Automechanika Frankfurt ran from 8 to 12 September with 4,400 exhibitors from 80 countries — about 5% more than 2024 — across a fully booked 300,000 square metres, and drew more than 112,000 trade visitors from 173 countries, up from 104,750 two years ago. Two-thirds of visitors came from outside Germany. Organiser Messe Frankfurt reports that 90% of exhibitors intend to return in 2028 and 96% of visitors were satisfied with their visit, up four points from last time.
“Not only has the mood been extremely positive throughout this intensive five-day trade fair, but there has also been a visible increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
The themes
Artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicles, connected cars, driver-assistance systems, and alternative drives ran through the halls, with the emphasis on what they mean for repair and service across the vehicle’s life. A new HighTech4Mobility forum in the Festhalle brought software companies and start-ups together with workshops, retailers, and manufacturers on vehicle data, cybersecurity, the EU Data Act, and aftermarket business models. Mahle chief executive Arnd Franz put the case for common ground: “We need shared data standards, such as for determining battery status.”
The German trade body ZDK used the show to release its half-yearly survey of about 400 dealers and workshops. Workshop business is the stable part of the picture while retail remains difficult, and the association now expects 817,000 new battery-electric registrations in Germany this year, well above earlier forecasts. US-based market research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan puts global aftermarket growth at 5.8% for 2026, driven by ageing fleets, the independent parts market, electrification, and digitalisation.
Innovation Award winners
A 17-member jury chose winners from a record 185 entries and 47 finalists across ten categories. Bosch Mobility Aftermarket took AI Solutions & Digitalisation for the ESI[tronic] AI Assistant, a conversational search tool that speeds up fault-finding. MAHA won Smart Workshop & Service Solutions with MAIA, a fully autonomous inspection robot that handles body-damage detection, headlight measurement, wheel alignment, and tyre inspection. MEYLE’s HD brake disc, with wear and long-term corrosion protection, won Advanced Parts & Vehicle Technologies.
BORG Automotive won Sustainable Drive Solutions for a remanufacturing process for electric drive motors, and rema.germany took Circular Economy & Remanufacturing for a digital return and core-inspection system. Knorr-Bremse’s WESP CV secure data platform for commercial vehicle workshops won Data, Connectivity & Cybersecurity; SKF’s low-friction wheel bearings won Commercial Vehicle & Fleet Innovation; CARTEC’s SmartBoxBlower Auto Pilot, which automates bumper paint preparation, won Body & Paint; POLYTOP’s BLUE LINE series for washing without potable water won Car Care, Cleaning & Detailing; and GEN-Y Hitch’s PHANTOM-XT adjustable drop hitch won Smart Accessories & Lifestyle. The jury’s Green Award went to Autocraft Solutions Group for REVIVE EV Battery Workshops, a repair and remanufacturing concept for high-voltage batteries.
On the ground
Around 500 events ran alongside the exhibition, including a 200-metre pit lane under the Hall 4 arcades with race cars and test drives, an outdoor Experience Park with a rollover simulator, and a Classic Alliance restoration area with FIVA, Bosch, DAT, Eucon, and ROWE. The free certified training programme covered damage diagnosis, ADAS calibration, paint, and alternative powertrains, and for the first time it is being made available online after the show. The AMBITION careers format drew more than 4,600 pupils, students, and trainees.
The next Automechanika Frankfurt runs from 5 to 9 September 2028.
