December 12, 2012: Automechanika Shanghai 2012, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO), opened yesterday to around 4,110 exhibitors from around the world, including 37 from India. The show saw close to 20,043 visitors on day one with a hefty attendance for the fringe programmes too.
The figures represent a 33 percent increase in international exhibitors and a 13.5 percent increase in Chinese exhibitors who are showcasing their products and services in almost 180,000 square metres of exhibition space covering 17 halls. This is a four hall and 13 percent increase in exhibition space compared to last year’s show.
Addressing the inaugural press conference, Michael Johannes, vice-president, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said that the 2012 edition had set many records even before it began. Asked what plans are in store when Automechanika travels to New Delhi next year for the ACMA Automechanika 2013 expo, Johannes said, “We are still working out the event. But we are very excited in welcoming our new baby.”
There are 37 countries represented at the show including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam. First-time countries exhibiting at the show are Bulgaria, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon and Pakistan. Also, there is one new overseas pavilion from the UK. In total there are 13 pavilions at this year’s show.
Commenting on the show Jason Cao, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “As well as the largest ever exhibitor turnout, we have attracted more country and regional pavilions than ever before, including a first time pavilion from the UK. Many of the returning pavilions have increased their space to cope with the demand from exhibitors who want to be part of the world’s second biggest Automechanika show. For example, the Indian pavilion organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has grown in size by 50 percent. We are also expecting more than 70,000 show visitors, including many local and overseas delegations.”
This year’s show has once again attracted regular key brands such as Affinia, Beissbarth, Bosch, Dayco, Federal Mogul, Continental, Corghi, Giuliano, MAHA, ITW, Liqui Moly, TRW and Zonda, together with new brands Autologic, Berton, Botny, CTEK, FAWER, Formula-1, GKN, Hella, HSAE, OSRAM, Spacekey, TecDoc, Valeo, Wastec and WD-40. The key brands with the largest exhibition space this year include ArvinMeritor, Delphi, Schaeffler, TJM and Unipoint.
The event also saw the launch of Autohaus, a specialised magazine about the Chinese automobile industry. The magazine sees a joint effort by Messe Frankfurt and Springer Fachmedien Munchen GmbH trying to address various areas of interest like trading, financial services, aftersales/repair and maintenance.
30 quality fringe programmes
Automechanika Shanghai’s 30 quality fringe programmes have already attracted a good response. Sessions cover various industry issues in the sectors of parts and components, repair and maintenance, accessories and remanufacturing, as well as exhibitor presentations from Carlas, Delphi, MAHLE, Schaeffler, Spacekey and ZF.
KARTHIK H