Messe Frankfurt breaks new ground: first fair in South Africa Debut of Automechanika South Africa from 18 to 21 March 2009 The whole world is looking forward to the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Nevertheless, the major automobile-industry players in the fields of original equipment, aftermarket, workshops, filling stations and carwashes should make a note of another event: the first Automechanika South Africa, which will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 18 to 21 March 2009. The licensee and organising partner is Dogan Trading (PTY), a company owned by Johannesburg Expo Centre and fair organisers, South African Show Services.

Around 250 exhibitors and 8,000 trade visitors are expected to take part. South Africa is Africa's biggest economy and has an enormous potential for development. For years, the nation has been distinguished by constant GDP growth of over four percent with almost six percent being forecast for 2009.

Good business opportunities exist in the automobile industry and, in particular, in the supply industry. Thanks to the increase in the number of motor vehicles on the road in South Africa, the demand for spare parts and accessories is set to increase in the future, too.

These products include articles not offered by the automobile manufacturers themselves, such as spoilers, aluminium wheels, seat systems and stereo units, which are very popular among middle-class car owners – a section of consumers that is continuously gaining weight in South Africa – and thus likely to benefit from a further increase in demand.

The production side is also boosting demand for parts. In 2006, around 588,000 automobiles were made in South Africa. A slight decline to approximately 582,000 units is expected for 2007. By 2010, however, the sector expects to have reached a figure in excess of 800,000 vehicles.

Messe Frankfurt launched its first Automechanika fairs outside Germany ten years ago and has developed the Automechanika nameinto a potent trademark or brand. Today, the company holds 13 events in twelve countries with Automechanika Roma having most recently made a highly successful debut at the end of January 2008.

For the parent event, internationalisation is an important driving force for growth. Today, more visitors than ever before travel to Frankfurt from those countries in which Messe Frankfurt holds a subsidiary of one of its major international Frankfurt-based events. Thus, the number of exhibitors from outside Germany taking part in Automechanika in Frankfurt has more than doubled since 1992.

www.automechanikasa.co.za