Automechanika Canada Debuts as Canada's Only Comprehensive Aftermarket Trade Show

Automechanika Canada Debuts as Canada's Only Comprehensive Aftermarket Trade ShowTORONTO - With 202 exhibitors from 16 countries, Automechanika Canada debuted as Canada's only international trade show dedicated to all facets of the automotive aftermarket. Attendees came from 20 countries to survey the diverse mix of products on display, with exhibitors commenting on the high quality of buyers in attendance. The show's premiere edition connected thousands of service and repair owners, technicians, retailers, distributors, installers, jobbers, manufacturers, media and industry professionals. Setting the stage Automechanika Canada also provided a platform for international suppliers to enter the Canadian marketplace and grow existing business in Canada. Manufacturers displayed products from around the world with representation from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the U.S.  David Audrain, president of Messe Frankfurt Inc. stated, "We were pleased to be able to deliver such a high quality event to the growing Canadian market this year. Automechanika Canada enabled aftermarket professionals to source new products from around the world and enhance their business in Canada." Exhibitor Joe McDonald of Jasper Engines & Transmissions told the show's organizers, "With our interest in the Canadian market, the Automechanika Canada show was a nice springboard for obtaining new contacts and discussing our program with potential buyers."  Nissan Canada Inc.'s technical specialist, John Evers, shared his appreciation with organizers: "There was very good representation of technology and information. I hope that Automechanika Canada becomes an annual event and continues to grow." Buyers from the vehicle manufacturers, replacement parts, off-road, rescue and other sectors were able to see for themselves the innovations emerging from the supplier segment. "The show was great for us," said Eddie Basile, regional sales manager with Valeo. "We exhibited with three of our divisions - clutch, wiper/blade and heating & cooling. The outcome was phenomenal and we picked up a handful of very strong prospects at Automechanika Canada."Training with enthusiasm In addition to sourcing the latest products, attendees engaged in educational and networking opportunities designed to enhance their Automechanika Canada experience. "Our goal is to become the industry forum for education, discussion, learning and sharing of knowledge and opinions," stated Carol Bell-LeNoury, general manager of Business Information Group, joint producer of the show with Messe Frankfurt USA.  Some special events and feature highlights included:  * Automechanika Canada's Seminar & Workshop Program, supported by the show's partnering associations, featured 16 seminars and workshops presented by industry specialists.  * The Pit Stop Challenge, sponsored by Castrol, put more than 150 people through the timed tire-changing challenge. From suits to overalls, everyone enjoyed the excitement and fun. Participants walked away with pride and prizes from Hunter Engineering and Castrol. * The Castrol Cars - the Pontiac Solstice and the Acurabot, unique high-performance machines were admired and appreciated by everyone. * The New Product Showcase, displaying more than 30 of the hottest new product innovations. Unique, different, unconventional and currently hitting the market, these products were of high interest to attendees. The organizers are already working on the following Automechanika Canada, June 18-20, 2008, which promises more innovation, more products and more opportunities for exhibitors and attendees in the Canadian aftermarket sector.  For further information, please visit www.AutomechanikaCanada.ca(Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.)