The European Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (EAAS) is the latest offering at Autopromotec 2007, the 22nd biennial manufacturer's exhibition May 23-27 at the Bologna Trade Fair Centre in Bologna, Italy. Promotec is organizing both the show and symposium, which focuses on "How to Serve the Repair Market Tomorrow."

Industry experts will share opinions on the future of automotive repair and maintenance, says Emanuele Vincentini, Autopromotec's manager of promotion and development. "(Opinions will be shared) by the automotive manufacturers and from companies that directly perform automotive service maintenance, independent or not, and from the institutions that are working on laws that are more and more environmentally friendly."

The symposium lineup will include representatives from the European Union Competition Desk, Volkswagen, Fiat, PSA, Bosch, Gipa Holding, Asanetwork and Aica, according to organization officials.

In addition, Autopromotec will devote twice as much space to the aftermarket, about 20,000 sq. meters, which increases the total exhibit space to 130,000 sq. meters this year. Organizers expect 1,300 exhibitors.

Twenty-nine product categories are featured this year, including aftermarket parts, air compressors, diagnostic tools, tire changers and equipment, wheel alignment and balance systems and mechanical, pneumatic and power tools. The event is targeting new manufacturers and those in new, interesting markets to be global exhibitors.

"The number of exhibitors will set a new record as well as the number of countries represented (which are) expected to be over 40. Autopromotec is a showcase more and more of automotive equipment and product innovations more than any other similar trade show," Vincentini notes.

Autopromotec jumped from 800 exhibitors in 1997 to 1,107 in 2005. Buyers came from Europe (79 percent), Asia (11 percent), the United States (6 percent), Africa (3 percent) and Oceania (1 percent).

"For the U.S. exhibitors, Autopromotec presents an entry door not only to the European market, but to the entire Mediterranean area. Admission to Autopromotec is reserved to automotive trade specialists and professionals," Vincentini says.