“In terms of sustainability, the sector has made a real leap forward”

When we marketed the spaces for our previous edition in 2022, the antiCovid-19 restrictions were still in force in several countries. So we couldn’t call it a “real“ Automechanika. By 2024, the outlook in the automotive sector, especially in the parts market, has become far more optimistic. Today, we are not only bringing visitors and exhibitors together but also showcasing solutions and services addressing the industry’s future challenges – be it innovation, transformation, sustainability, or recruitment. Ensuring the trade fair is productive remains a priority for sector professionals. We aim to provide them with both firsthand insights and a sense of community, supported by activities such as happy hours and our classic car rally.

Absolutely. The sector has made significant progress in sustainability, starting at the industry level and now extending to workshops. More sustainable solutions enable businesses to explore new productivity avenues and diversify their operations. Additionally, emphasising sustainability makes the sector more appealing to younger talent, which is essential for the long-term health of our ecosystem.

The mindset is similar outside Europe, but the phenomenon is perceived differently depending on the region. For instance, in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), there’s a tension between the drive for growth and the necessity of addressing sustainability risks.

Besides Automechanika Frankfurt, the regional editions of Automechanika, such as those in Shanghai, Dubai, and Istanbul, largely reflect the dynamics of local markets. For example, Automechanika Shanghai focuses predominantly on the local IAM market. Meanwhile, Dubai and Istanbul are more trade oriented. In contrast, Automechanika Frankfurt emphasises innovation and the sustainability of commercial relationships among leading industry players and challengers.

While these pillars are foundational, their relevance varies globally. Innovation and transformation, for instance, are contingent on local market conditions. Though universal challenges, their implementation diers by region. Recruitment, on the other hand, remains a global issue.

Our next major milestone is Automechanika Tashkent – the inaugural edition in Uzbekistan, scheduled for 22 to 24 October 2025. Central Asia is a burgeoning and undervalued market, and we aim to create a platform to foster the automotive sector’s growth there. The announcement has received positive feedback, but success requires market players to recognize the value Automechanika can bring. Distributors and brands must thoroughly understand the market they seek to engage with. As for existing editions, our goal is to solidify their positions as benchmarks for their respective markets.

All the markets where Automechanika Frankfurt was present faced challenges during the health crisis, and several trade fairs had to be cancelled. Some companies made strong comebacks after missing the 2022 edition. The motivations for exhibiting remain diverse, from unveiling new products to enhancing brand visibility. We have noticed that BtoB trade fairs, like Automechanika, have proven resilient compared to BtoC events, as professionals continue to value face-to-face interactions. These events are crucial for fostering community, showcasing brands to distributors and repairers, and displaying vehicles – hence the dedicated hall for Chinese manufacturers this year.

Events like Equip Auto, Autopromotec, and the SEMA Show cater to well-defined audiences and underscore the value of professional gatherings worldwide. Together we can coexist to reflect the diverse dynamics of global markets.