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From 8 to 12 September 2026, Automechanika Frankfurt returns as the meeting place for the international automotive industry. Bringing together the latest innovations, technologies and trends from across the entire value chain, it offers an unrivalled opportunity to connect with the world's aftermarket community.
The 55-year-old biennial trade show for the automotive aftermarket will be held 8-12 September in Frankfurt, attracting around 4,500 exhibitors and over 100,000 professional visitors from 80 countries and visitors from over 170 nations.
The 2026 edition introduces several new formats designed to blend professional content with fun, feature areas. The new Hightech for Mobility area addresses a critical knowledge gap by focusing on software-defined vehicles, which are already on roads but poorly understood by the majority. A motorsports element brings racing cars, drivers, and influencers to Hall
4, while the outdoor Experience Park offers engaging break spaces with monster trucks, a rollover simulator, and a Unimog course.
The Classic Car Network digitally connects specialists and brings them together physically in Hall 11.1 with dedicated programming and daily happy hours. Supporting these areas are multiple stages positioned throughout the halls to bring content directly to target audiences— workshops in Hall 8, body and paint in Hall 11, detailing in Hall 12.
Show Director, Olaf Mußhoff, emphasises the show's philosophy: "This is people's business. We're talking about one person meeting another, exchanging ideas, doing business, setting up connections, and that's what it's all about." The organisers recognise that post-pandemic, human connection and emotional experiences have become paramount – visitors seek opportunities to network, discover serendipitously, and build trust face-to- face.
Beyond the physical show, Messe Frankfurt is building an "Automechanika ecosystem" including expert talks, an e-learning platform, a Lovers loyalty program, and a new Automechanika Club launching this year.
Show Director, Olaf Mußhoff, told autotechnician: “For me, it is important to make Automechanika Frankfurt an event which you like to participate not only for business reasons (which is of course the main reason), but also because it is interesting, entertaining and a great place to meet people and to spend time with peers. The Pit Lane will create emotions and build a bridge towards technical developments, the Automechanika Experience park will be the new and exciting meeting point in the western part of the venue. We want to address the individual, the human being who is attending Automechanika Frankfurt and to make the time spent with us as successful and pleasant as possible.” We asked Olaf what he was most looking forward to, he replied: “I cannot wait to hear and feel the buzzing of thousands of people from an industry I really like, in our venue. The personal encounters in the halls, on the stands and in our diverse areas will be exciting and special. This is the feeling the entire team and I are working for during the two-year period.”
Olaf's guidance to attendees captures the show's balance: "You need to prepare because it's too big to be unprepared. But I always say, please also leave time for coincidence."
This philosophy—combining strategic planning with openness to unexpected connections—defines how Automechanika positions itself as essential infrastructure for the global automotive aftermarket.
2026 Edition Highlights:
Hightech for Mobility:
software-defined vehicles focus in Hall 2
Motorsports:
Pit lane with racing cars, drivers & influencers under Hall 4 arcades
Experience Park:
Outdoor attractions including monster trucks, rollover simulator & Unimog course
Classic Car Network:
New digital network becoming a personal physical network in Hall 11.1 with dedicated stage and daily happy hours...
Hands-on workshops...
Practical learning is a key part of the Automechanika Frankfurt experience, with a programme of free, hands-on workshops covering everything from diagnostics and advanced repair techniques to paintwork, ADAS calibration, alternative powertrains, to the use of AI and robotics. Lasting around three hours, each session is designed to equip workshop professionals with skills they can put into practice immediately and includes an official certificate of participation.
New for 2026, all workshops will be recorded and made available through an e-learning platform, enabling attendees to revisit sessions and continue their professional development long after the trade fair has ended.
Classics to future mobility...
For enthusiasts and professionals in the classic and youngtimer sector, the Classic Car Network has become a valuable addition to the Automechanika Frankfurt experience. The platform keeps members up to date with the latest industry developments, market trends and event news, while providing opportunities to connect with fellow collectors, restorers, specialists and businesses throughout the year. Membership is free, with online registration available at any time.
Beyond the exhibition halls, a lively programme of networking and entertainment is offered. The Classic Car Network will host happy hour gatherings in the classic car area in Hall 11.1 on the first three days of the show, while the Future Mobility Park comes alive from 5pm each evening with drinks and live music from the Urban Club Band. The event also opens with one of the highlights of the classic motoring calendar: the prestigious "Golden Classic" awards, presented by Auto BILD Klassik to outstanding classic and youngtimer vehicles.
Celebrating innovation...
This year's Innovation Awards have attracted a record- breaking response, with more than 180 entries submitted across the programme's ten categories. The breadth of applications reflects the pace of innovation across the automotive aftermarket, with strong representation spanning every area of the industry.
The next stage is now underway as an expert judging panel evaluates the entries to identify the standout innovations of 2026. The winners will be announced during the official Innovation Awards ceremony on 8 September at Automechanika Frankfurt.
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CEO Breakfast: Bertrand Piccard on innovation and adventure
Automechanika Frankfurt will kick off with an exclusive CEO Breakfast on September 8, gathering top executives from the
automotive and supplier sectors to discuss the future of mobility and industry transformation. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Bertrand Piccard, renowned explorer and advocate for sustainable innovation. Dr. Piccard, famous for his record-setting balloon circumnavigation and the solar-powered 'Solar Impulse' flight, will share insights on the economic opportunities of sustainable transformation and the importance of pioneering spirit in driving technological progress. His latest initiative, 'Climate Impulse,' aims for the first non-stop, zero-emission round-the-world flight powered by liquid hydrogen, highlighting the potential of clean technologies.
Following Dr. Piccard's keynote, industry leaders from companies such as Aumovio, Castrol, Continental, Mann + Hummel, Schaeffler, and ZF will participate in a CEO Talk. The discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities in the mobility and supplier industries, emphasising sustainable mobility, technological innovation, and new business models. The CEO Breakfast will be held at the Forum, Level 1, Panorama Room, with doors opening at 7:00 am. Registration remains open for interested participants.
