Growing at a modest rate, the global market for automotive chemicals is forecast to cross SR12 billion by 2010, an encouraging sign for the regional automotive industry, according to recently released industry report. Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organizers of Automechanika Middle East has reported a significant surge in the number of companies trading at the exhibition in automotive chemicals, such as, waxes/polishes, protectants, wheel and tire cleaners and windshield washer fluids, crossing 50 from a total of over 1000 exhibitors. “This growth is attributed to the increasing number of new vehicles in the GCC & Levant nations, as well as an aging fleet of vehicles in other Middle Eastern countries that offers growth potential,” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. He noted that several other aspects have positively influenced the market including the surging popularity of larger vehicles such as sports utility vehicles, and shift in product mix towards higher-value products. The automotive chemicals market is classified into products used for consumer vehicles such as passenger cars and light trucks, and for commercial vehicles. “The Middle East market is expected to make strong gains in automotive chemical sales from the increasing vehicle populations in the region, and the increasing average age of automobiles on the road,” said Michael Dehn, senior show manager of Automechanika Middle East. Dehn noted that the demand for appearance chemicals such as waxes and car polishes have gained momentum as an increasing number of young regional consumers, women and car enthusiasts constitute key consumer categories for appearance chemicals. Automotive windshield washer fluids are also a leading growth segment in the ME region with high summer temperatures resulting in greater demand, as well as hectic lifestyles and time constraints compelling consumers to seek convenience-oriented formulations. Dehn added that new cars sold to the private and business sectors all required de-waxing and polishing. “In the used car market, cosmetic considerations are important. Used car retailers rely on a wide range of specific automotive chemical products to help them achieve the new car look, thus ensuring a higher demand for vehicle cleaning products,” he said. Automechanika Middle East is the event for the rapidly developing automotive aftermarket in the wider Middle East and Africa. The event covers the full range of parts for motor vehicles, as well as components for the drive, chassis, body, electrics and electronic groups, equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, tires, batteries and performance systems. Automechanika Middle East is the leading event for the rapidly developing automotive aftermarket in the wider Middle East and Africa. The trade fair covers the full range of parts for motor vehicles, as well as components for the drive, chassis, body, electrics and electronic groups, equipment for vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair and painting, tyres, batteries and performance systems. __
