Automotive professionals from throughout Latin America will be converging at PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 11–13, 2007, in Mexico City. Among the highlights of the trade show, which features more than 500 exhibitors from 20 countries, is a special section called Salon de SEMA. Developed to help SEMA members maximize exposure and capitalize on the opportunities in the Latin American market, Salon de SEMA includes 35 eye-catching project vehicles, a collection of beautifully restored classic cars and Adrienne Janic, known by many as AJ from the TLC hit show “Overhaulin’.”
“More and more U.S. manufacturers are looking to increase business overseas,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international relations. “Whether they are experienced with international business or just starting out, Mexico is an ideal place to target.” The 2007 PAACE Automechanika show will include 50 SEMA members, highlighting automotive wheels, performance parts, graphics, styling kits and more.
“Mexico is an ideal place for automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers to consider,” said SEMA International Task Force Chairman Wade Kawasaki. “Thanks to economic stability and a growing middle class, demand for automotive specialty products in Mexico is at an all-time high."
SEMA found that exhibitors from the 2006 show identified Mexico as one of the top countries from which they hope to develop new contacts. In a survey of more than 2,000 exhibitors, 80% indicated that attracting new buyers from Mexico is an important reason for their participation in the trade-only event. The association notes that the specialty products market in Mexico will soon top $1.5 billion.