Visitor numbers rise at Automechanika Frankfurt 2026
2 November 2026 
The five-day event put the spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI), connected vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and alternative powertrains, alongside the more familiar workshop equipment, tools and components.
According to the organisers’ post-event survey, 96% of visitors were satisfied with their visit, four percentage points more than in 2024. Meanwhile, 90% of exhibitors said they planned to return in 2028.
Among the new additions was HighTech4Mobility, a dedicated area exploring software-defined vehicles, connected systems and digital services. Presentations and discussions looked at vehicle data, AI, cybersecurity and the business opportunities these technologies could create for the aftermarket.
Outside the exhibition halls, the new Experience Park featured off-road vehicles, interactive challenges and a rollover simulator. A 200-metre-long pit lane brought motorsport into the exhibition, with race cars, mechanics and opportunities for visitors to get behind the wheel. The Future Mobility Park also featured alternative-drive vehicles developed by university teams.
Classic cars also had a stronger presence this year, with the new Classic Alliance bringing together industry organisations and specialists for live restorations and technical presentations.
The expanded AMBITION programme welcomed more than 4,600 pupils, students and trainees, giving them an introduction to careers in the automotive industry through demonstrations, training sessions and masterclasses.
Elsewhere, visitors could see demonstrations of glass repair and AI-supported robotic painting, while the Future Mobility Workshop 4.0 brought together 30 exhibitors showcasing technologies for vehicle servicing and repair.
What’s new for the aftermarket
Of course, there was plenty to see inside the exhibition halls too, with suppliers from across the aftermarket showing off their latest products and technologies. From new product launches to additions to existing ranges, there was no shortage of new developments to catch up on. Here’s a look at some of what was on show.
BM Catalysts arrived at Automechanika with a significant range expansion, having announced a number of new products ahead of the event. These included catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters (DPFs), gasoline particulate filters (GPFs), pressure pipes and other emissions components, extending its coverage of the European car parc.
BORG Automotive showcased its remanufactured eDrive Motor, which picked up the Automechanika Innovation Award in the Sustainable Drive Solutions category. Already successfully prototyped for motors from two vehicle manufacturers, the solution could offer independent workshops an alternative to buying a new original equipment (OE) component or a second-hand unit.
Among the highlights on Brembo’s stand was the Greenance Plus Kit, a Euro 7-ready braking solution combining new brake discs and pads designed to reduce particulate emissions and disc wear compared with standard equivalents. Brembo also showed additions to its caliper portfolio in the Newman segment, alongside an upgraded remanufactured range featuring an anti-corrosion treatment that increases salt-spray resistance to 240 hours, in line with OE standards.
Over on the PHINIA stand, senior leaders from Delphi joined a panel discussion looking at the changing vehicle landscape, future growth opportunities and the importance of industry partnerships. Delphi also highlighted its growing coverage of Chinese vehicle applications and its Professional+ brake pads range, while PHINIA showcased DS-CLOUD, a cloud-based platform designed to improve efficiency, traceability and workflow integration.
MAHLE had four world premieres at the show. Its new Workshop Portal brings together technical information, training and expert support, while the Climate Expert concept is aimed at helping workshops develop their climate and thermal management business. Also making their debut were the ArcticPRO air-conditioning service units, designed to improve productivity and ease of use, and the CareMetix Natural cabin air filter, which uses sheep’s wool to help improve air quality inside vehicles.
MEYLE turned its attention to automatic transmission servicing, bringing together industry experts for a panel discussion on the opportunities this presents for independent workshops. The discussion looked at why automatic transmission fluid changes remain an underused service opportunity, despite the growing number of automatic vehicles entering the aftermarket. The company also had reason to celebrate, with its new HD brake disc winning the Advanced Parts & Vehicle Technologies category at the Automechanika Innovation Awards.
Nissens Automotive highlighted its growing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle portfolio, which now includes more than 2,000 New Energy Vehicle (NEV)-related products and variants, including coverage for Chinese vehicle brands. The company also presented twelve product innovations and range extensions, covering ignition coils, air-conditioning hoses, HVAC door actuators, EGR coolers, AdBlue components and soot sensors.
Simply Brands introduced SBxPro, a new professional range aimed at technicians. The line-up includes maintenance sprays and products such as brake cleaner, instant gasket sealant and EGR valve cleaner, alongside direct-fit wiper blades.
TOPDON used the event to introduce its ONE Pro diagnostic platform to the European market. Supporting more than 100 vehicle brands, the system offers ECU programming across all vehicle systems, along with coding and one-click customisation for more than ten brands. Other features include OE topology mapping, more than 50 maintenance services and access to FCA, Renault, Nissan and VAG SFD security gateways.
UFI launched a new range of automatic transmission oil filters, with the first products due to become available in November. The initial 48 part numbers will cover approximately 60% of the European car parc fitted with automatic gearboxes. The range includes pressure filters, suction filters and complete kits containing the necessary components.
ZF Aftermarket showcased several developments, including its new TRW DTEC brake pad and disc range, which achieved up to 80% lower PM10 emissions than conventional combinations in brake dynamometer testing. Also on display was TRW DOT 4 Brake Fluid ESP Recycled, which contains 60% post-consumer recycled material.
The next Automechanika will take place from 5 to 9 September 2028. Click here for more information.