Automechanika Frankfurt draws more than 112,000 visitors

Automechanika Frankfurt attracted more than 112,000 trade visitors from 173 countries during its five-day run, with artificial intelligence, connected vehicles and alternative powertrains among the technologies taking centre stage.

The 2026 show featured 4,400 exhibitors from 80 countries, presenting products and services for automotive workshops, retailers and other aftermarket businesses. Sixty-six per cent of visitors came from outside Germany, while German attendance increased 18.5 per cent.

“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. The leading international B2B flagship trade fair demonstrated its importance for the entire automotive aftermarket value chain,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “Automechanika supplied a wealth of captivating in-person experiences with some 500 events and countless attractions in the outdoor exhibitor area, including a 200-metre-long pit lane and an off-road experience area. The products and services presented by the Innovation Award winners demonstrate the impressive level of technical progress being made in the automotive aftermarket.”

Organizers reported 96 per cent of visitors were satisfied with the event, up four percentage points from 2024, while 89 per cent said they would recommend attending. Ninety per cent of exhibitors said they intend to return for the next show.

New this year was HighTech4Mobility, which focused on software-defined vehicles, connected systems and digital services, including discussions about vehicle data, AI and cybersecurity. The show also introduced the Experience Park and a 200-metre Automechanika Pit Lane.

Training and recruitment were another focus. More than 4,600 pupils, students and trainees participated in the AMBITION program, which highlighted automotive training and career opportunities as well as emerging vehicle technologies.

Electric vehicles also featured prominently. The German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs is forecasting 817,000 new battery-electric vehicle registrations in Germany in 2026, including more than 370,000 from private buyers.

The next Automechanika Frankfurt is scheduled for Sept. 5-9, 2028.