The three-day, Automechanika Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket trade show concluded on Thursday, with most of the exhibitors and traders reporting new deals and business inquiries during the three-day event.

More than 170 exhibitors from 27 countries took part in the first edition of Automechanika held at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events, which had more than 5,000 visitors.

With country pavilions from Turkey, Taiwan, India, the United States, Italy and China, Automechanika Jeddah 2016 delivered the latest innovations and solutions in the fields of parts, systems, tuning, workshop equipment, bodywork & paintwork, car wash, IT & Management and the latest automobile services.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Being held in Saudi Arabia for the first time, the recently concluded Automechanika Jeddah was a success with great reviews from both buyers and exhibitors and reflects the opportunities for members of Automechanika.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia, which has the biggest industry in the region, is considered as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for automotive products. Automechanika Jeddah has consolidated its position as one of the most important platforms for the industry in the region. The encouraging numbers reported reflect the growth in Saudi Arabia.”

Zahoor Siddique, vice president of Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), said “We are delighted to have concluded our first exhibition with Messe Frankfurt, to stage this prestigious international trade show for the automotive aftermarket in Saudi Arabia.”

He underlined the success of Automechanika Jeddah, which resulted in new product launches, partnerships, distribution agreements, and manufacturing facility announcements by leading global majors and local companies.

"The show has been a success for us. Many exhibitors seemed to have closed deals and we are sure that with this enthusiastic response the next edition will bring more positive results,” he added.