Some 4500 exhibitors from over 80 countries are set to draw more than 100,000 visitors from across the world to Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 this September.
The show is set to focus on the future shape of the vehicle as technology continues to influence design and function, and will include a new partnership with car manufacturer aftermarket divisions, too, bringing vehicle manufacturers (VMs) back to the show after a 16-year absence.
Taking place from 8-12 September at the Frankfurt Am Main showground, the event will provide a huge window into the automotive aftermarket.
VM participation in Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 is taking place through a new partnership with the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK).
As Automechanika director Frankfurt Olaf Mußhoff noted, the VMs have been absent from the event for almost two decades: “There was not a single VM represented at the show over the last 16 years,” he said, “despite them being such an important part of the entire aftermarket. For this reason we are now in cooperation with VMs, to make clear that the aftermarket is an extremely important business area for the VMs.”
Strategies, innovations and new business
Looking at the changing shape of the car, the new HighTech4Mobility forum will enable visitors to understand more about how the software defined vehicle could change the market.
Mußhoff said: “The new HighTech4Mobility forum will be spotlighting questions like how far has the development of software defined vehicle technologies progressed? What strategies have been conceived for effective lifecycle management, and what is the state of play regarding ADAS, autonomous driving, data management, cybersecurity and in-car entertainment? Software firms, OEMs, Tier One suppliers and industry experts have all been invited to discuss the strategies, innovations and new business models that matter for the aftermarket.”
Looking in the opposite direction, the inclusion of vintage vehicles is also being increased via the launch of the Classic Alliance, which brings together international classic cars association FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) with Bosch, DAT, Eucon and ROWE. The aim is to highlight the opportunities for workshops.
In terms of entertainment, at Hall 4 visitors will find the Automechanika pitlane, a 200 metre long space for motor racing fans featuring star guests, their cars and more. Meanwhile, the Experience Park outside Halls 9 and 11 will feature monster trucks, a Unimog course, vehicle rollover simulator and more. Those looking ahead will be able to try alternative drive vehicles at the Future Mobility Park in the Agora.
Brand new stage
Alongside the mix of new product launches, kit displays, vehicles, training and information, the show has upped the profile of its Ambition section, which is aimed at helping the sector to attract more young people into the sector.
Now in Hall 2, Ambition is designed to reach beyond the traditional Automechanika audience, and is intended to bring in members of Generations Z and A, so they might consider careers in automotive.
Including appearances from popular influencers, there will also be a wide range of presentations, along with music, e-sports and more. Commenting on the new offering, Wolfgang Weyand, director of Automechanika special events, said: “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, 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.”
Staying on the training side, the show will offer lectures & discussions across five stages, including HighTech4Mobility in Hall 2, Innovation4Mobility in Hall 3.0 and Diagnostics & Repair in Hall 8.0. Meanwhile, Car Wash, Care & Detailing, Oils, Lubricants & Fuels will be in Hall 12.0, with Body & Paint in Hall 11.1.
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