BOLOGNA, Italy — In the land of engines, one group says the term “crisis” no longer will be used once this week is over.
As Autopromotec 2009 kicks off in Bologna, Italy, the international show is experiencing growth, a sign that it is looking ahead in the face of the economic downturn.
“We have achieved record figures in the exhibition for 2009,” says Giorgio Cometti, president of the Italian Automotive Service Equipment Manufacturers Association (Aica). “This is good hope that the crisis will come to an end and we can look to the future with optimism.”
Renzo Servadei, Promtec SPA CEO, says while there is a global economic downturn and the Italian OEMs are seeing it too, there are 1,420 exhibitors at Autopromotec to show there might be an upturn.
Giorgio Cometti (center) discusses the economic situation during the opening conference of Autopromotec 2009. Also taking part in the opening conference are Federico Minoli, Bologna Fiere CEO (left), and Duccio Campagnoli, councilman for Emilia-Romagna business activities, economic development and computerized planning (right). Photo by Chris Miller.
“If you think about the aftermarket, the sector holds because our sector is anti-cyclical, because if fewer new cars are sold, we have to repair the old ones,” he notes.
The biennial show, running through May 24, is hoping to market itself as an international crossroads now, capitalizing on the increasing number of exhibitors, up 16 over 2007’s show. Cometti states that Autopromotec is positioning itself to be the ideal partner to move companies into the future.
In order to move forward, all exhibitors and those attending the show must be able to show the ability to change and adapt, says Duccio Campagnoli, councilman for Emilia-Romagna business activities, economic development and computerized planning.
Check out more of our detailed coverage of Autopromotec 2009.
