| Despite the world economic downturn, the sixth edition of Automechanika Malaysia held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 25 - 28 March 2009, did not fail to disappoint, as attendees came ready to explore business opportunities & build and strengthen partnerships.
Automechanika Malaysia is the leading trade fair for automotive products in the ASEAN market. The fair attracted 133 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions; and 4,521 visitors, with the majority coming from Singapore, China, Thailand, Korea and Egypt. The numbers and countries represented demonstrates the importance of this trade fair among industry players.
With the current challenges our industry faces, it is important for governments to step in an offer initiatives to boost their local automotive sector, co operating with industry bodies and offer trade event support. The fair was officially opened by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of International Trade & Industry, YB Dato’ Jacob Dungau Segan, who took the opportunity to raise awareness of the government’s RM200 million allocation to the Automotive Development Fund, a review of the National Automotive Policy to ensure competitiveness and fast track applications for import duty exemption on raw materials, components and machineries.
The fair was also supported by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), who sponsored the matchmaking buying mission event (Buyers Sellers Meet). This initiative provided the show with an effective platform for exploring new business opportunities. There were 345 meetings among 35 buyers from 14 countries and regions and more than 60 Malaysian companies. Malaysia continues to attract the right mix of key decision makers from automotive parts and aftermarket manufacturers, distributors and importers.
Automechanika academy was another valued-added fringe program and boasted high calibre speakers presenting topics such as “The Malaysian Auto Parts Industry – key issues and outlook” by Mr. Lim, president, Malaysian Automotive Components Parts Manufacturer. His lecture focused on the strengths and capabilities of the Malaysian auto parts manufacturers and opportunities for foreign companies. Malaysia was represented as a country of manufacturing excellence, having advantages in competency in product development, speed to market, proximity to customers in the ASEAN market, competitive pricing/low manufacturing costs, government support & conducive investment environments through generous incentives aimed at attracting international tier-one component manufacturers to take advantage of the well-established vendor network in the country.
Another highlight of the fair was the CATER workshops on mass customisation of vehicles. This project through research and technology development has supported the industry’s need for innovation. Top industry representatives from the European Commission of Kuala Lumpur spoke on; value creation and delivery, market perspectives for mass customisation of vehicles, and capturing user needs. Another topic discussed was the need to safeguard the natural environment by developing alternatives such as hydrogen cell-powered vehicles and new technologies to enhance fuel efficiency. Dr. Halimahtun M.Khalid, Executive Director of Damai Sciences Sdn Bhd mentioned this was the best timing & event to present the results of the project. “In light of the current industry’s environment, it is even more important for automotive enterprises to be more ‘customer centric’ and therefore improve their business”. For more information on how the CATER project is helping shape our industry visit www.cater-ist.org
I had the pleasure to hear Mr. Cho Chee Seng, president of the Federation of Automotive Workshop Owner’s Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM), (please refer to the workshop manager department for his interview), delivered his message to 3,000 members. The fair was an opportunity for the trade to also receive practical training sessions and seminars. “Through participation in the convention and trade fair, we aim to educate & update our members with the latest technical developments, market and product knowledge. Our members are satisfied and have shown great support for the event”, Mr Seng commented.
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Finally, Automechanika Malaysia, although a smaller fair to its counterpart Automechanika Shanghai to be held from 9th to 11th December this year, still offered a wide range of automotive products, equipment and services, including; parts & accessories, repair & maintenance, IT & management, service station and car wash. Companies exhibiting these products offered feedback on the show and gave insight on how the GFC is having an effect on their bottom line.
Comments from participants
LR Spare Parts, Mr. Zishan A. Panjwani, Managing Director
“We’ve attended Automechanika Malaysia to support our agent and attract neighboring markets. Even though it has been a quieter show, we’ve made some contacts from Iraq, Dubai, Singapore and locals. Our business has not been as affected by the economy. People are holding on to their older Land Rovers. Australia and New Zealand are interesting markets for us & looking to grow our business there”.
Newsun Bearings (USA) Inc, Mr. Janson Sun, Managing Director
“I participate in many Automechanika fairs, this is a small fair in comparison to others I’ve attended but I have gained good business here. Even though the economy is not great, I am getting new orders. I supply both to OE and after market, but the after market side of my business is really picking up”.
BRITPART, Mr. Paul Myers, Company Director
“This is my third time at Automechanika Malaysia, this year is quieter, however we have good customers here and looking for more. Our after market part division for older Land Rover vehicles is really growing”.
AUTOSOL, Mr. Shane McGuire, Member board of directors
“Our company turns 80 this year, our flagship product is our metal polisher. We are expanding into the car care range and have come to Automechanika Malaysia to generate interest for our new lines. Asia is an emerging market and a market that is expanding for us. We have had a very successful business trip”.
AUTOSOL have introduced their range of car polishers and other car care products to include the Mega Tabs Windscreen Cleaner tablets now available through C.M.S International.
CHEMPLEX Automotive Group, Mr John (J.J.) Kelly, international director of sales
“We have had very busy days here at Automechanika Malaysia, the show has generated good leads for us, Dyno-Tab is a unique product. It was featured at the APEX show and was an award winner”.
CHEMPLEX is distributing its flagship DYNO-TAB products and new product lines in Australia through Fuel Dr. Enviro Technologies Pty Ltd.
Automechanika fairs present a good environment for Australians to search new business opportunities and establish long-term partnerships with neighboring countries. The fairs are also a way to share technical information and experiences and have the potential to connect and build a fellowship among local automotive industries, so make sure you book your flight to Automechanika Shanghai.
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