Autocare and Transport Arabia (ATA), Saudi Arabia's premiere international event for automotive aftermarket, transport infrastructure and commercial vehicles, will be held at the Center for Forums and Events here from March 30 to April 2. Organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. (ACE), the event, which will focus on spare parts, accessories and garage equipment, transport infrastructure and commercial vehicles, is an offshoot of the well-established Saudi International Motor Show (SIMS) that celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and sponsored by Zahid Tractor, ATA'09 has the support and participation of groups and individual companies from China, Germany, UK, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Iran and the Arab World alongside a large contingent of local Saudi companies. The launch of ATA'09 is aimed at providing both Saudi and international suppliers, as well as visiting professionals from across the Gulf, with a new and innovative marketing forum encompassing every aspect of the Kingdom's automotive aftermarket, transport infrastructure and commercial vehicle sectors. Vehicles remain the preferred mode of transport for most Saudi individuals and businesses, making the Kingdom the largest market for motor vehicles, auto parts and service equipment in the Middle East. While the new car market remains strong, the pre-owned market continues to grow with around 1,300 showrooms in Jeddah and Riyadh alone. Over 46 percent of vehicles owned are second hand, the preferred form of car ownership of nearly six million expatriates living in the Kingdom as well as Saudis of limited income.
