Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2019 replied to the local commercial and passenger vehicle sectors 07.03.2019: Now in its third edition of the show, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City continued to cement its position as one of the region’s leading trade fairs for the automotive service industry.

Now in its third edition of the show, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City continued to cement its position as one of the region’s leading trade fairs for the automotive service industry.



The exhibition took place from 28 February to 2 March and shone a light on Vietnam’s dynamic service sector and many of the region’s automotive trends. Participants praised the fair’s extensive focus on the commercial vehicle sector, as well as the fun and informative fringe programme events that took place over the three-day show.
 




Key figures for Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2019:

•    359 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions 

•    10,200 sqm of exhibition space (11% growth)

•    9 country and region pavilions (2018: 8 pavilions)

•    8,929 visitors (5% growth) from 43 countries and regions

•    7 concurrent fringe programme events




“The Automechanika brand’s presence in Vietnam once again highlighted the growth potential in the country’s automotive industry,” said Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, after adding: “This year’s Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City continued to exceed our expectations in every way. The show continued to evolve to cater for the local markets’ unique needs in an informative and entertaining manner by extending the product categories and introducing a wider range of concurrent events.”  
 


This year, the show highlighted the rapidly growing commercial vehicle sector through the newly established Truck Competence product category. Higher than originally forecasted, over 60% of exhibitors were related to this product group. Visitors were extremely pleased with the new addition as it conveyed a true reflection of the prosperity for the country’s commercial vehicle sector. The competence sat alongside the already established Tyre Competence and Motorcycle Competence product categories. Participants throughout the fair appreciated the convenience that enabled buyers to easily identify suppliers relating to the specific sectors and purchasing needs.
 


Commenting on the Truck Competence, a local visitor, Mr Nguyen Thanh Tung, General Director of STD & T Engineering Services Co Ltd, said: “This year’s fair has been very professionally managed, and the show’s scale seems to have increased too. I particularly appreciate the new Truck Competence product category as it allows me to identify suppliers related to the commercial vehicles very quickly and gives clear direction. It is a truly amazing sourcing experience.”
 




Visitor’s perspective on international participation
 


Local visitors enjoyed a strong assembly of international participation across the show floor. Over 88% of exhibitors came from 18 different countries and regions, with Poland joining the list for the first time. 
 


The domestic visitor Mr Huynh Huu Phuc, Director, Dien Oto, said: “Each year there is more and more representation from overseas exhibitors such as China, Korea and Thailand. I have explored the overseas booths in great detail and have found discussions with many international companies particularly useful for my sourcing requirements.”  
 


Some of the key overseas industry players consisted of companies like   ASUKA, Autel, BAIJIXIONG, Brembo, CJ AXLE, Elring Klinger, Euroricambi, Hasaki Lubricants, Hyundai Transys, HETIAN, ITE, Jesse Lai, KELI, Liqui Moly, MAHA, POLAR,  Sangsin Brake, Sl Turbo, Suotepower, VIE, Win World, Winhere Brake and Würth. 
 


At the same time, overseas buyers also appreciated a collection of Vietnamese exhibitors wanting to export their products internationally. Local businesses such as Karuna Canopies and Mast Saigon achieved great international exposure through their support and participation at the show.
 


Mr J.K. Son, Chief Executive Officer, SM Auto & Parts / Korea Auto Biz highlighted: “I see a lot of synergy from the rising local market. Visiting the show enables me to see many local and international companies in one place. The made-in-Vietnam products are very competitive on price and so investing here will help increase our competitiveness as well.”
 


Overall, the fair attracted 8,929 visitors from 43 countries and regions. Apart from the domestic visitors in Vietnam, the top visiting countries and regions comprised of China, Taiwan. Germany, Korea and Singapore. 



 
Extensive fringe programme
 


This year, the show became more than just a trade fair but rather a stage to stimulate automotive lifestyle and networking. A host of fringe programme events zoomed in on the automotive industry at a domestic level by focusing on the distinct trends and needs of the Vietnamese market.
 


The Fleet Management Conference was well received by all attendees who complemented the speakers’ expertise when relaying the most current market updates about digitalisation and automotive manufacturing for advanced logistics operations in the commercial vehicle sector. These operations include the transport of cargo and goods as well as fare-paying passengers for vehicles with four or more wheels.
 


Ms Jennifer Wong, Marketing Manager of UPS, a speaker at the conference said: “The automotive industry in Vietnam is currently seeing robust growth, which is why we need to expand our commercial vehicle sector in the country as well. More and more automation in the industry has also had a positive impact on the sector as advanced technology is now used to maintain and carry out fleet operations. Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City is an important platform for updating local players with global information to helps advance Vietnam’s growing commercial vehicle sector.”
 


The Collision Repair Training and Maintenance Workshop also provided hands-on educational sessions and theoretical discussions on the latest developments of car repair and maintenance. The event enhanced knowledge-sharing as well as skills-transfer. Local workshop providers taking part in the training session noted that they would easily be able to use the information and updated skillset at their workplace. 
 


The show also went above and beyond participant expectations at all of  the entertaining and engaging events. The debuted Drift Performance excited the crowd with its high-octane performances. Additionally, attendees were able to see the most forward-thinking trends of car, accessories and customisation in action. Lars Verswyvel, Managing Director of Karuna Canopies and sponsor of the Drift Performance announced: “We are thrilled to be one of the sponsors at the Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City Drift Performance. Not only does it allows us to support Vietnam’s rising car customisation and tuning trends, but also increases our brand exposure towards an international audience.”
 


It was then followed by the fun-filled After Show Party. Amongst the lively entertainment by famous local DJ Trang Moon, industry peers were able to network and connect in a more relaxed setting.


