After a successful debut in 2007, Reifen China returns to Shanghai between December 4 and 6, 2008. Once again the exhibition will be held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center and organized by a partnership between the globally renowned Messe Essen GmbH, Germany, and the China United Rubber (Group) Corporation (CURC).
The organisers of the first Reifen China exhibition have published visitor attendance and exhibitor numbers from the inaugural “Asian Essen Show.” A total of 5812 visitors from 41 countries passed through the show between 14 and 16 November. Of these, 16 per cent were described as overseas visitors. 88 exhibitors from 13 nations took stands in Shanghai, with the vast majority (68 per cent) directly from the tyre, casing and tube business. 16 per cent of exhibits represented press, publishing and associations; while 4 per cent originated from the equipment and vulcanisation sectors.
Speaking to Tyres & Accessories, Korean manufacturer Nexen has confirmed that the first phase of building work on its £87 million ($170 million) factory has been completed and the first tyres are due to roll off the production line in December 2007. Initially the plant will produce 2 million units per annum and will reach full production capacity by 2009. Construction of the company’s new R&D centre is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2008.
Reifen China, Messe Essen’s first tyre exhibition in Asia, was launched today at an opening ceremony that included messages of support from supporters as diverse as the China Petrochemical association, the China Rubber Industry Association and the Lord Mayor of Essen. Three hundred exhibitors, including most of China’s leading tyre manufacturers, are presenting their products at the show. Furthermore, as well as strong domestic support from the largest domestic tyre manufacturers, 40 per cent of exhibitors are from overseas, according to the show’s organisers.
Hercules International boss Joe Recchia has told Tyres & Accessories that Hercules’ visit to the inaugural Reifen China exhibition is not about instantly accessing domestic sales in China, but rather establishing a foundation on which to build in the months and years ahead. Recchia’s plan is to grow Hercules’ export business from an international to a global player.
Up till now, Hercules has been a large manufacturer active in numerous markets all over the world – 93 at the last count, up roughly a third from the approximately 75 nations the company sold tyres to in 2006. But now the Canada-based operation is planning to turn global by establishing regional offices in a number of key markets in 2008. On the subject of China, Joe Recchia is clear that there is not much prospect of competing with Chinese manufacturers in terms of price, so the Hercules has plans to take the OE route to market. Recchia didn’t go into details of exactly which manufacturers he was referring to, but did say that the plans are expected to be underway in the middle of 2008. Hercules’ international intentions look set to focus on one of two of its private brands (perhaps even both), but Rechhia would only go as far as saying that they represent totally different distribution channels.
The Chinese tyre market is becoming ever more interesting, and not only for tyre manufacturers and wholesalers. The organisers of tyre-related exhibitions are also taking a much closer look at this – as it seems – market of boundless opportunities. This November the organisers of the “Reifen” show in Essen, Germany, are organising for the very first time an equivalent in China, the so-called “Reifen China”. The organisers from Messe Essen GmbH and the China United Rubber (Group) Corp. are hoping to host a successful premiere show in Shanghai. The annual Reifen China show will take place concurrently with the “Rubber Tech China” show, both held under the same roof. Klaus Reich, director trade fairs and exhibitions with Messe Essen GmbH, and in this function also responsible for Reifen China, explains in an interview with Tyres & Accessories why his company is taking the Reifen show to China, what the expectations for this November’s show are and what exhibitors and visitors will get in Shanghai when they come to Reifen China.
REIFEN Essen, arguably the world’s leading tyre industry fair, is heading for China. Between November 14 and 16, 2007, the first Reifen China, 1st Asian Essen Tire Show, will open its doors to the international trade public. Held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center, the project is a joint venture between Messe Essen GmbH and the Chinese company China United Rubber (Group) Company (CURC).
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