The multi-billion dollar global automobile aftermarket and tuning sector is keenly looking at the high-potential Middle East market whose passion for automobiles is driven by speed, style and performance. Leading manufacturers and dealers from countries enjoying pole position in automotive customisation and tuning innovations are set to converge on Expo Centre Sharjah to test-drive the market, when the Middle East Motor Tuning Show gets under way on March 15, 2012.
Several countries have full-fledged car modification industries that are growing fast, with the size of the U.S. aftermarket sector estimated at US$ 30 billion. It is a high-margin segment that needs to constantly upgrade manufacturing techniques and strengthen innovation capabilities to keep pace with changing trends and customer demands.
Analysts point out that the sector does not encounter the same price and cost-cut pressures such as those faced by automakers. “Tuning fans – much like buyers of luxury goods and niche products – never seem to be touched by economic ups and downs and are driven by true passion and their love for speed, style and performance,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa of Expo Centre Sharjah.
For its third edition, the Middle East Motor Tuning Show will feature a large number of new exhibitors from all over the world, who will bring to the Middle East latest accessories and services for car modification.
“Apart from local firms, we have good participation from the US, Europe, Japan and Australia, where there is so much more to car customization and tuning than being an industrial segment. In most of these countries, vehicles are customized to suit people’s way of life,” said Roman Gavrilin, Project Manager, Expo Centre Sharjah.
Some of the new exhibitors at the show include Akrapovic, Al Numairy Performance, Al Shiba, Basic Auto Styling, Brembo, Emarat, Fani Accessories, Johnson Controls, Konig, KW, Meguiar’s, Manhart Racing ME, Nytro, OBS Automotive, RaceRoom, Ramy 4×4, SubZero and Limited Edition Rims among others.
Apart from featuring luxury sport cars, modified vehicles, racing vehicles, spare parts, bodykits, tyres, high performance lubricants, multi-media, tuning clubs, specialist technical publications and accessories, the show has lined up a slew of activities.
“Keeping in mind the visitor profile, we are organizing two drifting arenas – one for 4x4s and the other for saloon cars. The show will also feature live modification of a GMC pickup by a team of professionals from G-Force Performance,” said Mr. Gavrilin.
Of late, electronic content in vehicles are increasing phenomenally and are not just ‘music systems’ but are known as ‘infotainment systems’. Providing enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase their skills in building the best car audio and multi-media systems, the show will feature a EMMA Car Audio Competition for the third time in a row supported by PIONEER.
The results of the Airbrush Contest will also be announced on the opening day of the show. The contest, launched a few months ago, had given enthusiasts a chance to create their own car body airbrush design or win a free airbrush design for their car. The winning airbrushed car and design will be carried out on a vehicle live by Al Ghandi Customs.
The Raceroom competition and the 4×4 Top Speed Championship series organized by Top Speed will also attract people who love to be on the fast track.
The second edition of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show was held in May 2011 and during its three-day run it attracted more than 30,000 visitors.
The show will be open to visitors from 11am to 11pm on Thursday (March 15) and on Friday and Saturday (March 16 & 17), from 3pm to 11pm. Preliminary ticket prices are set at Dhs 30.
