy to have the chance to use this perfect platform,“ she commented. “This is a good chance for us to meet various autoparts makers and to provide a potential business opportunity to develop the economy.“

Speaking on behalf of the French Pavilion, Ms Céline Le Cotonnec from UBI France added: “This is our first appearance at the show and our exhibitors are happy because of the contacts they are getting.”

Automechanika Matchmaking Forum generates numerous business opportunities

One of the show’s most popular fringe events was the Automechanika Matchmaking Forum where buyers such as ArvinMeritor, Beijing AUREA, Federal Mogul, Gates, Jude Chinese City, Repco and Valeo Asia met with suppliers to explore potential business opportunities.

Mr David Pelletier, Sourcing Team Manager, Valeo Asia Purchasing Office said the forum was a good idea. “It’s direct and highly efficient. We can get face-to-face information about the latest developments concerning our existing suppliers and key industry players.”

Also looking for suppliers was Mr Mark Sookias, General Manager of Australian company motospecs. “I have been very impressed with the quality of people that I have been talking to,” he commented. “The China market is very important for us going forward in our business.” Equally enthusiastic was Mr Fulin Han, Overseas Department, Beijing Aurea Investment Administration Co Ltd. He added: “I love the matchmaking program. It’s face-to-face talking and I can communicate to the right suppliers and discuss every detail. It saves our time and energy.”

Automechanika Academy and other fringe events draw large crowds

This year’s academy featured many prominent industry speakers including Mr Mr. Dong Jianping, Vice General Secretary, China Association of Automobile Manufactures and Mr Klaus Burger, Vice President of EGEA – European Garage Equipment Association and President of the Federal Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment, Germany.

The Outsourcing Association of Shanghai Management Science Society and the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University organised the fourth International Forum on Service Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industry. The theme was “The Development Trend and Industry Standard of Service Outsourcing in the Chinese Automobile Industry”. Forum speaker Prof You Jianxin, Deputy President, Chinese Academy of Science & Technology Management, Tongji University said: “The seminar is a communication bridge between enterprises, buyers and researchers. It provides attendees with the latest developments of the whole industry, presents the edge-cutting technologies and market information. It’s live and direct.” Other fringe events taking place were:

• The 14th China International Automotive Engine Techniques & Equipment Conference which discussed gas emission and noise reductions and efficiency, and
• The Forum on Strategic Change in China Auto Electronic and Electrical Appliances Industry, China’s only high-level forum on market strategies for China’s automobile electronic and electrical appliances.

Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt in partnership with the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). The next show will be held
9 – 11 December 2009. For further information, visit www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

Additional exhibitor comments:

“We join Automechanika Shanghai every year and have witnessed its rapid growth. The high quality and large quantity of overseas buyers is the most attractive feature. We can get new and effective contacts which helps us a lot to broaden our client network.”
Mr Maxim Wang, Vice President, Launch Tech Co Ltd

“We are very satisfied with this fair. It’s such an excellent platform for us to showcase our company and product brands. It helps us to strengthen our company image in the industry. Thanks to the fair, we have been widely accepted by the clients worldwide.”
Mr Ren Xiongjun, Business Manager, Shanxi Fast Gear Co Ltd

“China is a very important potential market for us. I think the Chinese market is suffering less than other markets so it can be a good help in order to help the situation.”
Mr Javier Biasotti, Area Manager, Corghi Spa

“This show is important for us and the visitor quality is fine because most of our target groups are local distributors and mechanics and they are here at the show.”
Ms Summer Xie, Marketing Department, Automotive Aftermarket Division, Shaeffler Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd