MORE THAN FORTY INTERESTING STANDS WERE PRESENTED AT THE PHAETON EXPO EXHIBITION, HELD 19 – 20 JUNE IN ALMATY. ON THE TERRITORY OF THE NEW OFFICE OF THE COMPANY “PHAETON DC”, WHICH IS AT THE SAME TIME THE LARGEST LOGISTICS CENTER OF THE KAZAKHSTAN AUTO MARKET, WELL-KNOWN BRANDS SUCH AS BOSCH, BILSTEIN GROUP, GATES, KYB, OSRAM AND MANY OTHERS.
Over the course of two days, the exhibition introduced visitors to the widest range of spare parts for cars and trucks, lubricants, special fluids, auto chemicals and diagnostic equipment. Needless to say, most of the exhibition examples demonstrated the innovations and advanced technologies used in modern automobile production.
The head of the Phaeton DC company, Marat Shotbaev, when welcoming the participants and guests of the exhibition, did not hide his joy: “The event for which we have been preparing for more than six months is beginning! I would like to say my warmest words to all participants of the exhibition, to all those who came from far away: from Europe, Japan, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Thank you for being with us! I would also like to thank the team that prepared the exhibition. Having encountered a storm and gusty wind on their way, these guys did not give up, but stubbornly walked towards the goal. We were given confidence and strength by the support of sponsors - Elring Klinger, Continental, Bilstein group, Corteco, CTR, ZF, Denso, KYB, Lesjofors and VDO. Kazakhstan is a very attractive country for investors and suppliers from all over the world, as the country's economy has progressed over the past 10 years. This allowed our vehicle fleet to grow, which means it expanded our capabilities and prospects. Since 2004, when the company began its journey, we have acquired more than 70 suppliers, and today exhibition guests have a unique chance to talk with them directly. I think suppliers will also find it useful to listen to the consumers of their products.”
The traditional red ribbon was cut by Jens Greissler, regional representative of Elring Klinger, and Marat Shotbaev, who officially announced the opening of the exhibition there.
The Avtomaster magazine at Phaeton Expo not only presented its own stand, which, we note, enjoyed constant attention, our correspondent was also able to talk with the guests and participants of the exhibition.
Here's what Bilstein Group representative Maxim Grishakov said when answering our questions:
– The initiative of the Phaeton DC company to hold a representative business forum, and then a “home” exhibition, is very timely and interesting. Marat Shotbaev is ahead in the auto parts business, moving in the right direction, trying to attract like-minded people, so the Bilstein Group could not help but support him.
At the exhibition we present a wide range of products from three brands at one of the largest stands. Based on the active participation of visitors, I can assume that the return on investment in this project will be high.
We are known on the Kazakh market, but for individual brands: Febi, SWAG and Blue Print. We wanted to convey to customers the information that we work not only in the Asian car market, but also with American and European brands.
– What surprised, pleased, or perhaps upset you during the insertion?
– There were unexpected impressions from exhibition visitors who, while giving some advice and recommendations, named specific article numbers of our products. This showed that people weren't just coming to stare, they knew what they were talking about! I was pleasantly surprised by the openness of the exhibition guests, their desire to communicate and learn new things.
The Lesjofors company showed a full range of screw, gas and sports springs, as well as leaf springs at the exhibition. Company representative Nikolai Kurov noted: “All Lesjofors springs are manufactured in Sweden at our own factory in accordance with the highest quality standards. We have been working on the Kazakh market for four years and are glad to have the opportunity to present our products and introduce information materials.”
With a request to share his impressions of the exhibition, the magazine correspondent turned to the representative of the Bilstein company, Roman Romanyk, who said in particular:
– I like the exhibition. Good concentration of both suppliers and visitors. Here we can see professionals on both sides, and therefore it turns out to be a good dialogue. Customers know the Bilstein brand, which has focused on developing suspension with impeccable quality and high performance for 60 years. We are pleased that Kazakh craftsmen have been working with Bilstein for more than ten years and are ready to cooperate with us in the future. For our part, we offer a wide range: from installation complexes to pneumatic modules, with an excellent price-quality ratio. In this context, it is very important that Phaeton DC knows how to work with premium brands, with technologically sophisticated parts, components and equipment. The specialists of this company know what technical sales support is.
