CITExpo is Poised to Reshape the Tyre World

(Akron/Tire Review) China has been reshaping the tyre world in the recent years, with most of the world’s leading brands either launching or expanding their manufacturing bases and sales networks in China. But even there, the key players need a trade show to effectively meet the needs of distributors, suppliers and manufacturers.

The third annual China International Tire Expo (CITExpo), to be held in Shanghai from 14-16 December aims to link the professionals from the worldwide tyre industry. According to the organisers of CITExpo, thousands of buyers from over 66 countries attended last year’s event, and hundreds more are expected this year. Exhibitors were satisfied with the results and found that it was much easier for them to close the trade leads and obtain buyer information at CITExpo, according to organisers.

Tyres & Accessories and editorial partners, Tire Review, are official European and North American media sponsors of the event respectively.

China has become the top ranked country in tire production and consumption. With its low labour cost and the quality products to fulfill the demand by various countries, it has also become one of the top ranked countries in tyre export. In the first half of 2005, there were over 1.4 billion tyres produced in China – most of those for domestic consumption. Still, in 2004 there were nearly 70 million tyres exported.

The third edition of CITExpo will be held at the Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center. “We need more floor space for the growing show,” said Reliable managing director Wilko Fong. “The number of exhibitors has grown by 40 per cent and the number of worldwide pre-registered visitors has grown by 70 per cent comparing with this same moment to last year.”

According to Wilko, the coming event will be the largest one so far, with more than 130 exhibitors showcasing tyre related products including tires, wheels, tyre maintenance materials and equipment, retreading materials and equipment, manufacturing materials and equipment, accessories, and more to the visitors from some 65 countries and 30 Chinese provinces and municipalities.

“CITExpo is a relatively young show, but it has gradually become one of the events of the tyre industry that every player does not want to miss,” said Wilko. “Our aim is to grow CITExpo to become the annual ‘must’ event for them.”

Even prior to the CITExpo 2005, organisers announced the date for the event 2006 event – 6 – September. Moreover, the Auto Testing Expo will be introduced into China and held concurrently with CITExpo 2006. The synergy of the two events holding concurrently will effectively attract more decision makers, engineers, parts buyers of the carmakers from all around China.