Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to express my great pleasure and pride in being present at the opening of the "Istanbul 2012 Motor Show", which is organized by ODD (Automotive Distributors' Association) with the support of OSD, the Turkish association of the auto industry, and which has earned an international identity since 2006 and took place in the OICA List of Global Motor Shows.

In recent years, Turkey has raised its ranking among the automotive manufacturing countries in the world, and as of 2011, it has achieved the first ranking in the whole of Europe (EU) in the production of light commercial vehicles. The size of Turkey's young population able to drive cars represents a much higher share than the European average and this has earned Turkey significance in terms of its potential in the automotive industry.

As one of the most important sectors in the world with its global production volume of over 80 million units as of 2011, global production in the automotive industry is predicted to continue to expand by 3 percent as from 2012. Turkey is important in terms of its geographical position and its strength in trade and global competition, making it a major player in the global automotive industry.

Some significant changes are expected in the global automotive industry in the upcoming 10 years and this will mean that the entire industry will be reorganized. As the European and other automotive markets are becoming more saturated, the markets of the emerging countries are rapidly developing, thus changing the nature of the automotive value chain. In recent years, the centers of global production have shifted to new hubs, from the north to the south and from the west to the east. Such changing global conditions have been made possible through the work of a productive labor force, such as cost advantage and high quality, which are now much more important than ever before.

Today issues such as "Sustaining Competitiveness in Global Markets", "Reducing Air Pollution and Noise Emission Rates" have become even higher priorities in the OICA family than in the past and I am definitely sure that the Turkish automotive industry is also aware of that.

From another perspective, consumer preferences and expectations have changed the terms of competition, causing an expansion in the range of products in the automobile market in order to meet ever increasing consumer demands. I hope that this fair, where many new products will be exhibited, will prove to be productive for exhibitors and enjoyable for visitors.

In closing, I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved for their efforts in preparing this event and I thank the OSD and ODD once again for their kind invitation and hospitality and wish you all a good success.

OICA President