BOLOGNA, Italy – With less than six months to go before the 24th annual edition of the Autopromotec international automotive equipment and aftermarket trade fair, event organizers are reporting that the number of foreign exhibitors and buyer and dealer delegations confirmed so far are a clear sign that the Bologna event is in pretty good health. Autopromotec 2001 will take place May 25-29 at the Bologna Exhibition Centre.

To date, the number of exhibitors confirmed for Autopromotec 2011 is on par with the record level seen in 2009, event organizers say, noting that 35 percent participation from foreign companies highlights the increasing international nature of the event. In addition, Autopromotec organizers say exhibitors are booking larger spaces to increase their visibility in the professional automotive aftermarket sector.

Event organizers noted that a number of agreements have been fundamental milestones for the increase in international exhibitors: an agreement between the Ministry of Economic Development, the Institute for Foreign Trade and AICA and an agreement with the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany, for example. Planners for Autopromotec also conducted promotional road shows this past year in a number of different cities around the world, from Japan to South and North America, with presentations of the event and its specific features to major national associations and key local media. They will now continue in European capitals such as London, Paris and Madrid.

Autopromotec 2011 will also focus on the Mediterranean area and its growing market. The final round of international road shows will be held in February and March 2011 in major cities such as Casablanca, Cairo, Istanbul and Beirut. Apart from the groups organized in collaboration with ICE, Autopromotec is also providing assistance for those participating in meetings between buyers and dealers from Argentina, Brazil, Egypt and Poland.

Autopromotec 2011 also will include a brand new major project called Autopromotec Edu: an arena where a series of topics will be approached during the exhibition, in order to provide tangible work tools for the professionals operating in this sector. Topics will range from maintenance to unconventional marketing, security and insights related to regulations and future market trends in Europe.

The third edition of the European aftermarket EAAS11 symposium entitled "Future opportunities for the automotive aftermarket in Europe" will be held at the event, with the participation of experts and international operators in this sector.

Autopromotec Industrial Vehicles Service will be another important feature at the event in 2011, and will provide a special section dedicated to professionals operating in the industrial truck sector. A special logo will identify the exhibitors of equipment, components and spare parts for trucks.

To learn more about Autopromotec 2011, visit www.autopromotec.it