Automechanika Shanghai, the world's second-largest Automechanika trade fair for automotive parts, accessories, equipment and services will be held from Dec 9 to 12 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Since its inception in 2004, the show has become a globally recognized industry event for generating business, brand building and networking, as well as information and technology exchanges, education and marketing.

The show is organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co, one of China's leading exhibition organizers, and the China National Automotive Industry International Corp.

The 2014 show will cover 220,000 square meters and is expected to attract a record 4,800 exhibitors and 86,000 global buyers.

In 2013, 4,618 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions together with 81,936 visitors representing 141 countries and regions participated in the show. Overall, 88 percent of visitors had purchasing authority.

"Automechanika Shanghai offers a strengthened platform for domestic business development and export opportunities," said Jason Cao, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

"Besides exploring business opportunities, we are offering exhibitors more branding opportunities by setting up key brand halls and high-quality fringe programs.

"In addition, visitors will find sourcing easier than before with enhanced product categorization in all the halls covering the full spectrum of automobiles and aftermarket products and services."

New to the 2014 show will be an accessories & tuning brand hall featuring key brands, plus a new electronics & systems product sector to meet the demand for intelligent and environmentally friendly vehicles.

An expanded remanufacturing pavilion, a new-energy zone and an auto air-conditioning zone will continue to be industry focal points supporting the sustainability trend.

"The policy for new-energy vehicles has been implemented by the Chinese government. This action activates more local and overseas companies to work out their investment plans in China," said Cao.

"So to meet the demand of this green concept, an enhanced remanufacturing pavilion and new-energy zone, as well as related fringe programs, will focus on advanced, innovative and core technologies," he added.

The show's auto air-conditioning zone is expected to be 30 percent larger than in 2013 and will showcase the latest air-con systems, components and chemicals.

In addition, the Truck Competence program will identify commercial vehicle companies, parts manufacturers, and domestic and overseas brand exhibitors, with a special Truck Competence logo.

As in the past, Automechanika Shanghai 2014 will be attended by tens of thousands of quality buyers representing the whole industry chain.

Automechanika Shanghai also organizes a series of fringe programs that run concurrently with the show. Last year there were 40 sessions.

All programs offer learning, networking and information exchange opportunities, including the annual NextGen Auto Summit, which highlights emerging technologies, addresses policy initiatives from governments and presents case studies from leading companies.

The Shanghai event is one of the 13 Automechanika fairs held around the world in Africa, Asia, Europe and Central and South Americas.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2014 page43)