UAE. The UAE is to position itself as a regional focal point for the commercial vehicles industry in the Middle East, which is aiming for more major growth as the market recovers from the effects of the global economic crisis.

The launch of the region’s first specialised trade event for commercial vehicles in Dubai today came with a powerful endorsement from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).

Sulayem, who enjoys enormous respect within the automotive industry, pledged the full support of the ATCUAE for Commercial Vehicles Middle East and said he expects the new trade event to help deliver more major growth for the industry in the region.

“This is already a thriving business in the Middle East, and all the signs point to a great deal of expansion over the next few years as the market recovers from the economic crisis and more manufacturers start production here,” he said.

“The UAE’s commercial vehicles market grew by 38.5% between 2000 and 2005 and between 2007 and 2008 some regional distributors saw sales triple 

“The commercial vehicles industry demands its own specialist regional showcase, and the ATCUAE is eager to actively support an event which will bring together the industry’s key players and lay the foundations for more growth.”         

Taking place from 9-11 March next year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Commercial Vehicles Middle East (www.commvehicles.com) is organised by Streamline Marketing Group in association with Reed Exhibitions, one of the world’s largest exhibition organisers.          

While the event is still eight months away it has already attracted confirmed participation from leading commercial vehicles manufacturers including Hino, BMC and Temsa.        

“The global automotive industry has had a difficult year, but demand for vehicles in the GCC remains strong,” said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group.

“Our event will provide the region’s first dedicated forum bringing buyers and sellers for this multi billion dollars industry together.”           

Sulayem’s personal endorsement and the backing of the ATCUAE gives the event significant additional credibility, for manufacturers and industry experts supporting its launch.

Sulayem developed close links with many of the major automotive makers throughout a record-breaking rally driving career. He has built on those connections since taking charge of the ATCUAE three years ago and turning it into one of the Arab world’s leading motoring bodies, with wide ranging activities in areas such as vehicle and road safety and the environment. 

Commercial Vehicles Middle East covers all types of heavy and light commercial vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle attachments, accessories, maintenance and repair services. It will bring together decision-makers from every sector of the region’s road transport business, such as freight and logistics, emergency services, security, construction, public transport and public works.

The UAE is at the centre of regional growth in the commercial vehicles sector, largely due to the country’s expanding public transport requirements.

Two months ago Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a US$517.7 million deal for 518 buses to act as a feeder network for the Dubai Metro, while in April, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport announced that it will add an additional 500 buses to its fleet by the end of this year.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East will feature an international conference, specialised seminars and workshops, an indoor vehicle display area and an exhibition featuring a comprehensive range of products and services from around 100 manufacturers.

The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 visitors, including key officials from regional transport authorities and other government departments.

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