MEDC and U.S. Dept. of Commerce invite Michigan automotive companies to take part in Chinese auto trade fair

Michigan automotive companies are invited to join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service at the Michigan pavilion exhibit during the 2014 Automechanika Shanghai automotive trade fair...

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan automotive companies are invited to join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service at the Michigan pavilion exhibit during the 2014 Automechanika Shanghai automotive trade fair, taking place Dec. 9-12.

“As the world’s largest automotive market, China offers tremendous export opportunities for Michigan companies to expand and create new jobs,” said Nigel Francis, MEDC automotive office senior vice president and state of Michigan auto adviser. “Michigan’s strategic priorities for success in our automotive industry are directly connected to global outreach, and China is our highest priority and greatest opportunity.”

Automechanika Shanghai is the world’s second largest international trade fair for automotive parts, accessories, equipment and services. It is recognized throughout the industry as the premier platform for tapping into the Chinese and overseas markets, covering a diverse range of products and services from both OE and aftermarket industry sectors. 

The Michigan pavilion will provide participants with large individual units within the booth, booth design and construction, promotional activity and media exposure before and during the trade fair, and turnkey business service support including travel logistics, hotel arrangements, transportation, interpreters and meals.

“Nationally, 58 percent of all U.S. exporters sell to only one market. Exporting can be challenging, but the key to success is having a long-term commitment while actively pursuing an export strategy,” said Kendra Kuo, director of the U.S. Commercial Service office in Grand Rapids. “U.S. exporters that want to expand their sales to additional markets like China should look to trade shows as part of their strategy for taking their business to the next level.” 

Eligible Michigan companies who participate in a trade fair can apply to receive 50 percent reimbursement of their expenses through the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program offered by MEDC. The STEP grant program provides direct reimbursements to qualified companies with 500 or fewer employees globally for export-related activities, ranging from foreign market research to international trade missions. 

“This event will give Michigan companies exposure to the Chinese market that they may not have otherwise, helping them identify, understand and secure new export opportunities,” said MEDC International Trade Development Manager Weiwei Lu.

Space in the Michigan pavilion is limited to 15 Michigan companies, and the deadline to register is Aug. 25. For more details and registration information, contact Weiwei Lu at luw@michigan.org or by phone at (616) 540-4964. For more information on Automechanika Shanghai, visit www.automechanika-shanghai.com. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.