ECI Sets Record Straight Over Copycat ‘Tyrexpo Asia’

ECI International Ltd, the organiser of Tyrexpo Asia in Singapore, has criticised a new show in Shanghai for copying its name. Even the new show’s logo appears to have distinct similarities to the official Tyrexpo corporate identity. ECI representatives told Tyres & Accessories that they want to make sure exhibitors are not misled into supporting the new show, which is being billed as Tyrexpo ASIA 2008 China (Shanghai) International Tyre Exhibition. The show is not in any way associated with ECI International Ltd.

Rowena Suthers, sales director for ECI, which has put on the Tyrexpo Asia exhibition in the Singapore Expo Centre for the past 10 years, said: “It’s extremely disappointing that another show organiser has deliberately chosen to copy a well-established brand name like Tyrexpo Asia to market its show. This can only confuse potential exhibitors and visitors in the region who are associated with our show in Singapore.”

Word that the new show was canvassing for support spread after a customer asked ECI about the 2008 event. Rowena Suthers explained: “For the sake of clarity, I’d like to confirm that ECI is not associated with the [2008] exhibition in Shanghai in any way. We are already committed to our next show in March 2009 and will take any action necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the event,” she added. We have always welcomed fair competition, but this show has been developed and marketed with complete disregard of the fact that the Tyrexpo Asia brand is already a familiar and trusted name in the tyre and equipment marketplace.”

ECI’s seventh Tyrexpo Asia exhibition will take place in the Singapore Expo Centre from 24-26 March 2009. The show is endorsed by International Enterprise Singapore, the Ministry of Trade and Industry agency which spearheads the development of Singapore’s external economy.