COMMERCIAL Vehicles Middle East (CVME), which was held in Dubai, UAE, last month, has confirmed the emirate’s stature as a Middle East automotive hub.

Having virtually no automotive manufacturing in the Gulf region, the automotive trading sector has blossomed, particularly in commercial vehicles, in a milieu of growing investment on general projects.  

Year-on-year growth in Dubai re-exports of workshop equipment, tyres, batteries, parts and systems and accessories has surged, and the region has seen significant movement, partly as a result of a huge construction boom in Saudi Arabia requiring companies to expand their vehicle fleets.

The double-digit growth in the UAE commercial vehicles market in 2011 is expected to continue throughout 2012, according to Emirates Money, a consumer finance company.

A-MAP, the region’s leading distributor of automotive spare parts, batteries and tyres, grew 60 per cent in 2011 compared with 2010 with plans to consolidate further in 2012.

“Having previously only focused on passenger cars, there has been a great demand for products within the commercial vehicle industry from clients locally,” said Asad Badami, managing director of A-MAP.

Michelin was among firms that highlighted their products

“We’ve brought on board local clients like Bilal Transport, Al Faris and Swaidan Trading, and we saw CVME as a prime opportunity to create relationships with regional and international companies,” he added.

A-MAP HAD SUCCESSFUL YEAR

A-MAP saw an incredibly busy and successful 2011. Last year it expanded its logistical operations considerably within the UAE, opening a branch office in the Jebel Ali Free Zone along with increased warehousing facilities for smoother distribution to regional customers.

2012 will see A-MAP expand its domestic distribution network with a new distribution facility set to come up in Abu Dhabi.

Sustained growth is expected throughout 2012 in both revenue and manpower, with the company aiming to increase its annual turnover to Dh1 billion ($272 million) by 2015.

A-MAP is the exclusive distributor of the Solite brand of batteries. It officially launched the range for the commercial vehicles sector at CVME and was the only battery exhibitor on site.

“We forged significant relationships with many great local and international companies as a direct result of our participation at CVME. We expect to be able to bring on board as many as 10 to 15 new customers following the exhibition and carve out a significant share of the commercial vehicle market,” said Badami.

Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, Shell, Michelin, Arabian Automobiles, Isuzu, Iveco, Hino, Daimler Middle East, and Emirates Transport showcased their latest range of products at CVME.

“Commercial Vehicles Middle East exhibition and conference is the only event in the region providing an all-in-one platform for knowledge exchange, commercial partnerships, market analysis, and technology updates for transport, fleet and logistics managers,” said Alexandria Robinson, project manager, CVME.

The event featured more than 3,500 sq m of exhibition space. Highlights were product demonstrations, networking functions, a workshop programme and more than 100 local and international exhibitors showcasing commercial vehicles, parts and services.