MOSCOW -- Automechanika Moscow, the International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts, Equipment and Service Suppliers, and MIMS, the International Trade Fair for Automobiles and Automobile Accessories, will soon take place together at the same time. The joint event will be launched next year, in the fall of 2010 in response to industry demand to bundle the strengths of the two events into a single trade fair.

Both trade fairs reflect the dynamic automobile market in Russia and encompass all sectors of the automobile industry, ranging from the latest models produced by international vehicle manufacturers to spare parts and workshop equipment.

The Russian automobile market is one of the world markets with the greatest potential. Its growth is driven mainly by foreign brands. This means that for foreign suppliers and spare-parts manufacturers there are attractive opportunities for expansion. While MIMS has, for many years now, had its sights firmly set on the Russian motor vehicle market, the Automechanika brand stands for expertise in aftermarket sales and a worldwide marketing network for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Eugen Alles, managing director, Messe Frankfurt R.U.S., commented, “The positive experiences that we have had with the ITE Group since 2007 have encouraged us to intensify our collaboration with them. First and foremost, it is our trade visitors who will gain from the merger. They will get to see all the sector's highlights at one time and in one place."

Stephen Keene, commercial director ITE Group, added, "Automechanika is a very positive complement to MIMS. It presents the entire process chain of the automotive aftermarket, ranging from point-of-sale to services, recycling and waste disposal. What’s more, the Automechanika name is backed by the experience gained from 13 events worldwide."