US Aftermarket industry makes into the region

US Consul General opens 2nd SEMA pavilion at Sharjah Tuning Show
 
Sharjah, 14 March 2014
 
Confirming the rising potential of the region, a large group of America’s leading automotive aftermarket players is taking part in a motor tuning and customisation show in Sharjah.
 
The SEMA Pavilion, featuring 42 American manufacturers and dealers, was inaugurated today (March 3) on the first day of the fifth Middle East Motor Tuning Show at Expo Centre Sharjah.
 
It was opened by H.E. Sheikh Marwan Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman, Emirates Motor Sports Federation and US Consul-General H.E. Robert Waller, in the presence of Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; SEMA representatives, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah officials.
 
“We are proud to host the Specialty Equipment Market Association Pavilion for the second consecutive time, and this follows our participation in the SEMA Show in Las Vegas last year. This could well be one of the largest American participation in any tuning show in the region,” said Mr. Midfa.
 
“The participation of the SEMA Pavilion is a confirmation of the bright prospects of region’s tuning industry. It will not only help to introduce new products and open up partnership opportunities, but also go a long way in promoting the car tuning and customization industry in the region,” added Mr. Midfa.
 
The Specialty Equipment Market Association organises the SEMA Show, which is the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event often described as the ultimate car candy factory.
 
“The SEMA Pavilion has brought together 70 representatives from US manufacturers and dealers and they are excited to be in the UAE, which is known for its love for all things automobile,” said Ms. Linda Spencer, Director of International Affairs, SEMA.
 
“During the last show, when the SEMA Pavilion came to the region for the first time, participants were able to meet representatives from local customisation firms as well as individuals. They were also able to conduct field trips and gauge the requirements that are specific to the region,” she said.
 
“Buyers from nine countries, including GCC and the Levant, have been invited by SEMA. Leading firms from these countries will be converging on MEMTS to meet and interact with American manufacturers and others taking part in the show,” she added.
 
“In this part of the world no one likes to drive stock. Since car modification is a matter of personal choice, a lot depends upon personal tastes and styles, some of which could be quite expensive, some very classy, while others could be quite cheap but weird and wacky. With 3D printing technology making inroads into the automotive sector, it will be interesting to see how the things take shape in the regional tuning industry,” added Mr. Midfa.
 
The SEMA Show had featured about 2,500 vendors showing some 2,000 new products in one million square feet of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 5 - 8, 2013. It drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The next SEMA Show will be held from November 4 - 7, 2014.
 
The fifth Middle East Motor Tuning Show was opened on March 13 and will continue until March 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The Show will be open from 10am to 10pm on 13th & 15th March and 3 pm to 10 pm only on Friday, 14th March. Entry is Dh. 40/- per person per day while Children under 8 years get free admission.