BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) will host an AAIA member pavilion at the Latin Auto Parts Expo in Panama City, Panama, July 9-11. AAIA has partnered with the Latin Expo Group LLC (LEG), the trade show organizer, and is currently recruiting member companies to exhibit at the new show.
LEG has established a strong presence in Latin America since introducing Panama’s Latin American & Caribbean Tyre Expo five years ago. Displaying consistent growth, 85 nations were represented at last year’s Tyre Expo that attracted 4,000 attendees and 220 exhibitors. According to show organizers, the Latin American and Caribbean automotive markets have been growing at an impressive rate, and the new Latin Auto Parts Expo seeks to capitalize on substantial expected increases in the new vehicle and aftermarket automotive parts industries.
“We are extremely excited about this opportunity to increase our member companies’ international footprint,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Panama is an ideal destination for our members to showcase their products and services. Panama is politically stable, has a free trade agreement in place with the United States and is a strategic entry point for entering the Latin American marketplace.”
“The Latin Auto Parts Expo is proud to partner with the prestigious Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association,” said Gustavo Lima, CEO, Latin Expo Group. “This partnership will present an exciting international commercial opportunity for all AAIA members that exhibit in the AAIA pavilion.”
Panama is a strategically located international business center that is well-known to the Latin American business community. The Panama Canal is a vital global ocean artery that isunder massive expansion at this time. Panama also has become an international air hub, connecting North America and South America and to destinations beyond.
The automotive aftermarket business segment in Latin America is forecast to grow more than 30 percent in the next few years. Panama has been ranked by the International Monetary Fund, World Economic Forum and Latin Business Chronicle as one of the most competitive and globalized economies in Latin America. A popular destination for international conferences and meetings, Panama’s tourism industry increased by 50 percent from 2011 to 2012.
In addition to populating the AAIA pavilion, AAIA also will host a member center, networking reception and will work with the Latin Auto Parts Expo to organize education sessions andother activities. AAIA members will receive a 15 percent discount off of standard booth pricing.
More information on the Latin Auto Parts Expo is available at http://www.latinpartsexpo.com/ or by calling 786-293-5186. For AAIA member-specific questions, contact Arlene Davis at [email protected] or at 301-654-6664.
