AAITF Bangkok 2015 makes its mark as auto aftermarket B2B platform

The just-concluded AAITF Bangkok 2015 expo, Thailand’s first trade and business matching fair for automotive parts, replacement parts and auto accessories, has made its pitch as an aftermarket B2B show platform in the South East Asian automotive aftermarket, while attracting global visitors. While showcasing the latest trends in the global automotive aftermarket sector, it also addressed specific needs in the Asian region.

The show, held from December 9-11 at the IMPACT Forum Exhibition Centre in Bangkok, was a B2B marketplace for aftermarket solutions and networking in segments like in-car electronics, vehicle exteriors and interiors, car care, garage equipment, tyres, engine and transmission, lubricants, CV accessories and  connected cars.

Organised by Tarsus Group in association with Inter-Media Consultant Co, the trade fair saw several new product displays and demonstrations from global companies including RUPES, inCarBite, Auto Glym, Connects2, Bosch, Meguiars, RUST-OLEUM and Lintec Singapore.

Thailand is known as the largest production base in the ASEAN and the nerve centre of the supply chain for the automotive aftermarket. Leading Thai companies like Drivebot, SJS Pro Products and PP Super Wheels showcased their products in the first Bangkok edition of AAITF. International exhibitors included Rupes SpA, Autovox, Autoglym, Sussex Autoparts, inCarBite, Connects 2, Mchanix, Kunming Songcheng Automobile Repairing Equipment Co and Shift Performance Asia (M) SDN BHD (MaxxOil).

The expo, inaugurated by Athit Wuthikaro, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, was spread across 3,500 square metres and saw participation from around 200 exhibitors from the UK, Italy, US, Australia, India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

In his keynote address, Peter Massey, Project Director of Tarsus Group, said: “This marks the first year that the company has cooperated with Inter-Media Consultants to organise AAITF Bangkok 2015, the first AAITF event in Thailand which primarily focusses on business matching.”

Summing up AAITF’s other edition activities, Massey said that AAITF was first organised in 2006 in Guangzhou, PRC, covering am exhibition area of 200,000 square metres. The first expo displayed nine major product categories covering 3,000 brands from 48 countries. More than 20,000 new products are launched every year.

Chalatchai Paphatphong, Deputy Managing Director, Inter-Media Consultant Co, said this is the first year that they have joined hands with the Tarsus Group to organise AAITF Bangkok 2015.

According to Franesco Ginocchio, marketing & communication manager of RUPES, the company participated in the event to showcase its popular products like BigFoot polishers line, dust extraction systems and Skorpio sanders. The Italian company, which had its stand at the centre point of the exhibition hall, attracted several local automobile engineers to watch their live demonstrations. Infotainment and in-car electronics were also a popular show highlight.

inCarBite showcased its solutions for dashboard and interiors. Ray Yeung, CEO, inCarBite, said the company’s aftermarket products have a global presence and the participation at AAITF Bangkok was to expand its presence in the South East Asian market. He said the company’s product portfolio covers tablet holders, OE fit in-vehicle WiFi dash cameras, magnetic dash mount, Bluetooth headset and speakers. inCarBite made demonstrations by fitting its products on a Mercedes-Benz E250 CGI.

Yeung said the WiFi dash camera is made for individual car models from premium carmakers like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Land Rover and Lexus.

British manufacturer of car audio interfaces, Connects2 had its Adaptive Multimedia which allows extensive multimedia and navigation upgrades to a vehicle’s OEM screen.

John Gulliver, export sales manager of Connects2, said the company’s products include steering wheel control interfaces, info adapter interface and facia plates. As the demand for in-car electronics increases in Asia, the company is in the process of expanding its sales network in this belt. He said that Lihyeh Industrial Co Ltd has been appointed as the company’s distributor in Thailand.                                                                  

Taiwan-based Picolink Technology, which displayed its tyre pressure monitoring system solutions, is another exhibitor which saw plenty of showgoer interest. Peter, sales manager of Picolinkm said the company is currently exporting its products to China and it was at AAITF Bangkok trade fair to find a distributor for Thailand. The company’s products include RF connectors, GPS modules as well as automotive electronic parts.

Notably, Thai-based companies received a good response from European and Asian visitors. Topo Truck Cover Co Ltd and SJS Group, which showcased accessories for pickup trucks, attracted many CV aftermarket players.

Master M Seat Cover wowed many showgoers with its colourful vehicle seats. The company also manufactures vehicle bumper and side steps.

Other exhibitors who attracted visitors included T.R.R Auto Part, Sarayuth Machine Works Co and Patanayont Import-Export Co.