Quarterly Newsletter - Spring 2017 

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• Focus on: Colombia
• Upcoming Events
• Trade Leads
• In the News

Focus on: Colombia

Colombia is the third largest automotive manufacturer in South America, supported with auto parts imports valued at US$3.9 billion in 2016, from which 21% came from the United States. Colombia’s automotive industry includes assembly of light vehicles, light weight trucks, buses and motorcycles, and manufacturing of parts used in assembly for the OEMs. The greatest demand in the market is for replacement parts. Although infrastructure is improving, roads are generally in poor condition causing wear and tear. Electric vehicles also offer potential for U.S. exporters. A recorded briefing on the commercial environment and automotive sector is posted here. Best prospects for U.S. exporters include: Radiators, clutches, suspension systems, brake parts Gasoline and diesel engines Shock absorbers/struts/coils Lights, high and low beam (HID) and also decorative lights (LED) Air filters and oil filters Windshields (glass) Gaskets for engines Tires and rims for small vehicles, trucks and buses Parts of fans, ventilating hoods, air conditioning and parts for motor vehicles Performance: suspension, brakes, etc. Tire retreading equipment Tire recycling operators Diagnostic equipment U.S. suppliers that want to position and develop their auto parts/brands need to invest in marketing campaigns to support their distributor network and sales representatives. U.S. companies are encouraged to view our Country Commercial Guide for general insight and to deepen business development and find local partners by joining the Auto Care Association led Trade Mission to Bogota, June 7-8, 2017. . Back to the top.

Upcoming Events

Finland’s Largest Auto Show, April 14-16, 2017:  “American Car Show”. U.S. companies can attend and promote products for just $500. Showcase your brand in person or with literature and exhibit alongside the U.S. Embassy’s own local hot rod. The “American Car Show” now in its 40th year will be the largest auto show ever produced in Finland and will take place during celebration of the country's 100th year of independence. Finns have had a fascination with “American Steel” since the 1970s and the hobby has grown into a strong local industry supporting individual enthusiasts, speed shops, and parts distributors. Finland has a population of only 5.5 million, but certainly enjoys one of the highest per capita rates of ownership of classic American cars in the region, if not all of Europe! Distributors, vendors, hobbyists, and enthusiasts from all over Scandinavia and the Nordic-Baltic region will join over 80,000 show attendees. The Embassy’s U.S. Commercial Service team will facilitate introductions to local distributors at the show. Contact tiina.ketela@trade.gov.

Automechanika Dubai – United Arab Emirates, May 7-9, 2017. Certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce and expecting over 2,000 exhibitors across 17 exhibit halls, the number of key buyers and decision makers attending the show continues to rise each year, making it an important source of new business contacts in the sector. The market is broadly divided between passenger cars and commercial vehicles, at 80% and 20%, respectively.  According to industry reports, UAE’s trade in auto parts and accessories was valued at around $12 billion, a 10% increase, and its imports were $7 billion. Contact Nasir.Abbasi@trade.gov.

SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference, May 23-27.  U.S. specialty equipment companies can travel to Melbourne in May to meet with potential buyers from Australia and New Zealand, visit vehicle customization shops, and learn about local auto-related trends with the assistance of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the International Trade Administration. Contact lindas@sema.org

U.S. Automotive Trade Mission to Colombia, June 7-9, 2017.  The Auto Care Association and the International Trade Administration announce an opportunity to enter and expand your export business to Colombia and Latin America. The trade mission to Bogota is timed to overlap with the region’s leading aftermarket trade show, Expopartes. It is a cost-effective opportunity to gain firsthand market information and meet one-on-one with foreign industry executives, pre-screened to match your specific business objectives. Contact carolina.arregoces@autocare.org

INA PAACE Automechanika in Mexico City, June 14-16, 2017. Industrial Nacional de Autopartes (INA) and Messe Frankfurt have joined forces to produce one cohesive event serving the entire automotive OEM and aftermarket. Certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, this event is the ultimate platform for sourcing domestic and international products and suppliers.  It offers valuable education and training, unmatched business solutions, exciting network events, and more.  Contact:  Jessica.Dulkadir@trade.gov.

Latin Auto Parts Expo (LAPE), in Panama, July 19-21, 2017.  The Expo provides manufacturers and distributors direct access to the Latin American and Caribbean OEM, replacement parts, aftermarket parts, automotive remanufactured parts, and tuning markets.  info@latinpartsexpo.com

Automotive Aftermarket Trade Mission to Honduras & Nicaragua, September 26-18, 2017.  Learn about the commercial environments and opportunities in these markets through webinars on April 25 (Honduras) and May 25 (Nicaragua). Led by the Auto Care Association in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Contact kellie.holloway@trade.gov. 

Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Trade Mission to South Africa, Johannesburg, September 25-27, 2017. Boost your understanding of the South African automotive aftermarket by visiting distributor facilities, receiving U.S. Embassy, U.S. Commercial Service market briefings; participate in one-on-one matchmaking meetings with South African buyers/distributors; and exhibit at or visit the Automechanika Johannesburg Show to meet additional buyers and contacts from throughout South Africa and the region. Contact Lesa.Forbes@trade.gov or bbrucato@aasa.mema.org.

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Trade Leads

KUWAIT: A large Kuwaiti company is looking to represent a new brand of tires in Kuwait, and seeks to purchase a full range of tubeless tires, Passenger car radials (PCR), SUV, 4x4 tires, Light truck radials (LTR), Run Flat Tires (RFT). Contact directly Mr. Saeed Shahid, Division Manager, Yusuf & Alghanim & Son – Automotive Division, sshahid@alghanim.com; http://www.chevroletalghanim.com.

LEBANON:  Local contact seeks supplier of U.S. parking management systems - i.e. payment on exit, payment on foot, etc. Contact Jeanine.Sabaji@trade.gov, U.S. Embassy - Beirut.

MEXICO:  Gurosa, distributor of machinery and parts to several industries such as automotive, cement, foundry, and plastics, among others, whose customers include VW, Nissan, GM, FCA, Ford, and other tier companies like Teksid, Magna, Martin Rea Group, TRW, Cuprum, Nacobre, Almexa, and others. Seeking a waterjet cutting machine (width 78-80 inches, length 158 inches) to cut steel mixed with carbide or carbon (thickness 7.87 inches or 200 mm, with head of five axes). Contact Monica.Martinez@trade.gov, U.S. Embassy - Mexico City. 

CHINA: Central States Industrial Co., a solid waste treatment company, seeks U.S. technologies for car dismantling and e-waste treatment. Car dismantling is a new sector in China, but could be an emerging market for U.S. companies. The number of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in China is projected to reach 12-16 million by 2020. The country lacks appropriate regulations as well as enough capacity to dismantle and process ELVs properly. Regulatory updates in September 2016 for ELVs Recycling and Dismantling now allows for the recycling of the main parts of vehicles. Previously, the car engine, gear box, front axle, rear axle and frame, was sent to steel plant to melt down as waste. Contact Jiangyao.Zhang@trade.gov, U.S. Embassy - Beijing. 

MEXICO: The government of Mexico is modifying motorcycle helmet safety standards.  U.S. helmet manufacturers are invited to provide input on modifications to the national standard during the 60-day open window for comments. For a copy of the standard and invitation to comment (in Spanish only), contact Monica.Martinez@trade.gov, U.S. Embassy - Mexico City.

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In the News

In January 2017 members of ITA’s Office of Transportation & Machinery attended the 2017 SAE Government/Industry Meeting, and met with automakers at their individual displays during the Washington, DC Auto Show.  Seen here are members of OTM, along with representatives from Kia and the Association of Global Automakers. Of interest elsewwhere... Olli, the Cognitive Autonomous Vehicle  University of Arizona’s Team Revs up Transportation’s Internet of Things CES 2017 – List of World Debuts. Read about multiple car, concept and automotive technology world premieres at the recent Consumer Electronics Show. MEPs overhaul EU rules on car approvals to prevent further emissions scandals.  In a drive to prevent a recurrence of the emissions scandal, Internal Market Committee MEPs awarded EU car “type approval” rules to make environmental and safety testing more independent and strengthen national and EU oversight of cars already on the road.   . Back to the top.

The automotive industry is essential to the U.S. economy.  It is one of the largest employers, supporting more than 8 million U.S. jobs and is the largest manufactured goods export sectors in the U.S.  The Automotive & Transportation Team of the U.S. Commercial Service is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry, expanding market access, and increasing exports. To learn more about you how you can receive assistance in finding market intelligence, developing your export strategy, connecting with international buyers, or support at trade events, contact your Local Trade Specialist in one of our 100 offices around the U.S.

This newsletter is brought to you by the U.S. Commercial Service Global Automotive & Transportation Team. You are welcome to contact us at any time at autoteam@trade.gov.