A smart decision to combine trade shows

Altogether, 4,214 foreign buyers and 35,000 local traders attended the four-day show, an increase of 3.6% from the previous year.

The organizers of both shows, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council or TAITRA and the Taiwan Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association or TEEMA had earlier joined hands to host the first AutoTronics Taipei April. That show attracted 140 exhibitors and had 20,000 visitors. AutoTronics 2006 highlighted Taiwan’s strengths and business opportunities in the information technology and automotive electronics sectors.

Taiwan has recently stepped up its efforts to build itself up as a global procurement supply hub for automotive parts and auto electronics. A major plus point for Taiwan is its geographical position at the crossroads of three Asian economic regions – north-ease Asia, Greater China and the ASEAN bloc – make it particularly viable as a sourcing hub for automotive companies. The country also has a well-developed logistical infrastructure and a pool of highly skilled labor.

Automotive Industries (AI) spoke to Kevin Wu, manager of Section VI, Exhibition Department TAITRA and Christa Chao, Publicity Manager, Taipei AMPA & AutoTronics Taipei.

Hu: Taiwan’s auto parts sector plays a vital role in the global industry and the value composition of electronics on each vehicle is growing 7.5% annually. In addition, these two sectors perfectly represent the strengths of our industry since electronics is Taiwan’s largest industry and auto parts a significant leader. Both industries are in rapid growth, transition, and conversion.

These joint shows at same place and time reflect how vehicles are increasingly getting smarter. It was the first time Autotronics was staged with AMPA. That is itself is a positive move for the entire field. We also featured the Innovation Products Pavilion, AutoTronics Forum, Industry Workshops & Seminars, Purchasing Policy Seminar, Trade Meeting, and Insights on the Global Auto Parts Market, Auto IT Total Solution Pavilion, and GPS Pavilion. These dual shows display the latest products and technologies like engine parts & fittings, body parts, steering systems, auto repair kits, power transmissions, brake systems, auto accessories, telematics / drive information systems, auto safety & security systems, auto electronic components & parts, and auto semiconductors.

AI: What interest did this year’s exhibition generated and from which countries?

Chao: The combined shows had a record 127 foreign exhibitor count. Participants represent 14 nations, including the USA, Italy, France, Swiss, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. And this year we’ve even sliced off the motorcycle parts and accessories portion of the show and reorganized it into its own Taipei Motorcycle Show that ran solo this May 18-20, 2007. By doing this we’ve achieved a record size and greater focus for progress in auto parts and auto electronics. Most buyers greatly appreciate this transition and we project buyer numbers to increase, especially from Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

AI: How have TAITRA’s helped Taiwan emerge as a procurement hub for automotive companies?

Hu: The momentum of this huge industry rests upon having the ideal platform to deliver Taiwan’s message and products to the world. By bringing together Taiwan’s rich but diverse products and scattered company groupings, TAITRA automotive exhibitions serve to consolidate this industry at Asia’s top global procurement hub. Taiwan output is increasingly globally connected at all levels and markets, and domestic producers – often noted for their outstanding R&D facilities, are intensely focused and specialized. But these tens of thousands of producers are spread about both at home and abroad and require AMPA as a key procurement hub and strategic center for consolidation.