Organizers expecting SIA 2012 Motor Show to attract over 470 participants

Kyiv, March 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Premier Expo, the organizer of Kyiv-based SIA 2012 Motor Show, is expecting the exhibition to attract more than 470 participants this year, Premier Expo Deputy Director General Oleksandr Heraschenko said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

"About 21,000 square meters at the International Exhibition Centre have been reserved. Last year, 470 companies from 20 countries attended the show, and I think this year the figure will be higher," he said.

According to Heraschenko, as of March 15 this year 310 automobile and auto service companies had announced intention to take part in the exhibition. Among them are Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Renault, BYD, Camah, Changan Auto, Chery, Chevrolet Niva, Geely, MG, Great Wall, Lifan, SsangYong, VAZ, ZAZ, GAZ, Bogdan.

Premier Expo Director General Anatoliy Sushon said that the show organizers hope the centre area will be expanded in the future, which will allow them to expand exposure.

"We hope that many importers will respond to our proposals in the future, and this year the motor show will present a number of brands that are not available in Ukraine," he said.

At the same time, he noted that earlier the company and the All-Ukrainian Association of Car Importers and Dealers (VAAID) agreed to conduct joint activities.

However, according to Sushon, in early 2012 it became known that VAAID intends to organize an alternative auto show.

"We contacted the VAAID head, but failed to clarify the issue. In our opinion, there won't be a show as they won't manage to prepare for the exhibition by the time announced," he said.

He expressed confidence that starting from 2013, when Premier Expo will work more effectively, there will be no alternative motor shows.

Kyiv International SIA 2012 Motor Show will take place on May 23-27. Entrance tickets for visitors will cost UAH 35.