Automechanika Istanbul Opens
The 11th edition of Automechanika Istanbul has opened at the Tüyap Fair Centre. Having established itself as the world's third-largest industry trade fair and welcomed more than 40,000 visitors last year, Automechanika Istanbul is again drawing crowds this year.
YARDIM: "Strength Comes from Unity"
Speaking at the opening of Automechanika Istanbul 2017, Messe Frankfurt Istanbul General Manager Tayfun Yardım said the company entered the sector in 2001 and that Automechanika Istanbul has grown steadily over the years. "This year we are hosting more than 1,200 exhibitors from 33 different countries and 21 country pavilions. Looking at trade fairs around the world, we are currently ranked third. Success stories on this scale are not written alone. We have reached this point by working together with many business partners, and we thank them all," he said.
YAZICI: "See Us as a Laboratory"
Serkan Yazıcı, President of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation, known as TOSFED, noted that motorsport in Turkey has a very long history. "We actually try to use the best products. The best brake pads, the best gearbox, the best engine, the best software... Until now we were buying all of these from abroad. The first thing I did on becoming federation president was to use a Turkish tyre, PETLAS, in a demanding event like the Champions' Championship. It was a very successful experience for both sides, and there will be more to come. When you look at us, we are a laboratory. How do you sell your product to the world? First you need to prove yourself in the sporting arena. In this respect, our federation's doors are open to everyone," he said.
URGANCILAR: "We Have Learned a Lot"
Mesut Urgancılar, Chairman of the Board of OSS (the Automotive Aftermarket Products and Services Association), said they had learned a great deal thanks to Automechanika. "At Automechanika Istanbul we see what kind of success story two rival companies like Hannover Fairs Turkey and Messe Frankfurt Istanbul can write when they come together. Our association is growing together with Automechanika. We currently represent 60-70 per cent of a €4.5 billion market. In this growing market we are doing our best to come up with solutions to problems," he said.
Mustafa Koç's Car on Display at the Fair
The Ford Sierra Cosworth used in the 1991 Turkish Rallycross Championship by Ford Mobil Rally Team, made up of Mustafa Koç, the former Koç Holding chairman who passed away last year, and Mustafa Güneş, is on show at the "Retro Rally Exhibition" in Hall 10. The exhibition also features legendary rally cars that defined an era, such as the Lancia Delta HF Integrale, Ford Escort MKII, Renault 21 Turbo, Murat 131 and Fiat 124, along with many other items including race suits, helmets, trophies and pace notes...
The World's Third-Largest Fair
Organised through the cooperation of Messe Frankfurt Istanbul and Hannover Fairs Turkey, Automechanika Istanbul 2017 brings together more than 1,200 exhibitors from 33 countries with industry professionals between 6 and 9 April. Given Turkey's location, the fair stands out as the region's most important international trade platform for all domestic and foreign companies aiming to invest in neighbouring markets. With strong interest and demand from foreign as well as domestic companies in recent years, Automechanika Istanbul ranks as the automotive industry's third-largest fair after Frankfurt and Shanghai.
Everything from the Automotive World Under One Roof
Spread across a total of 13 halls, Automechanika Istanbul allows visitors to find the products and companies they are looking for easily and without fuss in seven dedicated sections: Parts and Systems, Repair and Maintenance, Oil, Batteries, Accessories, Reifen (Wheels and Tyres), Hand Tools, Car Wash and Truck Competence.
The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) stand, which displays the Opel Corsa OPC race car used in the Champions' Championship event, is located in Hall 9.
