DUBAI — The Middle East and African (MEA) auto aftermarket, valued at $22 billion in 2017, is forecasted to grow annually by 7% over the next five years, with sales of auto parts and accessories across the region estimated to reach $31 billion by 2022, a report has said.

According to an April 2018 whitepaper by analysts TechSci Research, a slackening of regional vehicle sales hasn’t ebbed the flow of demand for the automotive service industry and aftermarket products, with growth largely fuelled by demand from existing vehicle parc and the expected improvement of car sales moving forward.

The report stated that in the Middle East, sales of tyres, oils, lubricants, coolants, filters, batteries, brakes, electrical parts, lights, and other accessories and car components was worth $12 billion in 2017, with this set to increase to $16 billion by 2022. In Africa, the auto aftermarket was worth $10 billion last year, with demand for parts and accessories tipped to reach $15 billion by 2022.

Tyres accounted for the lion’s share of sales in both regions according to TechSci, comprising 22 percent ($2.6 billion) of the aftermarket in the Middle East in 2017, and 23 percent ($2.3 billion) in Africa.

This was followed by engine oils, lubricants, and coolants, which comprised a seven percent share of sales last year in the Middle East ($840 million), and six percent in Africa ($600 million).

The full 18-page TechSci Research knowledge report will be published during the Automechanika Dubai trade fair, which takes place from 1-3 May 2018 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Exhibition Centre.

The annual three-day event is the Middle East’s leading international exhibition for the auto service industry and aftermarket, and will feature more than 1,900 exhibitors from 55 countries in its 16th edition.

It was further revealed in the report that the total vehicle fleet size across the Middle East and African region was 92 million in 2017, while three million new cars were estimated to be sold in the Middle East last year, and a further 1.3 million in Africa.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Automechanika Dubai’s organizer, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The automotive aftermarket is directly associated with vehicle parc, and car owners appear to be focusing on maintaining their vehicles for longer periods, thereby boosting the auto aftermarket in the long run.

“Commercial fleet owners are also interested in maintaining their existing vehicles for longer periods, leading to a boost in the requirements for aftermarket components and services.

“We envisage that vehicle sales will continue to improve across the region in the coming years, while Saudi’s new decree to allow women to drive from 2018, and growing demand for more innovative new technologies will also add to enhanced growth prospects for the automotive aftermarket in the future,” Pauwels added.

Much of these new technologies will be on show at Automechanika Dubai 2018, which spans the entire spectrum of the automotive aftermarket, covering the key six product groups of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Customizing; Repair & Maintenance; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Tyres & Batteries.

Austrian engine bearings manufacturer Miba will slot into the show’s largest section of Parts & Components, where it will showcase its entire range of bearings, thrust washers, and bushes commonly used in popular commercial vehicle engines such as Scania, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, MAN, DAF, Renault, Iveco, and Caterpillar.

Daniel Heitzinger, Middle East Sales Manager for Miba, said the electrification of vehicles and downsizing of combustion engines are the major trends that will have an impact on the automotive aftermarket.

“As a technology leader, Miba has always sought innovative solutions with OE quality,” said Heitzinger, adding that Miba’s participation at Automechanika Dubai was essential to gain significant insights in the Middle East and African automotive aftermarket.

“We focus on the needs of our customers who demand high-tech solutions at cost-effective prices. By constantly developing new types of bearings, Miba ensures that modern engines are able to deliver maximum performance efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner even under extreme conditions.

“Over several decades, we’ve acquired in-depth knowledge of the tribology of engine bearings and the power train components that run-on bearings. Our strengths include independence from raw materials, highly advanced, reliable production processes, and efficient quality management that is focused on meeting all functional requirements as cost-effectively as possible,” added Heitzinger.

Elsewhere, in the Repair & Maintenance section, Troton from Poland will shine the spotlight on its chemical products including body fillers, primers, clear coats, and polishing systems used for repainting and conservation of vehicles and machinery in the automotive, marine, and industrial sectors.

Inna Atroszczenko, Director of Exports at Troton, said the company was looking forward to moving with the ongoing shifts in the automotive world: “Whether it’s changing global economies, increased competition, environmental regulations or new vehicle technology, our industry will always be on the move,” said Atroszczenko.

“When you compare the quality of materials of cars on the roads today to those 20 years ago, most car manufacturers are starting to announce that they’re adding different types of steel in their vehicles. As a result of the need to make their cars lighter, manufacturers have been incorporating a greater proportion of lighter materials such as aluminum and plastic composites in their vehicles.

“Troton will look at the current trends in steel usage, the changing landscape of regulations, the implications for steel producers, and steps taken by automobile manufacturers to rise to these challenges.

“So the car body repair industry will need to figure out which type of material is used on the vehicle to develop the right products. The steps required for change are pretty generic and stay fairly consistent. It’s almost like the industry’s formula to deal with the trends,” added Atroszczenko.

Automechanika Dubai’s global influence is highlighted by the presence of 23 country pavilions and 36 international trade associations, while 90 per cent of exhibitors, and 52 percent of the 30,000-plus visitors are expected to come from outside of the UAE. — SG