TAPA 2018 – World Auto Parts Sourcing Hub Innovation Clean for the Future

The Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association and supported by related associations and organizations in Thailand’s auto parts industry will stage Thailand Auto Parts & Accessories 2018 (TAPA 2018), an international trade arena to present new products and innovations in the auto parts and accessories industry during 5-8 April 2018 at BITEC, Bangkok.

Supapat Ongsangkoon, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion revealed at a press conference to announce TAPA 2018, held today (22 March 2018) that “Thailand now ranks the 12th largest automobile manufacturer in the world and we are ASEAN’s leader in the auto parts industry. The automobile and auto parts export value in 2017 reaches $19,844.69 million a 15.5% increase from 2016. The major export markets are USA, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.”

TAPA 2018 provides opportunities for Thai manufacturers to present their full potential to buyers, importers and retailers from all over the world. An international marketplace to seek and expand business collaboration and networking among manufacturers and buyers, TAPA 2018 will feature 500 exhibitors from Thailand and overseas and is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors from ASEAN, South Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, EU, the Middle East, China, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, etc.

Achana Limpaitoon, President of Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association said “As we are moving into the next generation of automotive industry, TAPA 2018 will be held under the concept of “World Auto Parts Sourcing Hub, Innovation Clean for the Future” with a showcase of innovations such as hybrid and electric vehicles. There will be seminars in hot topics including “Auto Parts Industry in Eastern Economic Corridor: EEC”, “EV Research Trend”, “Industry Talk: The Perspective in Clean Energy Trend”, “Key Concern in EV Market in Business Perspective” and “Voice of Green Consumer.” Also featured at the event are Measuring Tool Skill Competition for university students and business matching activity.

Sompoes Chinakanon, President of Worachak Automotive Synergy Association said “Worachak District has a long story in Thailand’s auto parts industry with more than 1,000 auto parts stores in the area. It plays a crucial role in promoting Thailand’s auto parts to the world market. We will bring a complete range of products to showcase at the fair with many activities to provide both knowledge and entertainment for visitors.”

Nattawat Bunworaset, President of Thai Auto Parts Aftermarket Association said “The market for Thailand’s Aftermarket or REM products has grown continuously with Thai manufacturers keeping high standards in quality of their brands. They do not only maintain the existing customer base but also expand to new export markets, and REM products from Thailand have gained trust from customers all over the world. In TAPA 2018, we will have many aftermarket products for vehicle performance and decoration as well as vehicle maintenance products on display.”

Chanatip Surachaisittikul, President of Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association said that the association’s zone in TAPA 2018 will feature 90 booths of its members which are subcontracting manufacturers of auto parts such as metal parts, rubber parts, electronics parts, etc. Some of these manufacturers have developed their own brands. For example, SCC Tech produces sprockets under its “SCC Tech” brand name and Ataboon has its own brand “Ataboon” brake pads.

TAPA 2018 is organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion in collaboration with Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association and supported by Thai Auto Parts Aftermarket Association, Worachak Automotive Synergy Association, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association and related associations and organizations in Thailand’s auto parts industry during 5-8 April 2018 at BITEC, Bangkok – 5-7 April 2018 are trade days and 8 April 2018 is a public day.

For more information, visit www.ditp.go.th  www.tapafair.com