JAN 24: The 2012 edition of Automechanika Shanghai held in mid-December 2012 continued its tradition of beating previous show records for exhibitor and visitor attendance, claim the organisers, Messe Frankfurt. The final tally was 4,109 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, a 14 percent increase. A further breakdown reveals a 33 percent increase in international exhibitors and a 12 percent increase in exhibitors from China.
The exhibition space, spread across 17 halls was 180,000 sq.m, a 13 percent increase compared to the 2011 show. In terms of visitor numbers, there were 72,190 from 136 countries and regions. The show was organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). The show is the world’s second largest Automechanika, with the largest one being held in Frankfurt, Germany. Jason Cao, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said: “Automechanika Shanghai is a one-stop platform for information exchange, networking, promotion, education, marketing as well as business in the industry. Its continued success can be proved by the increased exhibition scale. There are more exhibitors from diverse product sectors especially from repair and maintenance as well as accessories and tuning, which attracted the highest-ever number of international visitors, an increase of 18 percent compared to the 2011 show. Secondly, the show has gained more support from leading international and local trade industry associations and government agencies from across the automotive spectrum indicating greater influence on the industry. Also, the largest ever fringe programme with 30 sessions were delivered in partnership with more world-class international organisations and research institutes than before.”
Exhibitors praise
Exhibitors in the Indian section of the International Pavilion hall saw multi-trade International participation for the first time. Dinesh Thesia, CEO, said, “The response for our products is very good. However, we are only looking at European and Middle-Eastern buyers. We’ve had some discussions with a few European buyers, but orders, if at all, are two to three months away as we have to send them our product samples first.” Harsimran Singh Anand from Agra-based liners and pistons manufacturer for diesel cars and trucks, Anand Exports, echoed the same sentiments, stating that there was no way his company could match the cost of Chinese manufacturers. Seasoned aftermarket player, Roots India, however, said China had big potential as a market. “We’ve been to Beijing also. We are keen on the Chinese market and we’ve had good response, let’s say above average,” said S Raghu Prakash, associate head – exports. His company is exploring new markets in Africa, especially South Africa.
Metal injection mould manufacturer, Indo-US MIM Tec Pvt Ltd had set up its stall in a whole different hall to the India pavilion. Balaji Singh M from its marketing group said that he was rather happy with the response. As with the exhibitors above, his company is targeting US and Europe based customers. However, with its manufacturing facility near Bangalore and an office each in New Jersey, USA and just outside Stuttgart , Germany, Indo-Us MIM’s mandate was simpler to comprehend.
There were, however, a few exhibitors who weren’t particularly keen on the show. Techno Springs Industries said they will participate in the next edition of the show. The Faridabad-based manufacturer was a first-time exhibitor. Vikas Tantia, senior executive – marketing, said, “We did not get the response we wanted. Other parts and components exhibitors included Affinia, BorgWarner, Continental Automotive, ContiTech, Cummins, Dayco, Delphi, Febi Bilsten, Federal Mogul, Great Wall, Hella, Mahle, MANN+HUMMEL, Meritor, NAVECO, NTN-SNR, Raybestos, Ruili, Schaeffler, TRW, Unipoint, Valeo and ZF.