2008 Show Review

Held at the New Trade Fair Centre Stuttgart, Germany, on 6, 7 and 8 May, European Automotive Components Expo exceeded expectations for visitors and exhibitors alike. The fair, which ran alongside Automotive Testing Expo, Crash Test Expo, Engine Expo and Vehicle Dynamics Expo, had masses of new products on display, ... CLICK HERE for more...

European Automotive Components Expo 2008 was a resounding success, with many companies using the show as the ideal place to forge new business alliances.

One company aiming to do just that was first-time European Automotive Components Expo exhibitor, Shanghai Vehicle Spares Imp & Exp Corp (SVS), which already has major contracts with leading Chinese OEMs, including FAW and China Cummins. According to the company’s president, Larry Jin, the next part of the growth programme will focus on Europe: “What we are aiming is to secure partners and customers in Germany or France. We have the quality in place, we have very good production processes and we can supply parts at a cost-effective margin compared to other suppliers around the world.”

Boasting 10 production factories in mainland China, SVS has established business links in Japan, North America, South America and Australia, delivering such parts as turbochargers, air compressors and seats.

“The European market is very important, and by being able to supply quality products from China, I think SVS is in a good position to serve the automobile community in this important market segment,” added Jin.

A raft of development agencies representing emerging automotive nations once again proved to be very popular with visitors to the show. One of the busiest booths was that of CEAGA, which represents the Galician region in Spain. “Fifteen out of every 100 vehicles currently produced in Spain are manufactured in Galicia,” said Anna Suarez, assistant manager. “The companies that are members of CEAGA produce 80% of a vehicle from simplest parts to the most complex.

“Competitiveness is key to the future of the sector and following this premise, the Galician automotive industry has turned the pressure of being more competitive into a business incentive. The Galician automotive industry clearly bets on quality, cost reduction and R&D.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute (IEICI) have also been kept busy at this year’s European Automotive Components Expo. With Israel keen to attract automotive investment, representatives from the IEICI have been keen to promote the country’s benefits, such as trade free agreements with Europe, Asia and North America; protection of investment agreements and treaties that avoid double taxation; and an investor-friendly business environment.

As Israel’s largest national organisation for the promotion of foreign commerce, IECI “acts as a focal point for new business opportunities by consolidating formal ties, and by making use of extensive business networks and information resources all under one roof,” said a spokesperson.

Tamboli Castings, an India-based Tier 1 supplier that has won contracts with major OEMs in its domestic market – including Mahindra Mahindra, Suvuki and Tata – announced plans to target new business in key European countries. Established just three years ago, Tamboli produces investment castings using a lost-wax process in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The pieces are fully machined, treated and ready-to-use when supplied. By being present at this year’s European Automotive Components Expo, the company is aiming to secure contracts with French, German, Italian and Spanish OEMs and suppliers. MB Tamboli, director of Tamboli Castings, said, “We have been successful in achieving growth in India, but for the company to expand, we want to talk to potential customers who are present at European Automotive Components Expo.”

With legislation driving major changes in powertrain development, a conformal coating technology from Speciality Coating Systems has attracted much attention at this year’s European Automotive Components Expo. Known as Parylene, the coating technology offers high levels of moisture, chemical and dielectric barrier protection. “The SCS Parylene HT also offers increased thermal stability to 450ºC, excellent UV stability and superior crevice penetration for harsh environment protection,” said Alan Hardy, automotive market manager at Specialty Coating Systems.

Feedback from the show:

“We are happy with the show. The high quality of visitors is particularly noteworthy. We’ve made good contacts already with key people.”
Jesus Pinto, investment promoter, Economic Development Council for Sonora, Mexico

“For a company such as ours, it’s important to be at shows like this. There’s a really good, high quality of people coming through – exactly the types of people in the industry that we want to speak to” Brian Cail, business manager for new business development, Zeon Chemicals

“It’s my first time at the show and I’m impressed”
Larry Jin, president, Shanghai Vehicle Spares Imp. and Exp. Corporation

“I’m really pleased with the number of visitors to the show. We’re getting to speak to the right people in the industry!”
Laura Podgornick, marketing executive, Kolektor

Graham Johnson, Managing Director at UKIP Media & Events Ltd., the company that organises European Automotive Components Expo, commented:
“It looks set to be our best show yet. The exhibitors and visitors we’ve spoken to are equally happy – you can actually see business being done around the exhibition.”