Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The inaugural edition of Automechanika Riyadh concluded on an impressive note yesterday (7 February), as 4,961 trade buyers networked with more than 150 exhibitors from 21 countries at the Saudi Capital’s dedicated automotive aftermarket exhibition.
The highly anticipated first edition of the three-day event took place from 5-7 February 2018 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the global appeal underlined by country pavilions from Germany, USA, Turkey, Korea and China.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East in partnership with Saudi-based Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), Automechanika Riyadh is one of 17 global Automechanika events, the world’s leading international automotive trade show brand.
Some of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of aftermarket spare parts, accessories, components, tyres, batteries, systems and electronics were on show, all eager to capitalise on Saudi’s vast automotive industry.
“We’re delighted with the positive industry response to Automechanika Riyadh’s debut run, vindicating our decision to introduce the world-class Automechanika brand to the Kingdom’s Capital,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “Exhibitors and traders reported a number of serious new business enquiries as they looked to assert a stronger foothold in the Eastern and Central regions of Saudi Arabia.
“This underlines the opportunities in Saudi, where growing competition and changing brand preferences are opening up fresh business opportunities for parts suppliers, distributors and retailers.
“The more than 8,500 automotive component dealerships and distributors in Saudi has positively influenced the parts aftermarket over the last few years. That’s reflected on the show floor at Automechanika Riyadh, which brings global standards, innovation and efficiency to this highly important regional market,” Pauwels said.
Hadi Al-Harith, CEO, ACE Exhibitions, added: “The recent royal decree allowing women to drive gives further impetus to the automotive sector, with 65 percent of the 14.8 million female population joining their male counterparts in acquiring cars, concurrently boosting the car care, upgrading and add-ons.”
“This and other economic indicators in the Kingdom augur well for the success of Automechanika Riyadh, and we’re delighted to have concluded on a successful note this prestigious international trade show for Saudi’s automotive aftermarket.”
At the forefront of major exhibitors at Automechanika Riyadh 2018 was the show’s official Launch Partner O2Proformance, and Gold Sponsor Samir Odeh, which specialises in the distribution of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts from Europe.
They were joined by some of the biggest names in the aftermarket business, including GIC Brakes from the USA, German companies Alanko and Sortimo, Dongnam Corporation from Korea, Spanish company Blinker, and LEMA from Italy, a manufacturer of spare parts for European trucks and buses.
Eng. Mohammed Anees, Technical Service Engineer at Samir Odeh, said: “As one of sponsors of the exhibition, the response from visitors was very good. We made some small direct sales at the show and have many good leads to follow-up on.”
Ali Saeed Bawazeer, General Manager of Dara Auto, added: “This is our second exhibition with Automechanika and it’s always good to be with them. We’re coming from Jeddah but we need to increase our presence in Riyadh too.”
Trade buyers too were pleased with their business endeavours. “I’m here to get the latest updates on new technology in car services and glad to see such a number of suppliers,” said Nasir Al Twairqi, who was looking for car accessories. “I found what I’m looking for.”
Abdulmohsin Al Bugami, added: “It’s my first time visiting an Automechanika event and I’m impressed with the displayed products and information by the exhibitors.
“I have a car maintenance shop and met with a few companies from USA, Germany, China and Korea.”
Automechanika Riyadh will alternate between the existing Automechanika Jeddah, with the two trade fairs combining to offer a dual gateway to Saudi’s entire aftermarket and auto services industry, from Jeddah, Mecca, and Medinah to the West, and Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar to the East.
The next Automechanika will head back West to Jeddah for its 3rd edition from 26-28 February 2019 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events. The second edition of Automechanika Riyadh, meanwhile, will run from 24-26 February 2020 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. More information for both shows is available at: www.automechanikariyadh.com or www.automechanikajeddah.com.