New Delhi: The third edition of Automechanika India 2003 is being held from 21-24 January 2003 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The fair has, for the first time, opened its doors to motor vehicles (except passenger vehicles, two- and three-wheelers) and original equipment manufactu­rers. In terms of OEM, Automechanika India follows the strategy of the Automechanika in Frankfurt, the leading international trade fair of the automotive sec­tor.

The revised product category includes auto design and manufacturing, auto parts and components for OEM and aftermarket, auto accessories, auto repair, auto colour, auto station services, auto business, auto environment, motor vehicles and trailers.

Automechanika India, this time round, has seen an excellent response from international companies interested in exploring the large Indian market. The fair will feature companies from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, the UK and the US. In addition there are also high-quality Indian companies exhibiting with representation across all the product categories.

“The multiple avenues for development and growth in this future-oriented economy have ensured that Automechanika India comes around again, “says Shammi Nagpal, managing director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd.

“Nowadays all major automobile companies — and many medium-sized firms — are active worldwide. With its events Messe Frankfurt is the world’s only fair and exhibition company to play a global role in the automotive sector. Our regional fairs like Automechanika India give companies the chance to get to know ‘emerging markets.’ India is one of the world’s most important automobile markets and a major vehicle-manufacturing country. The fact that 40 per cent of exhibitors at Automechanika India 2003 come from outside India reflects the international significance of the Indian market.”

In keeping with the Automechanika Academy concept of the parent show, Automechanika India will feature a strong support programme of technical seminars focussing on new technologies, current and future trends, innovation and research, with presentations by leading international speakers.

Now that Indian manufacturers are actively exploring new markets such as South Africa, Messe Frankfurt India will present Clive Williams, executive director of Nacaam (South Africa), at the Automechanika Academy. At his seminar session on 21 January, Williams appraised Indian manufacturers about the South African markets and its requirements. Also speaking at the Automechanika Academy was Eddie Thorning, project director, Department of Trade and Industry, UK.

On 22 January he spoke on the evolution of globalisation and the resulting emerging markets situation, the current OEM supply chain and opportunities resulting from globalisation within the automotive industry. He also provided a brief overview of the European aftermarket.

The third day of the fair will feature a series of seminar sessions focusing on current trends in road safety, development of road safety culture and the importance of the correct technology of vehicles and infrastructure development.

The fair has also seen a good visitor response from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, Chile and Portugal, to name a few. One such high-profile group was the 20-member visitor delegation from the Proton Vendors Association (PVA), Malaysia.

The next Automechanika India will be held in 2005.