Middle East’s untapped markets for automotive modification, tuning and speciality products will be targeted in an upcoming automotive aftermarket event in Dubai.

Automechanika Middle East, the leading event for the rapidly developing automotive aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa, will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 25 to 27.

“In this high-income region with a large number of car owners, the demand for modification, tuning and specialty products has great potential,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the event.

“The market has been relatively untapped as yet and many potential users of modified and performance-enhanced vehicles are keen to learn more about this appealing industry.”

Automechanika Middle East, with its acknowledged reach across the region’s automotive aftermarket spectrum, is ideally positioned to give international manufacturers of accessories and performance products a comprehensive insight into the business in the Middle East, a statement said.

It also enables local companies to access a wider export market for their specialised products.

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, senior show manager, Automechanika Middle East, said: “Of late, there has been a big shift in the specialisations and modifications industry in the Middle East.”

“With the advent of the Formula 1 in Bahrain, and more recently Abu Dhabi, there is increased interest in high-performance cars.  Residents want unique models which are on par with, or even better than the unusual ones they see on the tracks or on display in the garages,” he added.

“We are happy to provide a networking platform through Automechanika Middle East, where industry leaders such as Sema and other modifiers, tuners, performance-enhancers and specialty equipment manufacturers can network with regional industry professionals and decision makers.”

Specialty Equipment Market Association (Sema) – the US trade association serving the motor vehicle aftermarket – will support the event with its continued partnership with Automechanika Middle East, the statement said.

The Sema Association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, restylers, car clubs and more.

Automechanika Middle East 2010 will feature products and suppliers from across the aftermarket spectrum including parts and systems, accessories and tuning, tyres and batteries, repair and maintenance, IT and management and service stations and car wash. – TradeArabia News Service