Auto Repair and Auto Parts Companies Going Global: Before You Rush Overseas, Where Exactly Are the Customers?

On the evening of the 17th, a networking dinner hosted by the Guangzhou Motor Vehicle Maintenance Industry Association was held.
Industry companies gathered to talk about the market and business operations, and also about a topic that has drawn increasing attention over the past two years—going global.
For auto repair and auto parts companies, going global is not a new topic that has suddenly emerged.
As competition in the domestic market becomes increasingly intense, many companies are looking for new customers and new markets. Rather than simply waiting for orders, actively going abroad and exploring overseas markets is becoming an option that more companies are considering.
At the dinner, practical questions such as “Where should we go, how should we get there, and who should we meet once we arrive ” also became part of the discussion.



01  First Step in Going Global: Choose the Right Market




For auto repair companies going global, not every market with demand is necessarily the right fit.
Different products serve different types of customers.
Auto parts companies may focus more on importers, distributors, and wholesalers; automotive accessories companies need to identify local sales channels; while automotive service equipment and repair tool suppliers place greater emphasis on repair shops, service providers, and professional buyers.
So, for a company entering an overseas market for the first time, the first things to understand are:
Is there local demand  Can the company’s products sell there  And where are the local customers 

This is one reason Southeast Asian markets have attracted the attention of many Chinese automotive aftermarket companies.
Among them, Indonesia is a market that Chinese auto parts companies have mentioned frequently in recent years.
The automotive aftermarket covers a wide range of products, from auto parts and automotive accessories to modification products, automotive electronics, detailing and maintenance products, and repair tools—all of which are attracting interest from companies.

02  Going to Indonesia Is Actually Less Complicated Than You Think




When the conversation turns to going global, the first question many business owners think of is:
“What should I do if I am going to Indonesia for the first time ”
If the purpose is to attend an exhibition or take part in business exchanges, the main task beforehand is to prepare a few key things:
Passport, visa, flights, hotel, and materials related to the exhibition and business activities.
Chinese travelers can currently complete the relevant entry procedures in accordance with the visa policies applicable in Indonesia at the time. The specific visa type, application method, and fees should be confirmed through official Indonesian channels before departure.
What companies really need to consider in advance is another question:
Once you get there, where are the customers 



03  Going Overseas Is About More Than “Taking a Look”



This is especially important for companies entering an overseas market for the first time.
Without local resources, companies that go abroad to find customers on their own often need to spend considerable time understanding the market, identifying channels, and arranging customer meetings.
Professional exhibitions, by contrast, provide a relatively direct channel for making contact.
Companies can bring their products to the show and talk face to face with local distributors, importers, wholesalers, auto repair channels, and other buyers.
What products do customers need  What prices will they accept  What competing products are already in the market  Much of this information is difficult to truly understand while sitting at home.
Sometimes, it is only after going abroad in person that a company can find out whether its products really have a market overseas.

04  December: Go Take a Look at Indonesia




For Chinese automotive aftermarket companies entering the Indonesian market, 2026 China Indonesia Automotive  Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Fair will be held on:
December 12th–14th, 2026
at Indonesia Convention Exhibition ­ ICE BSD City.
For auto repair and auto parts companies preparing to develop the Indonesian market, this is not only an opportunity to showcase products, but also a chance to understand the local market and connect with overseas customers.
Companies that have not previously explored overseas markets can especially consider going there first to take a look.
See what customers are buying, see what peers are doing, and see whether your own products can find new sales channels.

05  Henan Companies Can Also Do the “Policy Math”




In addition to customers and markets, the cost of exhibiting is another issue that companies care about.
When considering overseas exhibitions, companies in Henan can pay attention to recommendations for international exhibitions and foreign­trade market expansion policies released by the provincial commerce authorities.
According to the policy information currently presented publicly, up to 90% of the net booth fee for Category I exhibitions may be subsidized, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 40,000 per booth.
Of course, “up to 90%” does not mean every company will automatically receive that amount. Whether an application can be made and how much support is available will depend on the company’s eligibility, the exhibition category, and the final review results.
Therefore, before deciding to go global, Henan companies can first understand the relevant policies clearly and then calculate their actual costs.
The same applies to companies in Guangdong, which can follow local commerce authorities’ support policies for overseas exhibitions.
Once the three accounts—market, customers, and cost—are clear, companies can make a more grounded decision about where to go and how to proceed.

06  From the Dinner Table to Going Global



At the Guangzhou auto repair industry dinner on the evening of the 17th, people were still talking about the familiar business of auto repair.
But the market is changing, and so are the things companies care about.
In the past, people more often discussed:
How is the domestic market this year  Where are the customers 
Now, more people are beginning to ask:
Are there opportunities overseas  How do we go to Indonesia  How do we find local customers 
This may also reflect a change that is taking place in the auto repair industry.
Going global does not necessarily mean taking a huge leap all at once.
Start with one market, attend one exhibition, meet a few customers, understand real demand, and then decide on the next step.
For many auto repair companies making their first attempt at overseas markets, going global does not have to begin with a “big move.” One exhibition, one exchange, or one face­to­face look at the market can all become a new starting point.
2026 China Indonesia Automotive Motorcycle Parts and Accessories Fair
December 12–14, 2026, Indonesia Convention Exhibition ­ ICE BSD City
We look forward to seeing more Chinese auto repair and auto parts companies in Indonesia.