Automechanika Buenos Aires 2018 closes its doors with results that follow the growing trend of previous editions. This year, Latin America’s foremost trade fair for the spare parts sector presented 451 exhibiting companies (2016: 398) from 17 countries: Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Romania, Taiwan and Turkey.
In turn, the event was visited by 26.644 professionals of the sector (2016: 29,802) coming from 39 countries, who got the chance to see the variety of exhibitors.
This edition’s growth resulted in 13 percent more exhibitors and 29 percent more floor space in relation to 2016, all the more relevant in view of the region’s complex economic context.
“Since the year 2000 Automechanika Buenos Aires has become a business and exchange hub for the firms that accompany us. Celebrating ten editions in almost twenty years fills us with joy and satisfaction”
Automechanika Buenos Aires started its first day with the "Meeting of Automotive Industry Leaders", organized by the Association of Argentine Components Manufacturers (AFAC). The sector’s future and its insertion in the global chains of new technologies were the themes that brought together various specialists, members of the automotive value chain and government officials, who debated and exchanged ideas and experiences.
“We must project the industry with the year 2030 in mind but without neglecting our present situation, which requires the opening of new markets, a more dynamic and competitive agenda, and the positioning of Latin America as a business destination,” said Mr. Dante Sica—Argentina’s Minister of Production and Labor—who emphasized the need for “a lean, less bureaucratic State that works close together with the private sector.”
“Throughout our company’s 778 years we have taken many decisions, some good, others not so much, but without a doubt it was a good decision to invest in this company and in Automechanika Buenos Aires in particular”
The Meeting was followed by the official inauguration of Automechanika Buenos Aires, with opening words by Mr. Fernando Gorbarán, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Argentina. “Since the year 2000 Automechanika Buenos Aires has become a business and exchange hub for the firms that accompany us. Celebrating ten editions in almost twenty years fills us with joy and satisfaction” Mr. Gorbarán said.
The inauguration was also attended by Mr. Detlef Braun—Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH—who highlighted: “Throughout our company’s 778 years we have taken many decisions, some good, others not so much, but without a doubt it was a good decision to invest in this company and in Automechanika Buenos Aires in particular.”
Ten uninterrupted editions
The exhibition’s second day culminated in a large celebration: More than 800 representatives of the automotive and spare parts industry met to celebrate Automechanika Buenos Aires’ tenth edition. The party had several emotionally charged moments—above all when the beginnings, back in 2000, were remembered—and acknowledgment was awarded to the persons and institutions that made it all possible. “Today, ten editions later,” Mr. Gorbarán said, “we continue working with the same alliances and partnerships while we follow the market’s changes. Luckily we have the support of more than 50 sector entities and 451 exhibitors that have made this great event possible.”
More and better markets
Various matchmaking programs were carried out during Automechanika Buenos Aires, with the goal of promoting international trade and the integration of local spare parts.
4th Spare Part Localization Matchmaking Program
Organized by the Association of Argentine Components Manufacturers (AFAC), the Association of Automotive Makers (ADEFA) and logistics provided by Messe Frankfurt Argentina, the Program brought together twelve automotive terminals that operate in the country—FCA Automobiles Argentina, Ford Argentina, General Motors of Argentina, Honda Motor of Argentina, Iveco Argentina, Mercedes Benz Argentina, Nissan Argentina, PSA Peugeot Citroën Argentina, Renault Argentina, Scania Argentina, Toyota Argentina and Volkswagen Argentina—with 27 national spare parts manufacturers, in order to achieve greater integration of local spare parts in the production of vehicles. For three days, 184 meetings were held.
7th International Matchmaking Program of Spare Parts Buyers
Jointly coordinated by Messe Frankfurt Argentina and the Argentine Investment and Trade Promotion Agency and with the purpose of promoting international trade and the entry of SMEs into export markets the Program allowed 12 foreign buyers from 8 countries to hold 348 meetings with more than 60 local companies.
Exhibitors’ Conferences
During the four days of the exhibition there were 20 conferences on several topics of interest to the auto parts industry, which also served as a platform to present and launch new products and services.
Tuner Challenge VI
The challenge that seeks to promote the customization of high-end vehicles in Argentina was carried out in the format of a live workshop. A team of 60 specialists including painters, mechanics, upholsterers, electricians and technicians made in record time modifications to the bodywork, engine, interior equipment and paintwork of two vehicles.
More Activities
Finals of the 6th Competition of Technical Skills of the Automotive Technological Institute (ITCA)
The finals of ITCA’s annual competition were held as part of the activities that support the training of new professionals. The event’s goals are to reward the students’ efforts and to encourage integration and companionship as values.
FAATRA Activities
During the trade fair, the Argentine Federation of Associations of Automotive Repair Workshops (FAATRA) gave 6 talks discussing topics related to the sector.
Truck Competence
The "Truck Competence" concept was present again: A special identification for exhibiting companies that commercialize products, accessories and services for heavy vehicles.
The exhibitors’ opinion
The companies that participated in Automechanika Buenos Aires 2018 took stock of their experiences during the four days of the exhibition, and these were some of their comments:
The next edition of Automechanika Buenos Aires will take place in 2020, from November 4 to 7 at La Rural Trade Center.
Further information: www.automechanika.com.ar
Press information and photographic material: https://ar.messefrankfurt.com/buenosaires/es/prensa/movilidadinfraestructura/automechanika-ba/prensa-foto-video.html
Links to websites: www.facebook.com/AutomechanikaBuenosAires I www.twitter.com/AutomechanikaBA
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,400 employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €669 million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com | www.congressfrankfurt.de | www.festhalle.de
Background information on Messe Frankfurt Argentina
Messe Frankfurt Argentina is the affiliate of the worldwide trade fair organization leader. The purpose of the fairs is to promote actual business meetings to boost activity in regional markets, in the domestic market and in turn prompt the development of the technological pole in each area. The current portfolio of shows of Messe Frankfurt Argentina includes the following exhibitions: Automechanika Buenos Aires, BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires, Confemaq, Emitex, ExpoCehap, ExpoFerretera, ExpoMant, International Motorcycle Show of Argentina, Intersec Buenos Aires, Simatex, Tecno Fidta. In addition to numerous congresses and special events for third party, such as Argentina Oil & Gas Expo Buenos Aires, Argentina Oil and Gas Expo Patagonia, Arminera and Electronics Home, among others.
For more information, please visit our website at www.argentina.messefrankfurt.com
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