International car sales may be taking a dip but vehicle servicing and the spare parts industry is at full throttle as private vehicle owners, fleet managers and commercial drivers look to get the most from their vehicles. Following this lead, International Expo Consults (IEC) is relaunching its Autoparts trade show in response to market driving forces.

The 14th edition of Autoparts Middle East (APME) – previously AAME (Automotive Aftermarkets Middle East) - is scheduled to take place February 2–4, 2010 at Hall 7 of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

APME 2010 will cover the entire range of original equipment, spare parts, accessories, garage equipment and body customisation for cars, motorbikes, buses, trucks and tractors. Special emphasis will be given to tyre, garage equipment and body customisation.

“We have decided to focus on these three categories as they have not been fully covered by other regional shows. Also, these are growth sectors in the autoparts and vehicle servicing sector at present. Tyre safety is of paramount importance to all drivers and fleet managers. As drivers look to hold on to their cars for longer – due to the recession – garage equipment is another booming sector. While customisation is a new market trend here in the Middle East that is being embraced particularly by the younger generation,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of IEC.

An international communication and media campaign has been prepared. With these new tools of development APME 2010 is set to continue as the Middle East's flagship automotive trade event.

According to recent figures from the Dubai World Statistics Department, import of vehicle spare parts in 2007 accounted for 60.65% of total autoparts trade, totalling AED11.05 billion, while exports made up 2.33% (AED425 million) and re-exports ran at 37.02% (AED 6.75 million). The top three re-export destinations for 2007 were Iran, Iraq and Russia.

“More and more international vehicle parts and equipment suppliers are entering the Middle East market, looking to co-operate with regional importers or to establish a local branded subsidiary,” Mr Falaknaz explained.

APME 2010 will bring together all the key regional decision makers and buyers or original equipment and spare parts for car, vehicle, trucks, buses and related transport equipments.

APME 2010 is supported by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, and other regional and international organizations.