The latest international trends and innovations in the automotive aftermarket industry will be showcased during the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 trade fair, Sept. 8-12, in Frankfurt, Germany. These include artificial intelligence (AI), e-mobility, digitization, sustainability, and new mobility concepts.
With organizers placing a stronger emphasis on mobility trends, attendees can expect to see more experience-driven and future-focused formats and events throughout the show. Two central themes this year are the Hightech4Mobility Forum, highlighting software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and the AMBITION initiative with an emphasis on attracting new talent to the industry.
Olaf Mußhoff, Director Automechanika Frankfurt (photo courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Pietro Sutera)Established more than 50 years ago and planned by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Automechanika Frankfurt is held every two years and has become widely recognized as a stage for worldwide innovations. Many new products and technologies will be introduced, providing a view of where the industry is heading.
“Automechanika Frankfurt holds global importance because it is the leading international platform for the automotive aftermarket, bringing together the full value chain — from suppliers and distributors to workshops, service providers, and new mobility players — in one place,” said Director of Automechanika Frankfurt Olaf Musshoff.
Automotive professionals from more than 170 countries are expected to attend the trade fair. Musshoff noted that the show attracts decision-makers from around the world, making it unique among aftermarket events.
“For members of the U.S. industry, attending offers a valuable opportunity to gain early insight into global trends, technologies, and markets,” Musshoff shared. “It also provides direct access to international business partners and new market opportunities, while offering fresh perspectives on aftermarket structures and strategies.”
The trade fair at Automechanika 2026
Automechanika Frankfurt is expected to feature a rich and varied program for visitors. With approximately 4,500 exhibitors expected to showcase their products and services, attendees will be able to view the latest innovations in the following product segments: accessories, wheels, and customizing; body and paint; car wash, car and detailing; connectivity and autonomous driving; diagnostics and repair; digital solutions and services; electrics and electronics; oil, lubricants, and fuels; parts and components; and wheel management and tire service.
Eighty percent of Hall 11, which will be dedicated to bodywork, paint, refinishing, and collision repair, was already fully booked one year before the trade fair. Exhibitors include 3M, Axalta Coating Systems, SATA, BASF Coatings, Vosschemie, WOLF Anlagen-Technik, SEHON Lackieranlagen, KAPCI Coatings, Mirka, Anest Iwata, CARTEC Autotechnik Fuchs, Würth, and many more.
This year’s event marks a new partnership between the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) and Automechanika Frankfurt. By joining forces, the goal is to strengthen the branded aftermarket and address the issues that will define the future. The organizations also hope to promote dialogue between automotive manufacturers and suppliers. In the months leading up to Automechanika, a collaborative event series called “Road to Automechanika” will address the most pressing issues in the aftersales industry.
During the trade fair, Musshoff said that major shifts in the automotive aftermarket will be highlighted, particularly the move toward data-driven and SDVs. Key focus areas include vehicle data usage, connected car ecosystems, ADAS, e-mobility, and digitalization, alongside new business models for OEMs and service providers. The collaboration will also emphasize strategic topics such as aftermarket transformation, fleet services, and repair and service innovations, reflecting the broader mobility transition.
“Vehicle data is playing a growing role in business models for the aftersales sector,” said Michael Johannes, vice president of Mobility & Logistics. He noted that vehicle assistance systems, car safety, and car entertainment are areas of growth. There is also a growing interest in maintenance and service management.
A look inside Automechanika’s key areas of focus
HighTech4 Mobility Forum
With the industry shifting toward SDVs, massive changes are expected to take place across the automotive industry and among collision repairers. In response, Automechanika Frankfurt established the HighTech4 Mobility Forum. In addition to sharing information about SDVs, other areas of focus include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, in-car entertainment, new digital services, cybersecurity, and energy management.
Show organizers have joined forces with HEY/PIONEER to invite decision-makers in the fields of technology and mobility to the trade fair. The goal is to offer technology companies a platform to exchange ideas with the aftermarket industry.
“The software-defined vehicle topic offers significant potential for creating new value in the automotive aftermarket,” noted Musshoff. “It is so important because it addresses key issues relating to the industry’s transformation process.”
AMBITION
Adjacent to the Hightech4Mobility area and located in one of the most prominent locations on the exhibition grounds will be AMBITION — the meeting place for Gen Z and Gen Alpha visitors. Launched at the Frankfurt trade fair in 2024 and the recipient of two awards, the initiative is being expanded to become a central platform for connecting companies with the next generation of employees.
“With AMBITION, we want to tackle the industry’s growing skills shortage and to attract young talent into automotive careers,” explained Musshoff.
AMBITION will offer a broad mix of training and educational formats. These include interactive booths where companies and associations will present the diverse career opportunities and apprenticeships available, as well as practical demonstrations, live talks, and masterclasses. In addition, the program will feature interactive challenges, games, music, meet-and-greets with influencers, and e-sports to create an engaging and hands-on learning environment.
“The response to AMBITION has been overwhelmingly positive, from strong acceptance and multiple award nominations to winning Gold at the BOB Awards of the German Marketing Association,” said Wolfgang Weyand, director of Automechanika Special Events. “It shows that we have created a format that truly resonates with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.”
Innovation4Mobility
Topics associated with mobility will be highlighted at the Innovation4Mobility stage. These include alternative fuels, vehicle-integrated photovoltaics, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving.
Automechanika Pit Lane
The 200-metre-long outdoor Automechanika pitlane will focus on motorsports and feature major figures and their race cars, as well as live demonstrations.
Experience Park
As part of the show’s expanded outdoor offerings, an Experience Park will have XXL vehicles on display, such as monster trucks, a Unimog course, and a vehicle rollover simulator.
Automechanika Future Mobility Park (photo courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Petra Welzel
Future Mobility Park
Attendees will have the opportunity to take test drives in e-vehicles and other alternative-drive vehicles at the Future Mobility Park.
Future Mobility Workshop
Current and future technologies such as AI, robotics, extended reality (XR), automation, and digitalization will be available to experience interactively.
Classic Car Network
The range of classic and collectible cars is being expanded this year as Automechanika’s organizers join forces with FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) as a strategic partner — the leading international association for classic cars. Together with its partners, Bosch, DAT, Eucon and ROWE, Automechanika Frankfurt has launched the Classic Alliance, providing the opportunity for classic car experts to network and discuss new business models.
Training & Development
A wide range of complimentary educational opportunities will take place throughout the week on several stages. The Automechanika Academy will include lectures, panel discussions, and tech talks on current topics and developments. Collision Talk, organized by BodyShop News magazine, will include renowned experts sharing insights on current topics and issues that are facing the body and paint industry.
Additional experiences at Automechanika Frankfurt
Throughout the event, industry associations will provide daily hands-on interactive activities, offering practical insights into the automotive trades. These include sheet-metal shapings, mechatronics, and engine installation, and modern painting techniques. There will also be tire-changing competitions and brake-disc holding. Other events Musshoff mentioned include the Innovation Awards, the CEO Breakfast, the German Polishing Championship, and the EMMA Car Sound Final.
In addition, there will be numerous networking opportunities, including a welcome reception on the first evening of the trade fair and the daily happy hour.
Muffhoff advises visitors to allow for plenty of time to explore Automechanika Frankfurt. “Plan the visit carefully, as there is so much to discover and experience,” he said.
Stacey Phillips Ronak