Automechanika Frankfurt will spotlight emerging trends shaping the automotive industry by introducing new formats centred on future technologies, networking and the promotion of young talent. Taking place from 8 to 12 September, the world’s leading trade fair for the automotive service industry will address key developments such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-mobility, digitalisation, sustainability and new mobility concepts.
Rapid advances in connected vehicles and software-defined vehicle (SDV) technologies are also transforming the automotive aftermarket. In response, Automechanika Frankfurt will offer expanded networking opportunities for established market players as well as new entrants, while highlighting innovative technologies and services for manufacturers, workshops and retailers.
A key highlight of this year’s edition is a new partnership between the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) and Automechanika Frankfurt. The collaboration aims to strengthen the branded aftermarket and tackle the critical issues shaping the future of the sector.
Commenting on the partnership, Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt, said that vehicle data is becoming increasingly central to aftersales business models, with growth opportunities emerging in areas such as driver assistance systems, vehicle safety and in-car entertainment. He also noted rising customer interest in maintenance and service management. “As an international platform for the automotive service industry, Automechanika brings workshops, industry and retailers together to conduct business and exchange expertise,” he said.
As part of the collaboration, VDIK will host a new dialogue and event series titled ‘Road to Automechanika’, aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges facing the automotive aftersales industry ahead of the trade fair. The series began with a kick-off event in Berlin on 28 January, followed by sessions in Frankfurt on 24 March and Berlin on 24 June.
Another major focus at this year’s trade fair will be software-defined vehicles, which will feature prominently in the Festhalle. According to Olaf Mußhoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt, the newly launched HighTech4Mobility forum will explore critical questions around the progress of SDV technologies, lifecycle management strategies and the current state of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, data management, cybersecurity and in-car entertainment.
Software companies, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and industry experts will come together at the forum to discuss emerging strategies, innovations and new business models that are set to reshape the automotive aftermarket.
The supporting programme also includes two new action-packed event formats taking place on the outdoor exhibition grounds that offer pure emotion. The 200-metre-long Automechanika pitlane beneath the arcades of Hall 4 is set to become the new meeting place for motor sport fans. Here, visitors can look forward to lots of live action with major figures from the world of motor sports, their race cars and the roar of their engines – not to mention exciting challenges and exclusive insights. People looking for an off-road feeling will be making their way to the new ‘Experience Park’ outside Halls 9 and 11, where plans call for XXL vehicles such as monster trucks, a Unimog course and other attractions like a vehicle rollover simulator. Visitors can look forward to test drives with e-vehicles and other alternative drive vehicles at the ‘Future Mobility Park’ in the Agora.
Also the range of classic and collectible cars is being expanded this year, as the trade fair organisers joined with FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), the leading international association for classic cars, and the companies Bosch, DAT, Eucon and ROWE to launch the Classic Alliance. Their objective is to network classic car experts from all sectors and demonstrate the opportunities on offer in this segment for workshops and retailers in particular. Live restorations of an extraordinary vehicle, captivating talks on the Hall 11.1 stage in the Classic Car area, and wide-ranging opportunities for in-person interaction all feature in the programme. There will also be a Happy Hour held every afternoon. One of the highlights: the presentation of the “Golden Classic” (Goldener Klassiker) award by AUTO BILD KLASSIK on the evening of 8 September 2026.
AMBITION – a new event format at Automechanika Frankfurt devoted to Gen Z and Gen Alpha – has already pocketed two awards. With its guiding motto philosophy “What’s up next?”, the event offers everything from career opportunities and technological inspiration to pure entertainment. Interactive stands, workshops and live talks give pupils, trainees and students practical and relevant insights into the wide range of professions in the industry and the issues that will define it in future. Wolfgang Weyand, Director of Automechanika Special Events, explained: “This marks the second time we have implemented this format. And this time it is bigger, with a higher profile and a powerful network of partners that includes the Eintracht Frankfurt football team, Myle, Schrauberblog and the Stiftung Polytechnische Gesellschaft Frankfurt am Main foundation, not to mention all the leading vocational associations. With our move into the Festhalle for the 2026 event we are kicking off a brand-new stage of our development.”
This year Automechanika events are taking place at 14 locations worldwide, including its very first show in Indonesia from 24 to 27 September 2026. Indonesia is currently the largest automotive market in Southeast Asia. With a population of 280 million, a strong production base and its focus on exports, the country represents a very promising market with outstanding growth potential. According to analysts’ projections, the Indonesian aftermarket should double in size over the next ten years, growing from USD 29 billion to USD 64 billion.
