First Ever Automechanika Canada Brings the World to Toronto

Automechanika Canada debuted on September 26-28, 2007 at the International Centre in Toronto, Ont., as the only trade show in Canada dedicated to all facets of the automotive market. The premiere edition of the exhibition drew 2,907 participants to experience the products, services and technologies of the show’s 202 exhibitors from 16 countries. In addition, an informative seminar and workshop program coupled with a diverse line-up of onsite events were met with enthusiasm by qualified buyers attending from 20 countries.

Automechanika Canada provided a platform for international suppliers to enter the Canadian marketplace and grow existing business in Canada. Manufacturers displayed products from around the world, with representation from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the US.

David Audrain, president of Messe Frankfurt, Inc., says, “We were pleased to be able to deliver such a high quality event to the growing Canadian market this year. Automechanika Canada enabled aftermarket professionals to source new products from around the world and enhance their business in Canada.”

As an exhibitor, Joe McDonald of Jasper Engines & Transmissions told the show’s organizers, “With our interest in the Canadian market, the Automechanika Canada show was a nice springboard for obtaining new contacts and discussing our program with potential buyers.”

From large distributors to small shops and service repair providers, Automechanika Canada was the meeting place for key industry professionals.

Buyers from the vehicle manufacturers, replacement parts, off-road, rescue and other sectors were able to see for themselves the innovations emerging from the supplier segment. “The show was great for us,” says Eddie Basile, regional sales manager with Valeo. “We exhibited with three of our divisions–clutch, wiper/blade and heating and cooling. The outcome was phenomenal and we picked up a handful of very strong prospects.”

Other exhibitors shared their impressions of this first-ever exhibition:

Reinaldo Ribeiro, export manager with GAUSS Industria Comercio Autopecas: “Automechanika Canada was a great show and we made quality contacts, including important distributors in the market. We only had one customer in Canada coming into the show and we are now planning a visit back to Canada soon to follow up with our new contacts from the show.”

Bruce Ruff, director of operations at Ross-Tech: “The show allowed us to get our Canadian distributors hyped up and talking to trade professionals. Overall, we saw quality attendance from the owners of shops to distributors to technicians–the right people.”

In addition to sourcing the latest products, attendees engaged in educational and networking opportunities designed to enhance their Automechanika Canada experience. “Our goal is to become the industry forum for education, discussion, learning and sharing of knowledge and opinions,” states Carol Bell-LeNoury, general manager of Business Information Group, joint producer of the show with Messe Frankfurt USA.

The organizers are already working on the next Auto-mechanika Canada, June 19-21, 2008, which promises more innovation, more products and more opportunities for exhibitors and attendees in the Canadian aftermarket sector.