Australian exports of automotive components and parts to the GCC states rose last year to a record $26.25 million, according to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).
Figures released in advance of Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME) 2002, Dubai's annual international trade show for automobile parts, accessories, tyres, batteries and garage equipment, revealed exports to Saudi Arabia led the way, up from $9.74 million in 2000 to $12.82 million in 2001.
The second biggest regional market was the UAE, with exports to the country doubling from $3.7 million to $7.8 million. Sales of auto parts to the remaining GCC states totalled $5.99 million.
Australian vehicle shipments to the GCC also rose substantially during the same period. Saudi Arabia was the largest regional market, up 56 per cent from $460 million in 2000 to $718 million in 2001.
In the rest of the GCC, exports to the UAE were up from $90 million to $111.8 million; Kuwait, from $71.8 million to $94.8 million; Oman, from $25.2 million to $36.5 million; Qatar, from $17.6 million to $21.7 million and Bahrain, from $12.6 million to $14.6million.
Nine Australian companies participated under the AAAA umbrella in AAME 2002. The event was organised by International Expo-Consults at the Airport Expo Dubai, from April 9 to 11.
This was the second time an official Australian group participated at AAME. Kim Elliot, executive director, AAAA, said most members of the delegation were new to the GCC and were seeking to open up new markets by taking advantage of the ample opportunities to expand trade, highlighted by the success of Australian companies at last year's show.
Among the Australian exhibitors were Rhino Roof Racks, the country's leading manufacturer of 4WD and SUV roof racks, which was looking to AAME 2002 to kick start worldwide expansion of its distribution network.
Other companies that took part included second-time exhibitors Mackay Consolidated Industries, a manufacturer and supplier of engine and radiator rubber hoses, rubber and polyurethane bushes and mounts and rubber solution for specialist applications; ACL, makers of engine parts, including bearings, pistons and piston rings; ECB, which specialises in 4WD protection equipment and accessories; Fulcrum Suspensions, a market leader in steering and suspensions systems, and Kingsley Enterprises, suppliers of side steps and van windows, as well as tonneau covers, exhaust jacks, spare wheel covers and mud flaps.
Exhibitors from Europe, the Middle East, Far East and North Africa as well as Australasia took part in AAME, which for the first time featured the region's only 'Tyre Industry Meet', sponsored by Goodyear. The vertical B2B summit was aimed at bringing together sector-specific exhibitors and buyers.
In addition to Australia, the show had national and industry pavilions from the USA, Brazil, India, Italy, Turkey, Taiwan, Pakistan and Spain.
