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inspection system.
Also for Autopromotec 2015, exhibit space distribution will stay true to the “show-within-the-show” concept, that has always distinguished the Exhibition, and allow attendees to plan their visit according to their professional interests, thus optimising their time.
According to the Autopromotec organisers, this growing demand for exhibit space reflects the technological stir and endeavour that is now affecting the entire automotive aftermarket industry.
As a matter of fact, there are several innovation fields involved: the new vehicle inspection regulations will require major technological updates from operators; TPMS introduction will turn tyres into “intelligent” elements, leading tyre professionals to work with software and electronic tools. Info-mobility systems keep
evolving at a fast pace, and many will be the innovations featured in this specific field; new emission standards are, in turn, stirring up the market for fuel efficiency. It also needs to be remembered that car dealerships have been long eager to play a more active role in the auto maintenance and repair sector, and this is clearly another factor driving business operators to the Autopromotec show.
On the other hand, the amount of foreign exhibitors registered so far almost represents 39 per cent of the final figures achieved in 2013, and is the result of busy worldwide promotional tours undertaken to increase the number of international exhibitors and buyers coming to the show: it is definitely an interest arouser for highly export-oriented
firms in the sector that undoubtedly see Autopromotec as the perfect venue for extending the strong appeal of European technology into historical and emerging markets at an international level.
The auto repair sector, therefore, appears to be alive and able to react to the global economic crisis, and the positive progress of the Autopromotec show proves it. The current number of exhibitors presages double-digit growth over Autopromotec 2013, and 2015 is expected to be the most complete, specialised and internationally oriented edition ever.
For updates on Autopromotec 2015 and the many special projects currently under development, visit www.autopromotec.com
North American Tire & Retread Expo Set for New Orleans
America will once again have a specialist tyre show with a section aimed specifically at the retread market, thanks to the launch of the North American Tire & Retread Expo, which will take place at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from April 15-17, 2015.
The marketing information distributed by the organisers point out that although North America makes up 30% of the global tyre market, tyre industry professionals in the region do not have an exclusive tyre show. The organisers of the SEMA show in Las Vegas may beg to differ on this. However, as far as the retread sector is concerned, it is true that there has been no exhibition for independent retreaders since the Louisville show closed its doors several years ago.
The difficulty, of course, is that the North American retread market is dominated by Goodyear, Bridgestone and Michelin, with the independent sector making up only a small proportion of the market, which is why the show needs to be an all- encompassing tyre show to work. The organisers of the show have already had considerable success in establishing the Panama-based Latin American and Caribbean Tyre Expo as a major event for Central America and the Caribbean, so it is to be hoped that they receive the
necessar y support to make this new event a success.
The exhibition is being heavily promoted at other tyre industr y events around the world, most recently at the Andellac Expo Congresso in Cancun. Potential exhibitors can find out more about the show at www.usatireexpo.com.
Show Director Linda Bassitt (right) promotes the North American Tire Expo during the Andellac
Convention in Cancun