 
Ms Judy Wang, President of Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam, said: “In just a short amount of time we have already seen the position of the show change to keep up with the ever-evolving market. As such, the fair has transitioned into more than just a sourcing platform, but also a means of exploring the industry in a more experiential approach. As organisers, it is exciting to find new ways to educate, inform and entertain attendees, and we look forward to doing the same for next year.”
 




Participant’s feedback at this year’s edition


 
Exhibitors 
 

Mr Vincent Prinzing
Export Area Manager, Liqui Moly (Germany)


“We have strategically partnered with Automechanika for many years now, and have come to Vietnam to sell our entire product range. This year, it is significant that the show has emphasised the commercial vehicle sector as it is an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to finally start looking at emission levels, reducing costs, oil change intervals and exploring environmental issues. For us, fleet management includes truck, taxi and motorcycle operations like Grab, which we see good potential for our products as well. Overall, the show is a great platform to meet new clients, as well as connect with our local Vietnamese customers.”
 



Mr Ho Khan Hung
Chairman, Mast Saigon Auto Parts and Accessories (Vietnam)


“This year we are exhibiting car accessories from both China and Korea at Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City. The fair is a fantastic platform for us to introduce these high-quality products from the international market into the Vietnam local market. We participate in many Automechanika shows around the world; they are always very fruitful experiences as we find good quality distributors and suppliers. Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City was no exception as there were many buyers from across Vietnam, including Hanoi and other provinces. Overall, it was a good opportunity for us to increase our brand awareness into the entire country.”
 


Mr Alan Lim
Business Development Manager, Toyopower (Singapore)


“Our company is well-established in the Vietnam market, the show is part of a bigger picture of our business plan. We are here at Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City to enhance our brand exposure, awareness and reputation. It is our third time partaking at the show, and it is great to see new elements like the concurrent fringe programme events. All in all, we feel like our mission has been achieved.”
 



Mr Rakesh Gosain
Vice President (Marketing), Ask Automotive (P) Ltd (India)

“We are participating at Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. Our primary goal is to get a feel of the current Vietnam market. We are particularly looking to increase presence in the two-wheeler market, which is one of the most dominant segments in the local industry. We see a lot of potential, and so we hope to get some good results through the fair.”
 




Visitors


 
Mr Le Duy
Customer Service Executive, SAV United Investment Co Ltd (Vietnam)


“I have attended the show twice and am here to look for new suppliers and customers. I have already visited some impressive Vietnamese companies, which I plan to touch base with after the show. From an organisational perspective, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City explores a lot of relevant information as it brings together leaders from all over the world. As a result, the fair highlights that the country is an ideal destination for local industry investment.” 
 



Mr Jakub Wieckowski
Laboratory and Quality Control Manager, Intermeko Europe (Malta)


“We are an all-round automotive parts distributor for cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. Our company distributes mainly in Europe although we source many products from South East Asia. We are visiting at Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City to find new suppliers who can offer good quality products at a reasonable price. The fair is very well-organised with great offerings from many Asian exhibitors. So far, we have already collected information from about 10 exhibitors from China, Thailand and Vietnam that match our buying needs.”
 


Fringe programme speakers


 
Mr Mark Czvitkovtis
Chief Executive Officer, I-CAR Australia


“If not for fairs like Automechanika, the industry as a whole would not progress and advance. That is why Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City is such an important event for the local industry. If we don’t come to countries like Vietnam to provide training and awareness, the general motoring population may not get the assurance that they need to feel safe. Therefore, it is important for workshops to also invest in skills and training, which the show offers. It is our second year presenting and it seems that more people have attended. Next year, I hope to do some more hands-on training with the participants.”
 


Mr Tran Dinh Vu, Chairman, MICAS (Vietnam)


“It is a very exciting time for Vietnam’s automotive industry as current global trends have started to impact the local market. One trend that we are noticing is the advancements in the aftermarket and the repair sector. Additionally, as a result of the latest government initiatives, there will be more cars and parts manufactured in Vietnam. This will pay dividends to the local economy as well. Platforms such as Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City and its fringe programme events are vital for educating local providers and introducing Vietnam to the global industry.”
 




Fringe programme attendees
 


Mr Ngo Tung Hui
General Director, Tung Viet Trading Company Ltd (Vietnam)


“I have joined the fair twice as a buyer. When I found out that there was going to be a one-to-one business matching programme, I decided to participate immediately. I want to find oil and lubricant products, as well as get in touch with more international brands. I have already met with suppliers from China, India, the US and more. These suppliers have high quality products that suit my sourcing needs, and I have already placed an order from an Indian supplier on the spot. I want to thank Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City for bringing a world-class programme to the local industry. I am very happy that I joined the programme and will participate again.”
 



Mr U Niu Min Han
Manager, Spectrol Industrial & Motor Oil (Myanmar)

“I came for sourcing lubricant products, and it was a surprise to also find a Drift Performance. This was fascinating and a unique aspect of the trade fair. My experience in Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City went beyond my expectations, it is more than just a sourcing platform, but also combines with fun and entertainment. I wish to come back next year to see what's new.”
 



Ms Pham Thi Tuyet Nhung
Manager Assistant, Dealers Edge Asia (Vietnam)


“I have come to Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City to search for suppliers as my company is expanding our online accessories platform. I particularly enjoyed the discussion at Automechanika Academy as the mode of communication was very clear and informative. It provided a lot of useful information about current trends and industry knowledge. The content was also very beneficial for both local and international attendees. I believe I will be able to feedback and apply it to our business strategy.”
 



The next edition of Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City will take place from 5 to 7 March 2020. More information about the new edition will be released soon. The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, Chan Chao International Co Ltd and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam.






 Messe Frankfurt- also photos