Automotive ancillary industry upbeat in Dubai during slowdown

The Automotive Parts and Accessories industry in Dubai registered total direct trade of US$ 2.4 billion in the first half of the year 2009, at par with 2007 figures. Spare Parts & Accessories industry is the largest segment of import and re-exports market of Dubai automotive industry. It holds 52% of the import and re-exports market.

Auto parts & accessories is the largest item for imports and re-exports in the automotive market with Germany being the number one source market, and Iran representing the largest export destination. 54% of parts & accessories imported in 2008 were re-exported.

In 2008, Japan registered as the largest importer for Dubai, with Iran proving to be one of the key destinations for re-exports. Besides Japan, U.S.A., Germany, U.K., China and South Korea are the other important importing countries for Dubai. Other important countries for Dubai's automotive re-export market are countries from the Middle East and African region including Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq.

Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt feels that the latest figures from DP World Statistics Department for the first half of the year is good news to the industry and validates that the sector is flourishing. He is assured that the result of the second half of the year would be even stronger. The figure assures that automotive aftermarket will remain strong for 2010 and beyond. He is excited about the 8th edition of Automechanika, which has already attracted key industry figures and expects for a high quality and successful event.

The complete figures for 2009 will released at Automechanika Middle East 2010 by DP World Statistics. Automechanika Middle East is the region's leading trade fair for the automotive aftermarket sector, organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH. 958 exhibitors participated during Automechanika 2009, representing 46 different countries out of which 26% of registered visitors were importers and 17% were exporters.