Record Exhibitor Numbers Anticipated for Automechanika Shanghai

The world’s second largest Automechanika show opens in China on December 10 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. During the three exhibition days a record number of exhibitors are expected to showcase their products in the centre’s eight halls, an 80 per cent increase in exhibition space compared with 2007. Visitor numbers are also expected to exceed last year’s figure.

Now being held for the fourth time, Automechanika Shanghai, co-organised by Messe Frankfurt and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO) has grown from small beginnings – in its first year the show hosted only 235 exhibitors. In 2008 more than 1,900 exhibitors from 23 countries will be present, and the show is expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors from all over the world. “It’s remarkable that in this relatively short space of time, we have grown so much,” said Mr. Stephan Kurzawski, vice president of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. “We are now China’s leading auto trade show for the automotive parts, components and aftermarket industry. What’s more, our Shanghai show is the world’s second biggest Automechanika show. It is an honour for us not only to contribute to China’s auto industry in this way but also to the global auto industry.”

In line with the Automechanika global brand format, a complete range of products from low to high-end and basic to hi-tech will be displayed in five categories: parts & systems, accessories & tuning, repair & maintenance, IT & management, and service station & car wash. Exhibitors include some of the best-known brand names, such as Schaeffler, Wanxiang Group, Shanxi Fast Gear China North Industries and Webasto who will be exhibiting in the Parts & Systems category. Heading up the Repair & Maintenance category will be global giant Bosch, Corghi and Snap-on, and representing China, Launch Tech and Bantam, plus there are overseas pavilions from France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and the USA.

As well as sourcing products, exhibitors and visitors attend Automechanika Shanghai for its fringe programmes, including the Automechanika Academy, the International Forum on Service Outsourcing in the Manufacturing Industry, the 14th China International Automotive Engine Techniques & Equipment Conference, the Forum on Strategic Change in China Auto Electronic and Electrical Appliances Industry and the Automechanika Matchmaking Forum.

Another fringe event is the popular Automechanika Matchmaking Forum running from 11 – 12 December 2008. At this event exhibitors can meet one-on-one with invited domestic and international top-level buyers to discuss potential business opportunities. Buyers invited to the forum include ArvinMeritor, Beijing AUREA, Federal Mogul, Gates, Jude Chinese City, Repco and Valeo Asia.

Further information can be obtained from the automechanika.messefrankfurt.com website.