Automechanika celebrates record entries for Awards

The highly anticipated Automechanika Dubai Awards, now in its third edition, returns to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements in the Middle East and Africa’s automotive aftermarket and service sector. 

Held during the second day of the renowned Automechanika Dubai, the largest international trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket industry in the Middle East and Africa, the awards event will take place from October 2 to 4 at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This year, the awards have shattered records with an impressive 399 entries competing across ten distinct categories.

A panel of regional and international industry experts has reviewed the submissions, narrowing down the field to 30 exceptional finalists. This year’s edition introduces several new award categories, with one special recognition award set to be unveiled during the award ceremony on the morning of October 3.

The spotlight service providers, industry leaders, digital innovations, and products that are driving positive change in the industry.

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director at Automechanika Dubai organizers Messe Frankfurt Middle East, expressed, “Our awards this year reflect the evolving nature of the industry. For the first time, we are presenting awards for the Digitalization Project of the Year and the Digital Product of the Year. Our new Start-up of the Year category showcases the remarkable innovations we’ve witnessed in recent times, and interest in our groundbreaking ‘Women in Automotive’ category continues to grow.”

Finalists for the Women in Automotive Aftermarket category include Mary Munyao of YNA Kenya, Nisreen Akhter of Star Composed Chemicals MFG LLC, and Shubhra Srivastava of GaragePlug Inc.

In the highly competitive Digitalization Project of the Year category, the judges have selected three finalists: GaragePlug Inc., Autobia, and Arabian Automobiles Company. The Start-Up of the Year award features Autobia, AutoSmart Technology, and Ennoventure as contenders.

For the Digital Product of the Year accolade, the final three companies include AutoSmart Audit by Autosmart Technology, Encrypto by Ennoventure, and Frondesk Digital Platform by Frondesk Technology and Solutions.

The Product of the Year category will see an international lineup of finalists from Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the UAE, and Australia competing. The contenders are Brembo Beyond Geenance Kit, Encrypto by Ennoventure, GS27’s eco-certified care line ‘PURE,’ the GuniWheel by Martech Corporation, SSL HD lighting by Hella, and UniClutch by Clutch Industries.

In other categories, Al Shirawi Enterprises LLC, Munich Motor Works, Arabian Automobiles Company – Aweer, Royal Swiss Auto, Eurodiesel Services, and Orient Motors LLC have been shortlisted for Bodyshop of the Year, Workshop of the Year – Passenger Cars, and Service Provider of the Year – Commercial Vehicles.

The Customisation Specialist of the Year category, one of the most anticipated, features Performansion and D Luxe Car Care as the shortlisted contenders.

The Automechanika Dubai Awards 2023 are proudly sponsored by Bridgestone Middle East and Africa.

Jacques Fourie, Vice President and Managing Director, expressed, “Bridgestone is deeply honored to partner with the Automechanika Dubai Awards 2023. In collaboration with the esteemed Automechanika Dubai platform, our goal is to foster diverse opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive.”

He continued, “These awards serve as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of all participants. We recognize that success in this industry is not attained in isolation; it arises from collaboration, the pursuit of excellence, and the unwavering quest for improvement. As Bridgestone, we eagerly anticipate continuing our journey of innovation and excellence, hand in hand with the dynamic automotive community.”

Highlighting a recent report from market research analysts, Technavio suggests that the region’s automotive market is set to accelerate at a CAGR of 6.74% between 2021 and 2026. Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen remarked, “There is much to celebrate in our industry as the sector continues to go from strength to strength.”