Business & Money | Sunday 10 May, 2015 4:00 pm |

The Middle East and North Africa’s harsh climate and its adverse effect on car paintwork can be countered by a combination of using advanced car paint technology and more frequent washing, an expert has said, as vehicle numbers on the region’s roads get set to soar over the next five years.

Stephen Naylor, Refinish Systems Training and Application Team Manager in EMEA for car paint manufacturer Axalta, said that powerful UV light and abrasive airborne dust and sand prevalent in the MENA region pose a hard test of any Original Equipment Manufacturer or repair paint finish.

“However, a quality paint finish provides sufficient UV protection to prevent the most brilliant colours from fading, whilst also proving maximum resistance against abrasion,” said Naylor. “At the same time, washing will remove dust, sand and other dirt, and due to the unique climate in the Middle East, washing frequently is required more than in other areas of the world.”

According to global analysts Frost & Sullivan, 33.91 million passenger vehicles will ply the MENA region's roads by 2020, a 61 per cent increase over today's 21.02 million cars. The rush of cars means international car wash players are anticipating a steady increase in the number of car wash systems across the region.

“Cars in the MENA region face harsher climate conditions than most other regions – particularly in the GCC, where dust, sand, and extremely hot and dry weather conditions takes a greater toll on paint work, engines and interiors,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Automechanika Dubai, which features an entire section dedicated to car wash technology, car paint innovations and cleaning solutions.

“This combined with the surge of cars on MENA roads means Automechanika Dubai 2015 is witnessing a big interest in the market from the world’s leading car wash suppliers, which will no doubt be welcomed by regional service stations, car wash operators, dealerships and workshops.”

Taking place from 2-4 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai 2015 is the Middle East and Africa’s largest trade platform for the automotive aftermarket.

Among the leading international players at the three-day event anticipating a rush of demand for car wash technologies and services are German powerhouses Washtec and Kärcher.

Washtec, one of the world’s largest suppliers of car wash solutions will showcase its range of portal washing systems, including EasyWash for car dealerships, car rental companies, and workshops. WashTec will also present MaxiWash Vario for commercial vehicles: a robust and fast system that cleans coaches and lorries up to 18 metres long in as little as seven minutes.

Meanwhile Kärcher will be looking to add further impetus to an aggressive regional push through their participation at Automechanika Dubai 2015.

The world leader in innovative cleaning technology solutions opened two centres in Qatar and Bahrain in 2015, and will present a new range of products at Automechanika Dubai adapted to the specific requirements of car dealerships and repair centres, including high-pressure cleaners, vacuums, spray-extraction cleaners, steam cleaners, scrubber driers, sweepers, and cleaning agents.

Richard Nouira, Managing Director at Dubai Kärcher FZE, said: “Our success in the Middle East car wash market is measured in the quality of relationships we have with clients, and the appreciation we receive after fulfilling successful car wash projects in the region. We have implemented many landmark projects across the region, and are proud to say we’re the leaders in many markets.

“This success goes hand-in-hand with our presence at Automechanika Dubai, where we have exhibited for many years now. The return on investment is fully recovered both in terms of dollar value and networking,” added Nouira.

Another European car wash stalwart at Automechanika Dubai 2015 is Spanish company Istobal, which will roll out a range of green products, including the Smartflow drying model that saves 65 per cent electricity; and the new 100 per cent biodegradable wash concentrate Xtract, that reduces CO2 emissions by 80 per cent.

Indian-based KKE Wash Systems will also be pulling out all the stops with their range of wash system equipment that can be used for any application, from Two Wheelers, Cars, Buses, Trucks, Mining Trucks, tyres and Trains.

Now in its 13th edition, Automechanika Dubai is one of the fastest-growing auto aftermarket exhibitions in the world, covering six focus areas of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Tuning; Repair & Maintenance; Tyres & Batteries; and Service Station & Car Wash.

The dedicated annual showcase in 2015 will host more than 1,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries and 22 country pavilions including those from Germany, Turkey, Taiwan, Italy, UK, and the USA, while more than 30,000 trade visitors are set to descend upon the must-attend event for the regional auto aftermarket.