RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — Exhibit space for the PAACE Automechanika Mexico, which runs Wednesday, July 13, through Friday, July 15, at Centro Banamex Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City, is sold out for the first time in its history. Show organizers report that sales for exhibit space increased 20 percent over 2004 and record attendance is expected for the 12th straight year.
MEMA is one of the sponsoring associations for the annual automotive show, which showcases the automotive aftermarket, heavy duty and original equipment markets in Mexico and Latin America.
The show’s activities begin with the third International Congress of the Automotive Industry, slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. Speakers will include Bob McKenna, CEO and president of MEMA, and representatives of other automotive associations, the Mexican government, the Big Three and other automakers. This year’s theme is “Key Factors to Improve NAFTA Integration in the Automotive Industry.”
“This week is truly the most important week of the year in the Mexican automotive industry,” McKenna said. “PAACE Automechanika Mexico has become a must attend event if a company hopes to do business in the Mexican aftermarket industry. The growing popularity of this show demonstrates how important Mexico has become to North American suppliers. Since the enactment of NAFTA, more and more of our members have discovered the outstanding opportunities in Mexico for their products and have invested in the country. As global competition increases and poses threats, we must keep in mind that the U.S. and Mexican market for cars is still the largest market in the world.
“In 2004, new car sales surpassed 1 million in Mexico for the first time ever,” McKenna added. “As vehicles on the roads increase, so too do the aftermarket opportunities for suppliers, distributors, retailers and service professionals.”
McKenna, along with other industry leaders, is expected to greet Mexican President Vincente Fox who is expected to attend the show’s ribbon cutting ceremonies.
The Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) has organized the PAACE International Reception at Automechanika Mexico from 8:30 – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. OAC is sponsoring the reception with the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and corporate supporters Arvin Meritor Light Vehicle Aftermarket, Bendix Brakes by Honeywell, Browne Dreyfus International Ltd., Delphi Corp. and INTRACO Corp.
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