Automechanika Asia Shows Latest In Auto-Parts Technology

Automechanika Asia 2005 (AMA '05) drew record numbers of exhibitors and visitors to the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur during its April 6-9 run.

The show' which was organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. With help from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade)' attracted 121 exhibitors from 16 countries (up from 115 at the last show in 2003) to showcase their latest products and innovations in the categories of auto parts and components' accessories and tuning products' and repair and maintenance equipment. Over 6'000 buyers (compared with 3'500 in 2003) came to see the offerings.

In addition to the exhibit' AMA '05 also functioned as a major automotive forum' with a series of marketing and networking events including Sachs National Mechanics Challenges' Automechanika Academy' and Automechanika Business Forum.

Arthur Spurdle' Messefrankfurt's regional director-Asia Pacific' is optimistic about the future of the biennial event' especially with its strong support from the Malaysian government and numerous trade associations. "Messefrankfurt is very sure we will hold the next event at the same place and at a similar time'" Spurdle said. "We expect the number of exhibitors to grow explosively in 2007."

Ernst-Guenter Noske' general manager of Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte.'s after-sales service division' says that his company sees Asia as an important growth market with infinite opportunities for expansion in the aftermarket sector. Bosch's concept of diagnostic solutions for workshops is designed to meet the challenges posed by the growing amount of electronics in vehicles' Noske comments' including diesel-powered ones. The concept has four major components: testing equipment' technical information' technical training' and technical support.

ZF South East Asia' manufacturer and supplier of Sachs shock absorbers and clutches as well as Lemforder and Boge parts and components' sponsored the Sachs National Mechanics Challenge to promote interaction with local workshops' promote the images of its brands' and collect information from the local market.

Petronas' Malaysia's largest petroleum conglomerate' rented several booths to highlight not only its lubricant products but also its auto' motorcycle' and go-cart engines.



International Cooperation



Azmi bin Abdullah' senior manager/project head of corporate planning and development for Petronas' noted that his group cooperates with Sauber of Switzerland in the development of auto-engine platforms for 1.8-' 2.0-' and 2.2-liter powerplants. The engine uses Siemens' engine-management system (EMS)' and can fit many different transmission gearboxes.

According to Abdullah' the engine will be ready for mass production within two years' with China and India' among other countries' as target markets.

Another engine manufacturer at the show was Taiwan's China Engine Corp.' which displayed its latest 2.2-liter fuel-injection double overhead-cam (DOHC) engine' producible in 2.0-' 2.2- and 2.2-liter turbo versions. The company already makes 20'000 1.2-liter engines in Taiwan every year' and has set up an engine plant in mainland China in a bid to tap the market there.

The company's deputy general manager of business planning and development' Leo Lee' points out that the naturally aspirated 2.2-liter engine produces about 153 horsepower and meets Europe's fourth-stage emissions standards. The company is scheduled to begin mass production of the engine in 2007.

The new engine uses an EMS developed by Delphi of the United States and incorporates turbo technology supplied by a French partner. Lee claims that the naturally aspirated version of the 2.2-liter engine ranks about 25th among the word's 100 top performers in its class' and the turbo version ranks about 10th.

Formosa Saint Jose Corp. showcased a series of three-dimensional car-floor mats at AMA '05. Craig Chiu' the firm's associate manager' says that Formosa Saint Jose has developed a three-layer production technique (using polyester' PE foam' and PVC mesh) for its mats' making them very light' waterproof' and slide-proof.

Basso Industry Corp.' Taiwan's largest maker of nail guns' introduced its latest series of high-end pneumatic tools made of aluminum alloy' composite material (mainly plastic)' and magnesium alloy.

Ruth International Co.' also of Taiwan' put the spotlight on its innovative six-in-one automobile air-conditioning system overhaul machine. The product has six functions--recycling' filling' reclaiming' washing' vacuuming' and coolant monitoring--allowing users to carry out the maintenance and repair of air conditioners in the shortest time' at the lowest cost' and with the most accurate diagnosis. With this product' a technician can inspect the condition of coolant through a transparent window on the top of the machine' and can pinpoint the location of air-conditioning problems by observing coolant color' pressure levels as shown on gauges' and pre- and post-evaporator coolant temperatures as measured by a laser thermometer.



Self-Development Capability



Proreka (M) Sdn Bhd' a car developer' used its booths to show off its concept auto model as well as a wide range of exterior parts and accessories for car modification.

Proreka's CEO' Yong Man Yun' reports that the company is a joint venture between American' Japanese' and Malaysian partners' and says that it has an integrated development and manufacturing capability. The R&D department redesigns both new and old models' and the firm also has a 370-worker plant turning out numerous kinds of parts.

Yong claims that his clients include both automakers and tuning-parts buyers. The company has developed its own brand' "Razo'" for car-modification parts' and it plans to go into cooperation with more international partners' including auto-lamp makers in Taiwan' for development of the Malaysian market first and then the global market.

King Ho Traffic Material Co.' Ltd. Supplier of Taiwan's most comprehensive range of door handles for American cars' was in Kuala Lumpur to promote its more than 4'000 door-handle models and window regulators. In recent years it has been developing items for Japanese cars as well.

In addition to door-handle products' reports the company's president' Tu Jie-hau' King Ho also offers molds and dies to its customers so that they can choose the most cost-efficient location for local production. Tu claims that his company has set up joint ventures with partners in the U.S. and Europe' supplying molds and dies to those ventures.

The company currently produces door handles for all GM cars produced from 1924 through 2004. It also supplies original equipment (OE) items to automakers as well as tier-two parts suppliers throughout the world' and develops about 50 new items every year.

Tu says that King Ho's competitive advantage lies in its small-batch' large-variety production and unmatched capability and speed in the development of molds and dies. (Apr. 2005)