Tyrexpo Africa 2006 – Met with Great Enthusiasm

For the first time since the early eighties, South Africa hosted its own dedicated tyre trade event. The three-day exhibition was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg where over 110 national and international exhibitors took part. According to the organisers, a total of 2738 tyre trade professionals, from 44 countries, attended the show. In addition to those from within South Africa, others came from Botswana, Burundi, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Samoa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. More international visitors came from Australia, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, U.A.E and the US.

In general the feedback from both national and international exhibitors was positive. For those entering the African market for the first time the show was a good initial exploratory opportunity, which for the majority highlighted the need for a long-term commitment plan in order to establish their products and brand names.

Laurent Colrat, marketing director of Bandag SA commented: “As the first “tyre only” international exhibition on the African continent, it was pertinent for Bandag Southern Africa to use Tyrexpo Africa 2006 as a platform to showcase our latest innovations. Bandag SA committed to Tyrexpo Africa 2006 as early as October 2005 and it proved to be not only a good marketing decision but also a significant strategic move. Taking a stand but also making a stand for Bandag SA revealed to be fruitful as the South African tyre market is highly competitive and sophisticated. The experience of the organizers was evident and Bandag SA will definitively be back for Tyrexpo Africa 2008.”

Rob Sowry, managing director of Nitralife SA (PTY) Ltd commented: “Tyrexpo Africa’06 held at the Sandton Convention Centre was one of the most successful we have exhibited at. It was well organized by ECI and we look forward to exhibiting at Tyrexpo Africa’08.”

The show featured the latest in tyres and tyre technology, re-treading and tyre production equipment, wheels and wheel alignment technology, tyre repair/tyre changing equipment, fast-fit and garage equipment, balancing, nitrogen inflation, valves, tyre recycling and disposal, tools and accessories.

All stand space in Exhibition Hall 1 at the Sandton Covention Centre was sold and as a result of this two halls have been booked for the 2008 event. The Organisers ECI International, were very optimistic about the response to the show and confirmed that their main objective is now to firmly establish Tyrexpo Africa as a biennial event in South Africa.

Tyrexpo Africa 2008 complements the Tyrexpo Asia (Singapore) and Brityrex International (United Kingdom) series of events organised by ECI International Limited. Show dates for Tyrexpo Africa 2008 will be announced shortly.