The 14th edition of PAACE Automechanika Mexico, the most important trade show in Mexico and Central America for the automotive aftermarket, was held once again at the Centro Banamex in Mexico City from July 18-20, 2012. The event included 541 participating exhibitors from 20 countries and 19,763 visits were received from professionals from the automotive aftermarket industry. The visitors represented 34 countries and three continents.
The increase in the number of exhibitors in comparison to 2011 (474), the diversity of visiting countries and the growing interest in technical information created an atmosphere of optimism among the participants. “The extraordinary quality of the event this year is indicative of the recovery of the industry in this region," said John Gallagher, President of Messe Frankfurt Inc.” A good trade show reflects what is happening in the market, and therefore we are optimistic about the future of the industry. On the same note, we are delighted to be the most important and widely represented business platform for the automotive industry in Mexico," he noted.
Exhibiting companies expressed their satisfaction with the results of the event, recognizing the quality and importance PAACE Automechanika Mexico has within their communication and promotional strategies. "There are quality buyers and important sales prospects alike who participate at PAACE Automechanika Mexico. Many clients come to do business with us during the event. As exhibitors, we found that PAACE Automechanika exceeded our expectations," said Jacob Gaona, techno-industrial Grupo Mexico Tecnoindustrial.
"PAACE Automechanika Mexico 2012, as in years past, was a success and had a heavy flow of traffic, which is our main objective," said Sergio Aguilar, Director of Automotive Aftermarket at Robert Bosch. "We always receive quality business contacts, while simultaneously having direct contact with mechanics. This is a high quality exhibition, the most important in Mexico. I congratulate the organizers for another successful event. "
As usual, companies seemed very satisfied with the quality of the visitors attending and buyer groups from various regions throughout the country. First time exhibitors also expressed their enthusiasm for the business opportunities found at this event.
"The visitors have been highly receptive; there is great movement in the market; we made many business contacts. This is our first time exhibiting at PAACE Automechanika Mexico. We are satisfied and eager to return again, with the awareness we are creating for our brand. Next year we are convinced it will be even better,” expressed Noemi Becerril, Puricar Sales Manager.
Like every year, close to 20,000 buyers and visitors specializing in the automotive aftermarket participated in PAACE Automechanika Mexico over the course of the three days. PAACE offered a wide range of products, services and innovation, as well as networking opportunities and the exchange of new market information. There were also training opportunities, provided at the Technical Seminar Program.
For the first time, the Technical Seminar Program included 50 educational sessions sponsored by exhibitors, with a record audience of more than 9,000 attendees. "Our Technical Seminar Program is the largest concentrated educational program offered in the country for this sector," said Eugenio Carrillo, Show Director." Participating companies are given a space to provide technical information to their product users, while they can concentrate on trade and networking efforts on the exhibition floor. Thus, we offer an added value to both companies and buyers, whose contributions in turn enhance the opportunities at PAACE Automechanika Mexico," he explained.
A special attraction during the event is the display of featured vehicles. This year, with the support of the National Auto Club Association of Mexico (ANACM), 108 vehicles were showcased, categorized as "Import", "Euro", "Racing" and "Classic". The vehicle display included both aesthetic and performance modifications and drew a large number of buyers of accessories and specialized equipment as well as tuning specialists.
The organizers of the event, APRA, MEMA, SEMA and Messe Frankfurt, welcomed the sponsorship of the associations ARIDRA and ANDELLAC. With the support of ProMexico and the U.S. Commercial Service the show was enhanced by their contributions in promoting the event and bringing diverse buyer delegations to conduct business at the show.
Exhibitor Quotes
Alberto Diaz, Commercial Director of Beru SA de CV: "Customer traffic was very good at PAACE Automechanika Mexico this year. There were business opportunities and we presented new products to our customers and prospects. We made enough contacts for us to consider our participation a success. We find the target market that we need here, and we are able to show the mechanics and remanufacturers our new products and trends. "
Steffen Nussbaum, Director of Otto Nussbaum GmbH & Co. KG: “This is our first time in Mexico and we are amazed at the number of high quality visitors, we will definitely return.”
Julio Fraga, Product Specialist and ARP AS, Goodyear Engineered Products: “We continue to join you in PAACE to maintain our competitiveness in the market place. We had a fantastic first experience in the seminar program. All in all it was a great growth opportunity.”
Enrique Assor, President of North American Clutch Export Company (NAMCCO): “We have been a PAACE exhibitor for the past 5 years and continue to grow our brand exposure and presence in the automotive aftermarket through participation at the show.”
Miguel Coria Barajas, GMB North America: “We continue to exhibit at PAACE as we consistently close deals, gain costumers and network within the industry.”
Sergio Cano, Sales, Schumacher Electric: “We exceeded our goals to find new distribution at PAACE. We look forward to participating year after year.”
Holger Fraustein, CEO of Newco Autoline GmbH: “We had an extraordinary show and met an overwhelming number of contacts. We were pleasantly surprised and we will definitely come back.”
Alejandra Acosta, Marketing, Hella, Hellamex SA de CV: "We demonstrated new products to wholesalers at PAACE Automechanika Mexico. This is the forum where our clients come from all over the country; the quality of customers is excellent. "
Marco Lara, Sales Manager of Mexico's Star Power: "PAACE Automechanika Mexico is an event where we can promote our products allowing us to reaffirm our brand in the market and make new business contacts. We have participated for the past four years and this is where we gain new customers. The number of customers and prospects that we generate here is quite motivating to continue participating."
Jorge Azocar, Business Manager Aremi: "We have previously participated in PAACE Automechanika Mexico and we see that the quality and quantity of business prospects continues to increase. We met all the goals we had for this exhibition in the quality of the guests here. In relation to the quality of the clients here we find different niche markets and we are able to adjust our marketing strategies to target those niches. "
The next Automechanika Mexico PAACE is to be held July 10 to 12, 2013.