Among other exhibits, we brought air suspension elements for Mercedes to the exhibition. In addition, our technician will be conducting a workshop on Bilstein products for mechanics.
– How interesting are you to the “Phaeton service” service concept that the company presented at the forum?
– It is very interesting, as it guarantees a competent approach to the installation of parts from our company.
A representative from Monroe also shared his impressions and talked about the products they were demonstrating:
– The Phaeton DC company is a pioneer in holding exhibitions of this format in the automotive market. The experience is very successful, we see how many visitors and suppliers participate, what a rich and interesting program it is.
We are pleased to hear words of gratitude addressed to our brand. We brought suspension parts, protective kits, rods, struts, ball and air bearings, as well as shock absorbers from Monroe - one of the world leaders in the production of original spare parts for cars of Asian, European and American brands. The company provides innovative solutions for both automakers and the aftermarket, making Monroe one of the leaders in the production of suspension systems. The company's products are in demand by Volvo and Mercedes conveyors.
Representative of the Italian company TEXA Elena Katerinskaya answered our correspondent’s question about what most interested the guests of her stand:
– Since the season is summer, most visitors show interest in air conditioning systems. In general, the company also produces diagnostic equipment for cars and trucks, motorcycles, agricultural and marine equipment, gas analyzers and smoke meters, as well as air conditioning units. TEXA has a distribution network throughout the world, with branches in Spain, France, England, Germany, Poland, Russia, the USA and Japan.
Innovation, research and development are the “three pillars” of the TEXA philosophy. With their help, the company made a breakthrough in auto diagnostics by introducing remote diagnostics using a video channel. In 2007, the company entered into an agreement with the Google search engine, which today allows the car to directly exchange data with remote computers through electronic sensors integrated into the engine and other systems.
– Were you asked questions about specific products?
– There were many questions about R1234YF gas, accepted for use under the Kyoto Agreement. After all, since 2011, all new cars must use an air conditioning system with this new type of refrigerant, which is recognized as more environmentally friendly.
The new gas is more complex and requires special equipment to work with it. Only TEXA showed such a station at the exhibition - Konfort 780 BI-GAS. This is serious high-tech equipment, with a serious control and security system, an automatic cleaning and diagnostic system. The station can operate simultaneously with two types of gases: R134a and R1234yf.
People were also interested in new equipment that allows reprogramming diagnostic sensors, which all European automakers are required to install on cars from September 1, 2014.
The company also produces equipment that records temporary errors in the operation of automotive systems - a kind of “black box”. The exhibition guests also showed interest in him.
– How interested is TEXA in the “Phaeton service” service concept?
– We are interested in it as an opportunity for reliable and long-term investment. It’s no secret that Kazakhstan is experiencing a significant shortage of civilized and well-equipped car service centers. Modern cars are becoming more and more complex, they contain more and more electronics, the car enthusiast himself is no longer able to fully service and repair them, and I think that TEXA diagnostic equipment will be very appropriate at Phaeton service stations.
During the two days that the exhibition was running, those interested could visit the office of the Phaeton DC company: its doors were hospitably open to everyone.
Many of the auto repairmen were able to attend master classes conducted by technical trainers from various companies, or take part in professional competitions at stands and show their skills.
The event was given a festive atmosphere by acrobats and charming girls who demonstrated an extraordinary approach to washing a luxurious red Ferrari. The Beer Festival and the lottery with valuable prizes were also successful.
The children who came to the exhibition with their fathers and mothers, squealing and squealing, appreciated the children's playground at their complete disposal.
Summing up, we think it would not be an exaggeration to say that everyone who took part in the exhibition in one way or another acquired something new and useful for themselves. The event, significant and large-scale, bright and memorable, businesslike and comfortable, took place. We will be waiting for him next year too...
You can view the photographic material here
Text: Andrey Safonov
Photo material "AUTOMASTER"
More detailed information can be found at http://expo.phaeton.kz/