Record number of exhibitors and visitors demonstrate confidence in Automechanika Shanghai

Mr Jason Cao, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt Shanghai Co Ltd says: “We are very happy with this remarkable result. Despite the global economic slowdown, the show continues to gain momentum and we have set new records for exhibitor and visitor numbers. In addition, the show is establishing itself as both a major domestic and international event. This can be seen from our diverse range of visitor countries. As well as visitors from the traditional continents of Europe, Asia and North America, we have seen visitors from 35 new countries. These include nine new African countries as well as Madagascar and Reunion, two islands off the African coast, and also the Maldives. From the South American continent and the Caribbean region our first time visitors came from Cuba, the Bahamas, Dominica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. We also saw first time visitors from Fiji, and New Caledonia.”

Automechanika Shanghai 2009 attracted a number of world’s leading companies to showcase their latest products and services.

Italian company Corghi, a global auto equipment manufacturer and soon to open a production plant in China, was confident about the benefits of Automechanika Shanghai. Mr Claudio Spiritelli, Sales and Marketing Director comments: “The show offers an important platform for us to strengthen and improve our relationship with different companies. We always give priority to participate in this show.”

Hyundai Enercell, the official automotive battery supplier to Hyundai and Kia motor vehicles was also enthusiastic about the show and the auto market. “The last two shows brought us a lot of business,” says company representative Mr Jack Park. “This year we’ve also made a lot of good business contacts with buyers from Asia, Europe and Middle East. There are always ups and downs in the economic cycle, so we should be well-prepared for the recovery by exhibiting at good trade fairs.”

Sharing a similar view was Mr Maxim Wang, Vice President for Launch Tech Co Ltd, incorporated in China and listed in Hong Kong. It is a global player in the automotive aftermarket, providing a full range of equipment and service solutions for workshops. “We are an old friend of Automechanika Shanghai,” he remarks. “I am happy to see buyers at the show having a genuine purchase intention. The domestic automotive market has not been affected by the global economic situation. Instead, it is growing rapidly and we can feel this at the show.”

First time Taiwanese exhibitor was Unipoint Electric Manufacturing Co Ltd, a leading supplier of wiper blades and rotating electrical parts. The company supplies products to world-famous vehicle manufacturers such as Continental, Ford, GM, Peugeot and Toyota.

Ms Yen Chun Chuang, the company’s Marketing Specialist says she met buyers from Africa, Europe, Middle East and South America. “The show provides a good opportunity for us to gain brand recognition and to stand out from other companies especially under the current economic climate,” she adds.

Mrs Sharon Ye, Business Manager for Zhejiang Luoshi Vibration Control Co Ltd was very impressed with the quantity and quality of visitors. “The buyers we’ve met are purchasing department decision makers and management,” she reports.

Mr Marc Ripotot, Aftermarket Manager for French company Hutchinson, also praises the quality of the buyers. “We had quite nice distributors visiting our booth and I was surprised by the level of professionalism and by the volume they are representing,” he says.

Chery Engine Company from China remarks that the show included a comprehensive range of automotive parts, components, repair and maintenance products. “It is an efficient platform for industry players to promote themselves to customers,” comments Mr Feng Wutang, General Manager. “The show has further increased our brand exposure in the market”

Third time USA exhibitor Snap-on, says the show was a good platform for equipment manufacturers to showcase their products and advantages. “Automechanika Shanghai is not only for overseas customers. Many domestic equipment resellers come here to find new products and business opportunities. In the last two days, there have been some potential Chinese resellers discussing opportunities to be our resellers,” explains Mr Nicky Marr, Equipment Manager, OEM and Training.

Many international buyers came to Automechanika Shanghai to source from Asia’s largest platform for automotive parts, equipment and services and they were satisfied with the quality of exhibitors. United Arab Emirates visitor, Mr Ali R Ehtiyatkar from Eurocraft Auto Spare Parts comes to Automechanika Shanghai every year. “Five years ago it was difficult to find quality products because everyone wanted to sell at cheap prices,” he comments. “But now many manufacturers come with good quality products and new technology.”

