The Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) – one of the leading trade platforms for the automotive sector in Southwest China – will return in 2015 following its successful launch. Taking place from 21 – 23 May, the show is set to surpass the success of the debut show in 2014, with 700 exhibitors from domestic and international markets expected, which represents an 18 percent uplift compared to last year.
Also contributing to the show’s anticipated success is the setup of new special zones. This further detailed product categorisation will be introduced to enhance the matching between exhibitors and visitors as well as to increase buyers’ sourcing efficiency, and to meet the ever-rising purchasing demand of specific product categories in the market. For products, zones for commercial vehicle, new energy, maintenance and lubricants, electronic appliances, tuning and repair tools will be introduced. For exhibitors, zones for dealers and distributors from the Southwest region to link the upstream and downstream industry chain will be present.
Additionally, the latest statistics in the industry has highlighted Southwest China as a promising area for automotive industry growth due to its huge market demand and its unique geographical position, giving it abundant market potential for aftermarket services. As China’s third largest city for private car ownership, Chengdu’s sales of passenger car spiked in the first half of 2014 to 140,000 units, representing 14 percent growth – above the national average of 11.5 percent – emphasising the buoyant market.
Returning and new high profile industry leaders to exhibit at show
CAPAS will host both returning and new renowned manufacturers and suppliers to its second edition. Split across three key sectors – Parts & Components, Accessories & Tuning and Repair & Maintenance – exhibitors will be able to showcase in specific zones for their product categories.
Two returning well-known exhibitors for the Parts & Components sector include Ruili Group Ruian Auto Parts Co Ltd and Zhejiang Songtian Automotive Motor System Co Ltd. Ruili develops and manufactures autoparts and equipment to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China and internationally, with key products including automotive air brake systems, air controlling systems and clutch servos. Speaking of their return to the show, Mr Zeng Chenzhang, Director of International Market said: “It was an easy decision for us to come back and exhibit at CAPAS again this year. It was a successful show for us last year in terms of networking, brand building and acquiring new buyers. We hope the show this year will be just as successful for us.” Songtian, a well-known automotive parts manufacturer for wiper motor, electric window regulator, radiator fan, blower motor and starter motor, also aims at consolidating business relationships with agents in Southwest China through participation in the show.
In the Accessories & Tuning sector, two key brands that are returning this year include Liqui Moly and WD-40, which aim to promote their respective brands in both dealer channels and terminal service shops in the West China market. Du-Hope International Corp is Liqui Moly’s exclusive agent in China, which specialises in a wide range of high-quality brand products such as motor oils, additives, vehicle care products and service products. Commenting on their return, Du-Hope’s Southwest & South Region Manager, Mr Xianghua Meng said: “We found the quality of customers that we met at last year’s CAPAS to be much higher and more professional than at other shows held in Sichuan province, hence we’re back this year.”
From the Repair & Maintenance sector, key brand Zonyi Auto Equipment Group will be exhibiting. The company is the industry leader in supplying paint booth, car lift, car collision repair bench, automatic car wash machine, tyre changer, wheel balancer, wheel aligner, car test lane and the other associated equipment. Outlining their reason for going to CAPAS, Group Executive Vice President, Mr Liufeng said: “Many of our current and potential customers are in the Southwest region so it is important for us to be here as it is one of the leading shows for the region and beyond.”
Key exhibitors will also be provided with the chance to introduce their new products and technologies at Product Presentation, which is an exclusive platform for them to effectively expand their business in the ever-growing Southwest market.
CAPAS is organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Automotive Sub-Council (CCPIT-Auto), Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Sichuan Council (CCPIT-Sichuan). The 2015 show will be held at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition & Convention Center.