Tyres and Batteries on a roll at Automechanika Dubai 2016

The Middle East’s growing appetite for tyres and batteries will be underlined by a record exhibitor turnout in this dedicated product segment at the region’s largest auto aftermarket trade show next week.

A total of 220 global manufacturers will showcase their tyre and battery-related products and services at Automechanika Dubai 2016, taking up 7,300sqm of exhibition space when the three-day event opens from 8-10 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

According to organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, this represents a 15 per cent year-on-year (yoy) growth in exhibitor numbers over 2015, and a 19 per cent yoy increase in exhibition space.

The rise in the dedicated section comes as Dubai’s trade for tyres and batteries is in good shape.  According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported, exported, and re-exported US$2.76 billion worth of batteries, commercial and passenger vehicle tyres in 2014, comprising 22 per cent of Dubai’s US$12 billion total auto parts trade value for the year.

“Tyres and Batteries has proven to be one of the remarkable success stories at Automechanika Dubai, and has grown significantly over the last few years in particular,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

“Demand will continue to pick up pace in the regional automotive aftermarket and the good news is, we have some of the biggest international brands showcasing their latest tyre and battery-related wares at Automechanika Dubai 2016.”

The impressive growth of Tyres and Batteries section also comes as the global Automechanika brand recently signed a partnership with Reifen in Germany – the world’s number one tyre trade show. 

The agreement will see Reifen being co-located with Automechanika Frankfurt for the first time in September 2018, before extending the partnership to Automechanika’s entire network of 15 trade fairs in 14 countries worldwide.  

Meanwhile, Automechanika Dubai 2016 will feature a large number of leading international aftermarket brands looking to further establish themselves as premier players in the tyres and batteries section.

Diamond Sponsor and Official Tyre Partner BKT from India, is launching its latest series of tyres in the All Steel OTR (off-the-road) segment, specifically targeted toward port, construction, earthmoving, and materials handling applications.  

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director at BKT, said: “BKT operates in the ‘Off Highway’ segment where there is an on-going requirement of new sizes and patterns for various applications. Due to this, product development is at the forefront in BKT and Automechanika Dubai provides an excellent platform to showcase our new range being developed specifically for Middle East market.”

Elsewhere, US-headquartered Johnson Controls Power Solutions, the world’s largest automotive battery manufacturer, is introducing new technology in its popular Varta battery portfolio that’s designed to excel in hot and dusty Middle East conditions. 

“These high-quality batteries for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and busses are available for delivery to dealers starting immediately”, said Ruben Fernandez, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Johnson Controls Power Solutions, which supplies 146 million batteries every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers.  

“The new product line offers PowerFrame grid technology with newly designed plates that are thicker than in conventional batteries, ensuring a longer cycle life and higher heat resistance.  The product line includes 77 enhanced battery types fitting more than 95 per cent of the European and Asian vehicles”, added Fernandez.

Martins Industries from Canada will also be out in force at Automechanika Dubai 2016, returning to the annual showcase as one of the world’s only tire equipment and racking manufacturers that sells directly to the end user.

“Automechanika Dubai has brought us over the last few years some large tire racking projects with customers in several Middle East countries,” said Martin Depelteau, Vice President of Sales and Development at Martins Industries.

“We’re returning with our high quality tyre storage racking as well as tyre handling equipment that prevent back injuries, especially when working with larger, heavier tires.  We’re also offering a free warehouse layout service to help buyers maximise space in a safe and efficient manner.” 

Other leading brands at Automechanika Dubai 2016’s Tyre and Battery section include UAE-based Al Dobowi, Apollo, Abdul Zahir Bashir Automotive Trading and Sun Global; Inter Sprint Banden from Holland; Grandstone from China; Atlas Battery and Rastgar from Pakistan; and Turkish battery manufacturer Yiğit Akü.

Now in its 14th edition, Automechanika Dubai 2016 will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors from 58 countries, and is expected to attract 30,000-plus visitors from 134 countries. 

In addition to Tyres and Batteries, the annual trade and networking platform focuses on the five other core product groups of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Repair & Maintenance; Service Station & Car Wash; and Accessories & Tuning.

Automechanika Dubai 2016 will also feature the Spare Parts and Maintenance Conference on the 9th May as a part of the Automechanika Academy.  The Automechanika Academy is a regular feature bringing together international industry experts, relevant government authorities and key industry players to discuss the most pressing issues in the industry and analyse the changing trends in the market.