| Shock absorber specialists Powerdown are soon to once again head O/S for Automechanika Asia.
The Newcastle-based company which has manufactured and distributed locally designed suspension componentry for 4x4s and trucks rely on the Malaysian-based trade fair to do much of their international business.
“We’ve been exhibiting at Automechanika Asia since 2003,” Powerdown marketing manager Matthew Gatgens said.
Powerdown management saw an opportunity to trade in Malaysia because the South East Asian country has a number of vehicles that are similar to 4x4 and truck models in Australia, such as the Toyota Landcruiser and the Mitsubishi Pajero.
“We’ve got a distributor based in KL who looks after the sale of our shock absorbers and suspension components in the Malaysian market.
“This has worked well because representative’s local knowledge has helped us considerably with sales and brand presence.”?
English is widely spoken which has also been a plus for staff at Powerdown and being an ex British colony, the Malaysian legal system is similar to the British system, providing the company with security when making transactions and distribution agreements.
“Automechanika Asia gives us exposure to our end users and resellers in that market so we can build on our brand awareness,” says Gatgens.
“The show also gives us access to other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam which allows us to do multinational business.
Break out Box
Fact Finder
* Automechanika Asia – Asia’s International Automotive Trade Fair from Design to Maintenance and Recycling
29 March – 1 April 2007, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
|
* More than 120 companies from 16 countries and regions already signed up so far to participate in Automechanika Asia 2007
* At its last showing in 2005, more than 5,800 buyers from 50 countries attended the show.
* By 2008, it is predicted that over 2.5 million passenger cars will be sold per year among the ten ASEAN member countries.
Breaking it Down
Vehicle sales in the ASEAN region reached a new high in 2005 with volumes in the five largest markets combined (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) rising by over 11% to over two million for the first time. By 2008 it’s set to reach the 2.5 million mark.
The main driver of the growth in vehicle sales has been the strong economic development seen right across the region, which has dramatically increased purchasing power for both businesses and individual consumers. GDP growth in Asian countries is expected to maintain a CAGR (Compound Annual Interest Rate) of over 5% in the next five years, while China, South Korea and India are expected to have growth rates of over 10%. Low per capita levels of car ownership across the region coupled with the new Free Trade Agreements in place have created an environment rich in potential for the auto and automotive aftermarket industries.
|
