The Middle East's growing appetite for tires 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 tire and battery-related products and services at Automechanika Dubai 2016, taking up 7,300sqm of exhibition space when the three-day event opens today (May 8) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to organizer 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 y-o-y increase in exhibition space. The rise in the dedicated section comes as Dubai's trade for tires and batteries is in good shape. According to Dubai Customs, the Emirate imported, exported, and re-exported $2.76 billion worth of batteries, commercial and passenger vehicle tires in 2014, comprising 22 percent of Dubai's $12 billion total auto parts trade value for the year "Tires 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 tire and battery-related wares at Automechanika Dubai 2016." — SG
