On Thursday, June 7th, H.E. Francis J Ricciardone lead the opening ceremonies of Automech Akhbar El Yom 2007, the Twelfth Pan-Arab/African Exhibition for Vehicles, Buses, Motorcar Workshops, Automobile Spare Parts, Accessories and Feeding Industries. The U.S. Ambassador was received by Ahmed Ghozzi, Chairman & C.E.O. of ACG-ITF, the organizers of the show and Mr. M. Ahdy Fadly, Chairman of Akhbar El Yom Establishment, the leading Middle Eastern newspaper and media partners of Automech exhibition.

 
The U.S. Ambassador’s  visit was mainly in support of the leading American automotive manufacturers: FORD & General Motors. FORD has recently re-launched its activities in the Egyptian market through appointing a new local agent with an ambitious plan to capture 5% of the local market by the end of 2008. Mr. Ricciardone cut the red ribbon of FORD’s stand at the show in the presence of FORD Mr. Ramy Fikry, Managing Director of FORD Egypt. The U.S. Ambassador attended FORD press conference and delivered a speech in which he praised the American automotive giant that decided to penetrate a growing Egyptian market with its promising opportunities. He was then taken into a round tour to see the new magnificent car models presented by FORD that decided to bang the market with 10 new models at the same time.

After that, U.S. Ambassador moved to Hall 6 where he bid a visit to General Motors’ stand. He spent few minutes in a friendly discussion with Don Butler, C.E.O. of GM. Butler gave a background on the new line of cars and trucks presented by GM. General Motors was one of the pioneer automotive companies that penetrated the Egyptian market in the early 80’s  and is currently managing successful manufacturing plants with massive investments in the local market.

At the end of his tour, Mr. Ricciardone expressed his sincere best wishes to Automech and bid farewell to Ahmed Ghozzi and Akhbar El Yom officials. It is known that Automech show has witnessed great interest by American companies recently. While, Exxon Mobil is the Main Sponsor, CIITIBANK is the Official Bank and PEPSI is the Official Drink. Such  enthusiasm was due to the fact that American companies have monitored the importance of the show to their promotional activities in the local market. AUTOMECH is held over about  40,000 sqm space gathering the leading global automotive manufactures and attended by more than 400,000 visitors (mostly Middle Class young people). Ministers, top VIP’s, public figures and leading governmental officials are regular visitors to Automech all over its 12 series. The show also enjoys massive promotional  and advertising campaigns at Middle Eastern media with particular focus through Akhbar El Yom Newspaper, the show media partners.