By Mike Manges
A record number of exhibitors (1,420) are participating in this year's edition of Autopromotec, Italy's leading automotive and tire trade show. The event, which kicked off on May 20, is taking place in Bologna, Italy.
This year's Autopromotec also features three new halls, according to Managing Director Renzo Servadei.
"In a period of crisis, the exhibition has better figures than (it generated) during boom periods," says Servadei, who addressed the challenges facing the automotive industry during a special press conference earlier in the week.
"Downturns present great challenges, but they also act as a screen. Those companies who do not have the capabilities will not survive the downturn. Those who are able to survive the crisis will have the pole position in the future."
The international automotive aftermarket "is getting continually specialized. Our sector is anti-cyclic, meaning if fewer cars are sold, we have to repair the old ones."
