Automechanika ready to service booming $61bn MEA auto aftermarket

The Middle East and Africa’s auto aftermarket has been valued at US$61bn, with projected rising car sales and more manufacturing bases. The region is on target for 6% annual growth over the next six years, according to a newly published report.

The new figures bode well for the largest trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa, Automechanika Dubai, with organisers hoping to build on last year’s 1,801 exhibitors who came from 61 countries, and a trade visitor attendance of 31,971 from 146 countries.

The White Paper by global analysts TechSci Research released this month ahead of Automechanika Dubai 2019 exhibition highlights an upward trend in emerging market, with Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow women to drive in 2018 and increasing online spare parts sales, coupled with growing demand for vehicle modifications being major factors accelerating growth in the Middle East’s aftermarket, which was valued at US$28.14bn in 2018.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Automechanika Dubai 2019 takes place 10-12 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“In the coming years, demand for both passenger and commercial vehicles will rise across the Middle East and Africa, driven by recovering economic conditions, government incentives to boost regional production plants, increasing per capita income, and ongoing construction activities,” said Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Show Director.

“This in turn impacts the aftermarket and Automechanika Dubai, with its trans-regional reach, is the ideal platform to meet and interact with key players and buyers in this market.  With the biggest names in the business present this year, the exhibition is a great place for buyers, industry professionals, distributors and government representatives to get a feel of market trends, developments and the way ahead,” he added.

The second hand auto spare parts market in the Middle East has also developed into a full-fledged multi-million dollar industry, boasting more than 100 small and medium-sized enterprises spread across the region. The UAE is the major supplier of automotive spare parts within the Gulf region as well as for Iran, the CIS, Indian sub-continent and Africa.

A key returning show highlight is the Innovation Zone, a dedicated area featuring presentations and product showcases that are steering the course for the regional and global automotive aftermarket.

Other features include the Truck Competence initiative, where 1,000 exhibitors will showcase their products dedicated to the value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.

The Automechanika Academy (AA) also returns, featuring key presentations such as Dubai’s auto parts and accessories trade in 2018 by the Dubai Customs, along with the findings of a survey exploring innovations in the Middle East automotive industry by global research company Explori.

TechSci’s Middle East and Africa Automotive Aftermarket report is available to download for Automechanika Dubai 2019 pre-registered visitors and exhibitors