From September 8 to 12, 2026, Automechanika Frankfurt will once again become the global meeting place for the automotive industry. Over 4,400 exhibitors from more than 80 countries will present innovations for the entire automotive aftermarket and demonstrate how AI, electromobility, digitalization, and autonomous driving are transforming the sector. New formats and offerings will foster exchange beyond the trade fair and ensure the global networking that is becoming increasingly important due to the ongoing transformation.
Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, explains: “The success story of Automechanika Frankfurt continues: despite challenging economic conditions, we are seeing an increase in exhibitors of around 5 percent. We expect approximately 4,400 to 4,500 exhibitors from over 80 countries at the fully booked exhibition grounds, which cover around 300,000 square meters, in September. In times of ongoing geopolitical crises, Automechanika, as a trade fair brand, is proving to strengthen our resilience and market presence.”
The global automotive aftermarket remains on a growth trajectory despite a challenging economic environment. According to current forecasts from Frost & Sullivan, the industry is expected to grow by 5.8 percent worldwide in 2026. Key drivers include the increasing lifespan of vehicles, the growing importance of the independent aftermarket, and new opportunities arising from electromobility, digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainties and volatile supply chains are generating new challenges. Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, which brings together leading players from industry, workshops, and retailers worldwide, showcases the current solutions and business models of the automotive aftermarket.
Michael Johannes, Vice President Mobility & Logistics, explains: “Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 focuses on current future topics, with a particular emphasis on innovation, transformation, sustainability, and training & recruitment. We are also expanding the event with new networking formats and new participation and presentation opportunities for companies to foster connections between the various players and enable new partnerships.”
The new ‘HighTech4Mobility’ forum addresses developments in software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, and digital services. Under the title “How AI Can Unlock Value in the Aftermarket,” Google Cloud and the Boston Consulting Group will discuss on September 10 how artificial intelligence can unlock new value generation potential in the aftermarket. Also on September 10, Tobias Liebelt, CEO of Benteler Mobility, will provide exciting insights into the latest developments in robotics and autonomous driving.
How is AI changing claims settlement? What impact are market consolidation, skills shortages, and rising investment costs having on the accident repair business? The “Claims Talk: Road to the Future – Who Will Prevail in the Claims Business?” on September 11 at 2:30 p.m. in Hall 11.1 will provide answers to these questions. As part of the Automechanika Academy, representatives from insurance companies, claims managers, paint manufacturers, associations, and technology providers will discuss the future of automotive claims management, sustainable repair concepts, and the opportunities and challenges of automation and robotics for body shops and paint shops.
“Training and professional development is and will remain crucial for the entire industry. That’s why, in addition to a series of free, certified practical workshops, we are organizing a diverse and comprehensive stage program across five exhibition halls, covering current trends and developments. New this year is that we will also make the entire program freely accessible online after the trade fair,” explains Olaf Mußhoff, Director of Automechanika Frankfurt. The workshops cover a wide range of topics, from damage diagnosis and cost estimation, surveying, and specialized repair techniques, to surface preparation and painting, ADAS diagnostics, and alternative drive systems.
Another highlight is the Automechanika Innovation Awards, which will be presented in ten categories at a formal awards ceremony on September 8. A record 185 applications were submitted, demonstrating the diversity and innovative strength of the industry. The winning products will be showcased in a special exhibition during the trade fair.
The brand-specific aftermarket has a stronger presence at this year’s trade fair. In Hall 8, BMW will present aftersales solutions along the entire damage and service chain, including remanufacturing. In the Galeria, the manufacturer will showcase selected exhibits from BMW Motorsport and the BMW Art Car Collection. Stellantis, a multi-brand mobility provider, will introduce itself to workshop visitors and present a product range spanning the entire vehicle lifecycle. A new feature this year is a collaboration between Automechanika and the VDIK (Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers). For the first time, on September 8th in the main hall, the ‘Automotive Aftersales Award’ will be presented for the best and most innovative service in brand-specific aftersales across six categories. A total of 29 national and international brands are participating in the competition. The winners will be determined through a three-stage selection process: a reader poll conducted by AUTO BILD, the dealer satisfaction monitor of the Institute for Automotive Economics (IfA), and a panel of experts. In addition, several specialist forums are planned: On September 8, experts will discuss future models for effective fleet service at the ‘Branded Aftersales Forum’, and on September 10, a high-caliber expert forum on claims management is scheduled for September 11.
The ‘Future Mobility Park’ on the Agora, the center court in the east of the Frankfurt trade fair grounds, will showcase what the mobility of tomorrow can look like in concrete terms. There, visitors can test new solutions live. Wolfgang Weyand, Head of Special Events, summarizes this year’s supporting program: “Automechanika is now much more than a classic trade fair – it’s a place to experience. With the Future Mobility Park, the first Automechanika Pitlane, and the Experience Park, we are making innovations directly accessible to our visitors in an open-air setting. Visitors can expect plenty of live action with industry leaders, engine sounds, exciting challenges, exclusive insights, and a pit lane approximately 200 meters long.”
With the ‘Automechanika Club’, the organizers are now opening a new chapter in the event’s history: a year-round international community for people in the automotive industry. “In addition to our 16 Automechanika trade fairs, we want to provide further offerings that make our trade fair brand a more emotional experience,” says Brand Manager Michael Johannes. The newly founded club offers its members attractive benefits such as discounts from numerous brands and partners, advantages at automotive events, and access to exclusive club events. For Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, club members will benefit from, among other things, free trade fair admission, priority access via fast-lane entrances, and other exclusive services and offers related to their visit. Free registration is now available online at: automechanika-club.messefrankfurt.comUntil the end of 2027, all club members enjoy the benefits of a premium membership free of charge.
The 10th German Polishing Championship powered by Würth is coming to Automechanika Frankfurt. On September 12th, the vehicle preparation and detailing scene will gather in Hall 12 to demonstrate their skills live in front of an audience – and to answer the question: Who delivers the perfect, flawless defect correction? The event, moderated by TV journalist and presenter Tommy Scheel, promises to be a spectacle to watch, marvel at, and get caught up in the excitement.
A special highlight for car audio and vehicle infotainment enthusiasts is the German final of the European Mobile Media Association (EMMA), taking place on September 12th in the outdoor area in front of Hall 12. Around 80 high-quality sound-equipped vehicles – from modern cars to classic and vintage models – will compete for the German championship and qualification for the European final. Visitors can experience the competition vehicles up close, conduct sound checks, and talk to the vehicle builders. At the same time, the event offers valuable insights into the growing field of car audio and infotainment and showcases opportunities for modernizing and upgrading vehicles of all generations.
