The leading trade show provided a forum for innovation, showing the way forward for the mobility transition

From 10-14 September, Automechanika Frankfurt showed once again in 2024 why it is the leading international trade fair for the automotive industry.
The slogan of this year’s Automechanika was ‘Driving Transformation’ and organisers state this was evident throughout the trade fair in forward-looking presentations on key topics like the digital transformation, sustainable mobility and artificial intelligence, in practical training workshops, in the ‘Workshop of the future’ special showcase and in lively panel discussions, stating that never before were so many innovative technologies presented as in 2024.
Presenting their very latest products and innovation solutions for workshops, industry and retail at the show were 4,200 companies from 80 countries.
Over an area of 320,000 square metres and 26 hall levels, trade visitors from 172 countries were able to discover pioneering technologies and even try some of them out in the outdoor exhibition area.
This year’s trends were electrification, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems and digitalisation.
Show organisers report the expanded supporting programme was a hit, with 108,000 visitors from 172 countries taking advantage of this chance to find out what matters in the industry today.
“Even in the midst of the digital transformation, the industry once again demonstrated its wealth of innovation, providing countless highlights over the course of the five-day event,” Messe Frankfurt Member of the Executive Board, Detlef Braun, said.
“Together with our exhibitors, we were able to find the right players to present the most important topics – including alternative drive systems, sustainability and the use of AI and robotics in the automotive aftermarket – on the stages and in the exhibition halls.
“We are also delighted by growing demand from both German and international visitors.”
A total of five stages played host to discussions of trends and developments in various industry sectors.
In the Future Mobility Park and the corresponding expert forum Innovation4Mobility, visitors had the opportunity to experience vehicles with alternative drive systems up close – including electric, hydrogen and hybrid – and even to get behind the wheel themselves.
There were also new event formats, like an exciting rally, for even more highlights.

Ninety four percent of trade visitors – 70 percent of whom came from abroad – reported they were happy with the event, both with what the trade fair had to offer and the achievement of their goals.
“Never before has Automechanika in Frankfurt had a supporting programme and range of events like this,” Messe Frankfurt Vice President Mobility and Logistics, Michael Johannes, said at the conclusion of the show.
“Our roster of presentations and practical workshops covered a wide range of topics, including bodywork and paintwork, electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, caravan repair, 3D printing, detailing and much else besides.
“These were very well received by the professionals, and students and pupils took advantage of the opportunities on offer to find out for themselves what some of the automotive trades and professions are like.
“One of this year’s new additions was a programme and area devoted especially to Generation Z.
“We wanted to draw their attention to the professional opportunities that are available in the fascinating world of the automotive industry – and we were very successful.”
The special area for Gen Z was titled ‘Ambition’ and was located in Hall 3.1, featuring brief and captivating presentations, panel discussions and live acts designed to interest young people in the automotive trades.
Show organisers explain this was done due to the well-known shortage of skilled staff in the automotive industry, stating that new concepts are needed to attract the next generation.
“Ambition was the innovative hotspot for Gen Z,” Automechanika Special Events Director, Wolfgang Weyand, said.
“Several content partners such as Eintracht Frankfurt, the congress organiser Copetri, the Myle car festival, Econ and Holm contributed greatly to the success of the content section.
“Communication for this new format took place almost exclusively via social media; the most successful reel on TikTok has one million views.
“In the evening, the programme seamlessly transitioned into a party atmosphere in the visually and technically very appealing venue.
“One highlight was the show by US hip-hopper ‘Rich The Kid’ on Thursday evening, which attracted over 1,000 young people to the Ambition area.”
Sustainable technologies, products and solutions were also a particular focus of this year’s Automechanika.
The stage in the new Sustainability Court in Hall 5.0 hosted numerous presentations on remanufacturing and on strategies for the circular economy.
The next instalment of Automechanika Frankfurt will be held from 8-12 September in 2026.

For more information, visit www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com