Automechanika Shanghai Seen as Must-Do Event for Industry
2009/01/10 | By CENSLikely buoyed by the highly reputable name Messe Frankfurt, the largest trade show organizer in Germany, and its partnership with the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation, the world's second largest Automechanika show in Shanghai, staged Dec. 10-12, 2008 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, drew record visitors and exhibitors, reflecting the confidence held by both buyers and exhibitors of auto parts, equipment and services in the Chinese auto industry.
The 2008 show may be especially relevant given the global economic downturn. The sizable turnouts of both domestic and international buyers mirror their faith in China's auto parts industry in having the capacity to provide price-competitive and yet high quality solutions.
Exhibitors in the Parts & Systems category included well-known brand names such as Schaeffler, Wanxiang Group, Shanxi Fast Gear, China North Industries and Webasto; while global giants Bosch, Corghi and Snap-on, together with China's Launch Tech and Bantam were among the Repair & Maintenance category exhibitors.
Quality Buyers
Moletech Global Hong Kong Ltd.'s CEO Andrew Kelly praised Automechanika Shanghai as a "good platform to educate potential buyers personally on how the technology works. Showcasing fuel-saving products, Moletech saw over 100 buyers, half of whom are from overseas and the rest from major provinces in China. Kelly also said: "The contacts here are much more substantial than at other shows."
Liqui Moly, a German maker of engine additives and car care products, and its Export Asia Manager Peter Streletz pointed out a seeming contradiction amid the current economic bleakness, that tougher times actually motivate car owners to buy more products to better care for vehicles to prolong life and maximize fuel economy.
Overseas pavilions were also represented at Automechanika Shanghai, including ones from France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and the U.S. Lindsay Liu, Managing Director of Georgia State, the U.S. , said the show was chosen for its high visibility and being a perfect platform upon which to meet autoparts makers to build business.
Matchmaking Forum
Likely the most practical, popular event at Automechanika Shanghai was the Matchmaking Forum where buyers as ArvinMeritor, Beijing AUREA, Federal Mogul, Gates, Jude Chinese City, Repco and Valeo Asia personally met suppliers to explore business opportunities.
David Pelletier, Sourcing Team Manager, Valeo Asia Purchasing Office confirmed the Forum for being direct and highly efficient, enabling the acquisition of information in person about the latest on existing suppliers and key industry players.
Another satisfied buyer was Mark Sookias, GM of Australian company Motospecs, who lauded the quality of people he talked with at the show, saying: "The China market is very important for us going forward in our business."
Automechanika Academy
A large variety of practical and debatably esoteric topics were presented in forums by prominent industry speakers and professors, including Dong Jianping, Vice General Secretary, China Association of Automobile Manufactures and Klaus Burger, Vice President of EGEA - European Garage Equipment Association and President of the Federal Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automobile Service Equipment, Germany.
Forum speaker Prof You Jianxin of the Tongji University said, at the 4th Int'l Forum on Service Outsourcing in the Mfg. Industry themed "The Development Trend and Industry Standard of Service Outsourcing in the Chinese Automobile Industry," that the event is more than just a communication bridge between enterprises, buyers and researchers, but also a smorgasbord of the latest industry developments, cutting-edge technologies and market information.
The next Automechanika Shanghai will be held Dec. 9-11, 2009.