August 2014 August | Page 70

auto africa zambia 2014/partinform | by Tristan Wiggill Satisfying Africa’s aftermarket hunger The inaugural Auto Africa Zambia 2014, to be held at the New Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia, on 28 and 29 August in conjunction with Partinform, will go some way to satisfy the immense hunger for knowledge and information on the automotive aftermarket that exists in sub-Saharan Africa. A s aBr found out last time we visited Zambia for a Partinform components tradeshow in 2012, Africa is literally starving for insight and education on the aftermarket parts industry. The enthusiasm and interest shown by the attendees was palpable and we expect the same - and more - in late August. Training and knowledge sharing will be at the very forefront in Zambia, with Bosch and other leading aftermarket and OE brands using the two-day event to enlighten technicians, parts fitters and business owners in equal measure. This is no surprise given that Auto Africa Zambia 2014 is billed as A pioneering automotive aftermarket business-to-business exhibition focusing on products and training. As regular readers will know and testify to, Partinform in its various guises, has now been active for three decades, and comprises 18 local companies, representing the cream of the crop of quality branded product in South Africa. They pool their resources, and hold regular trade shows across southern Africa to get their important message across to the automotive aftermarket, targeting the very important constituency of resellers and fitters. Partinform has evolved into a professional unit, and each year finds innovative ways to not only display product and discuss technical aspects, but to move to education on the issues of the day. The formula is to encourage professional interaction with the Partinform companies, with stands manned by senior managers and technical experts; interspersed with entertainment, prizes, refreshments, quiz shows, and the chance to participate in motor related events. Read more about Partinform on the www.abrbuzz.co.za website or in this very issue on page 64. In terms of products, Auto Africa Zambia 2014 will cover the parts and components industry as well as these sectors: electronics and systems; accessories and tuning; repair and | words in action 68 august 2014 maintenance; IT and management; service statio n and car wash; Safari and off-road vehicles and Government utility vehicles and trailers. Quite a list we are sure you’ll agree, which means there’ll be something for everyone. In addition, there are a number of fringe programmes and conferences taking place. These include a general Industry Conference on 28 and 29 August; a Collision Repair Conference on 29 August and several training and demonstration sessions hosted by the exhibitors. Entry to all of these is free, although interested parties are encouraged to contact the exhibitors beforehand for accommodation and logistical purposes. Entry into Auto Africa Zambia 2014 is free for trade visitors, with gates opening at 09:00 and closing at 18:00. See you there!