Second Automechanika Thailand takes place March 6-9

More than 130 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions have confirmed their attendance at the second Automechanika Thailand, which is scheduled to take place March 6-9 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok. Recognizing the rapidly growing automotive market in Thailand, global manufacturers and local organizations have pledged their support for this upcoming event.

A number of international brands will be showcasing parts systems, accessories, tuning, repair, maintenance and service station car wash equipment products at the fair. Exhibitors include Liqui-Moly, Bando, KYB, Forch and Knorr Bremse. The presence of these international brands illustrates that the global industry views Automechanika Thailand as an important meeting place, mainly as it is being held in one of the fastest growing regions in the world for the automotive sector.

In an effort to contribute to the rapidly expanding automotive market, the Thai government has pledged an incentive for small and medium sized local enterprises wishing to participate in the 2008 event. A special business-matching plan, Automotive Supplier Development Programme, will greatly enhance the Thai presence in the global trade while introducing international industry players to one of the fastest growing automotive manufacturing markets in the world. Organized in collaboration with the Board of Industry for Industrial Linkage Development BUILD and Bureau of Supporting Industries BSID, local manufacturers will have the opportunity to meet with the top global buyers to exchange market information, ideas and make new business contacts.

SERNAUTO, the Spanish Automotive Equipment and Components Manufacturers Association, will be joining next year's event, to serve as a networking point for South East Asian manufacturers and their Spanish counterparts. Founded in 1967, this will be the first time that the association will be exhibiting at the fair.

"Traditionally, we have not had many commercial relations in South East Asia. This event presents the perfect opportunity for us to bring two parts of the world together to exchange ideas and invest in trade," says David Antolín, the foreign trade department officer for SERNAUTO.

Reinforcing the growing importance of Automechanika Thailand, visitors and exhibitors alike will have the opportunity to witness several product launches at this year's event. KYB Asia's Managing Director, Shinichi Hayashi has announced that the company recently appointed Siam Motor Parts as sole distributors for KYB, a global hydraulics manufacturer. "By participating in this event, we hope to re-launch our new KYB image to both local and international visitors and to showcase our latest range of 'sport shock absorbent' products."

Automechanika Thailand belongs to a worldwide family of 12 automotive industry events. For more information, please visit the event's Web site.