Autopromotec 2011 Organisers: ‘Excellent Attendance by Foreign Exhibitors and Buyers’

With only six months to go before the 24th Autopromotec, the specialised international exhibition of automotive equipment and aftermarket products (Bologna Exhibition Centre, 25 – 29 May 2011), the organisers have announced strong numbers of foreign exhibitors as well as buyer and dealer delegations for 2011. As a result the next Autopromotec will reportedly have three halls of exhibits from the tyre and ancillary industries.

Marketing manager, Emanuele Vicentini, told T&A, “to date, the number of exhibitors confirmed for Autopromotec 2011 is matching the record level (1,443) achieved at the same stage prior to the 2009 show. Foreign companies make up 35 per cent of these exhibitors, highlighting the increasingly international nature of the event.  For the 2011 show we have increased the amount of exhibition space to150,000 square metres, most of which has already been booked. This strongly indicates that despite the current economic climate, the targeted efforts made by the Autopromotec organisation committee have been channelled in the right direction.”

The UK provides the fourth largest in terms of international exhibitor representation with numbers standing at 30 companies booked so far. Germany leads the way with 102 companies represented. Renzo Servadei, managing director of Promotec S.p.A pointed out, “The UK has a thriving and important aftermarket, but a shortage of specialised trade fairs on its home turf. Not only is Autopromotec a huge and growing industry event; it’s also the only opportunity to meet many international exhibitors who don’t attend other events.  Autopromotec is also where real business is done. Our Autopromotec Observatory valued the business turnover generated by the 2009 show at 1 billion euros – so it really is an unmissable opportunity for UK buyers and suppliers. We urge both visitors and potential exhibitors to come to Bologna in May, and see Autopromotec for themselves.” 

“A number of agreements with influential organisations, including government departments, automotive associations and chambers of commerce, have been fundamental in encouraging this year’s increase in international exhibitors”, said Vicentini.  “In addition, this year an extensive roadshow programme, promoting Autopromotec and its unique features, has already been presented to major national associations as well as key international and local media in a number of different cities throughout Asia, South and North America, the Middle East and Europe. More events are ongoing in capitals such as Casablanca, Cairo, Istanbul and Beirut.

“Autopromotec is also working to encourage the attendance of foreign delegates at the 2011 show. In addition to international delegations organised in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission (ICE), Autopromotec is assisting with the participation of, and subsequent meetings between, buyers and dealers from Argentina, Brazil, Egypt and Poland.”

A new initiative focusing on commercial vehicles is being introduced at next year’s Autopromotec. An exhibition designed exclusively for exhibiting companies involved in maintenance and service sectors for commercial transport. A special logo will identify the exhibitors of equipment, components and spare parts for trucks. Commenting on the new initiative Renzo Servadei said: “Industrial vehicles, and in general the entire sectors related to them, have suffered enormously during this recession. We want to provide some real help to the whole aftermarket by promoting interaction between industry members and creating, we hope, new business opportunities and important synergies.”

For easy visitor reference, Autopromotec’s heavy duty exhibitors will be clearly marked, and a dedicated exhibitor guide will be produced together with a specific logo. A special meeting and ‘matching up’ area will also be set up to foster relations and trade exchanges between truck manufacturers and suppliers.

The 2011 show will also host a number of international events. The European aftermarket EAAS11 symposium will be held for the third time. Experts and international operators within the aftermarket sector will be discussing: “Future opportunities for the automotive aftermarket in Europe”. A conference programme, discussing key industry issues is already in place and important trade meetings and seminars will be held, including a forum on ‘The environment and the Automotive Aftermarket’.

Related News:

• Autopromotec Brings Industrial Vehicles to Fore at 2011 Show

• Autopromotec Show Targets “UK Aftermarket Decision Makers”