Organized by Messe Frankfurt, Automechanika ventures into the untapped market of the Kingdom which is considered the ‘Detroit of Asia.’ With current vehicle production levels of 900,000 units per year, Thailand is the foremost center of auto manufacturing in Southeast Asia, making it a sensible venue for the exposition. Automechanika Thailand will be held at the IMPACT Convention and Exhibition Center in Bangkok.

Thailand has become a haven for automobile manufacturing as a result of the government’s aggressive tax incentives combined with its strategic location. A staggering USD 10 billion in foreign direct investment has flowed into the Thai auto industry in recent years, showing great optimism about the auto sector. Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota and Nissan all have auto assembly plants in Thailand, and a number of major auto manufacturers use the country as their base for the Asian region.

Looking at Asia as a whole, industry experts predict that automobile production will reach 24 million units by the end of 2005 -- equivalent to the US’ current output and two million units more than Europe’s.

"We are bringing Automechanika to Thailand at a crucial time for the auto industry in Southeast Asia," said Katy Lam, Director of Trade Fairs for Messe Frankfurt in Hong Kong.

"The phenomenal growth is set to continue, and the opportunities for auto industry manufacturers are huge. We hope that Automechanika Thailand will bring the industry together in a way never before seen in this region, and create new trade: both between East and West, but also between Asian countries."

"Bringing a leading brand name show such as Automechanika to Thailand will raise the profile of the Thai automotive industry domestically and internationally, and offer exhibitors the chance to showcase their products and services to a professional and diverse visitor base," said Mr. Nikom Lertmalligaporn of Bangkok-based IPEX (International Promotion & Exhibition Company), co-organizers of the show.

"The Thai trade fair market is still relatively young and has great potential for development," added Lam. "Automechanika is Messe Frankfurt’s first step into Thailand, and one we will definitely follow with further fairs for different industries in the future."

Automechanika Thailand is a meeting place for international and local buyers and sellers and where auto parts manufacturers and distributors can explore new opportunities in all segments of the industry.

Over 140 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions have already confirmed their attendance to the inaugural Automechanika Thailand. Companies from Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, the UK and the USA will take part in the show. There will also be pavilions for Taiwan, mainland China and Singapore.

Four important areas in the automotive industry will be highlighted in the event, namely: parts and systems, accessories and tuning, repair and maintenance and service station and car wash. Several forums and networking events are also lined up throughout the days of the fair which include the Automechanika matchmaking forum, Automechanika Academy, product presentations and visits to two of the most established car manufacturing and parts/components plants in Thailand.

Automechanika Thailand is expected to draw in around 10,000 visitors from all over the world.