First time visitor Mr Johan de Groot, Managing Director for the Netherlands company Vocor International BV remarks: “We found new products which are interesting for us. We are very impressed with what we have seen so far and I think it is worthwhile to come to the show.”

Mr Elory Wu, Product Manager for Shanghai CPM Trading Co Ltd spent three days at the show. “Besides meeting with our existing suppliers, I’ve made several new contacts,” he summarises. “The show has covered all product groups in the industry and it’s like a one-stop station to learn all the China and global market developments and trends.”

Automechanika Matchmaking Forum offered additional business opportunities

Heads of sourcing and procurement departments from 15 companies including China, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and UAE attended the Automechanika Matchmaking Forum to meet one-on-one with suppliers. Dubai company Dynatrade specialises in a diverse range of automotive products such as tyres, batteries and vehicle parts. Manager, Mr V Rajkumar was very satisfied with the event: “This is the first time that I’ve participated in the matchmaking event,” he says. “Since there are too many companies at the show, the matchmaking forum is like a shortcut for me to quickly make contact with the leading suppliers. I think this is a perfect idea.”

Sharing the same view was Mr Wang Xiuquan, Supplier Development Supervisor for Gates Unitta Power Transmission (Shanghai) Limited: “One of the companies I talked to last year at the matchmaking programme has been a stable supplier for us. I’m very satisfied with this direct and efficient business meeting. This is the best matchmaking event I have ever attended in China.” Topy Enterprises Limited is one of the largest Japanese automotive wheel and parts and accessories manufacturers. Mr Koichi Shinno, General Manger, Overseas Department comments: “We had meetings with several suppliers and I am happy that all of them have been of excellent quality. I know some of them will become my potential suppliers.”

Experts explore latest industry topics at various events

Other industry events at the show included the 5th International Forum and Showcase of Service Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industry. Mr Solar Wang, Auto Parts Department Integrated Management Manager and Engineer for CSR Qishuyan Locomotive & Rolling Stock Technology Research Institute Co Ltd says he found the forum useful: “I really learned a lot from the speakers and I will talk to them later about the possibility of cooperation.”

Other events included the highly popular Automechanika Academy which was attended by many prominent industry speakers who explored the latest topics. Speakers included Mr Jia Xinguang, Industry Consultant of Beijing, Consultant of China Everbright Bank; Mr Shen Ningwu, Assistant Secretary General of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM); Mr Henry Zhang, Supplier Quality Engineer, Navistar/International Truck and Engine Co; Mr Kimura Yoshimi, Director, Yellow Hat Ltd; Mr Setsuo Hori, Deputy Director, International Dept, Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA) and Mr Alexander Theil, Brand Protection Representative, Audi, Automotive Industrial Working Group (AIWG). Mr Daniel Loh Hock Yew, Secretary General, Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners’ Association of Malaysia spoke at the 3rd Automobile Maintenance Equipment Dealer Convention and Forum on China Auto Repair Industry. He comments: “I am very happy to see that the forum was well-attended. Participants included technicians, workshop operators and management. China’s auto repair industry has a lot of room for growth. As the government is implementing a stimulus policy to develop the second and third tier areas, I see substantial opportunities for workshop operators and equipment.”

Automechanika Shanghai also organised five other events to update participants with the latest industry intelligence:

· Forum on Low Carbon and Zero Carbon Vehicle Technologies

· Chinese Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers & Distributors Networking Event

· Seminar 2009 for IMD (In Mold Decoration) in Automotive Interior

· Summit of China Auto Electronic and Electrical Appliances Industry

· Chinese Automotive Engine Parts Manufacturers International Trading Cluster Meeting In 2010,

Automechanika Shanghai will become a four day event, instead of a three day event, running from 8 – 11 December 2010. Mr Jason Cao explains: “As the show is becoming bigger and bigger, we see the need for an extra show day. We also received feedback from exhibitors and visitors who wanted to extend the show by one day to further maximise their benefits and opportunities.”

Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). It is one of 13 global Automechanika fairs held in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa. For further information, visit www.automechanika.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com