‘Watershed’ Automechanika Birmingham 2025 praised

18 June 2025  

Industry leaders have praised Automechanika Birmingham 2025 saying the event, which took place earlier this month, marked a watershed moment for the UK automotive industry.

More than 15,000 visitors were at the NEC Birmingham for the first time in the event’s history, which organisers said was a significant milestone that underscores the sector’s resilience, growth and appetite for innovation.

In the show spotlight were more than 7,000 garages, bodyshops, and detailers, plus over 550 suppliers from more than 35 countries.

Organisers said the event received the highest ever ratings for live demonstrations, training and face-to-face engagement.

And with over 70% of space already booked for the Birmingham event’s 2027 edition, the show has cemented its position as the go-to platform for face-to-face business. 

‘Transformation’

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Automechanika Birmingham is now firmly established as the UK’s unmissable event for the aftermarket sector and automotive supply chain. At a time of significant transformation for the industry, it provides a vital platform to come together, share ideas, attract new talent and unlock future opportunities.”

A major new addition this year was Motorvate – a feature space designed to ignite interest and careers in automotive among students, apprentices and early career professionals. With competitions, insightful talks and hands-on experiences running throughout the show, organisers said it delivered a bold new vision for inspiring the next generation.

The show also saw the return of the Aftermarket Hub, Modern Garage, Workshop Hub and Paint & Spray Live, alongside favourites such as Vehicle Detailing Live and Body Repair Live, all delivering over 150 hours of free training sessions and covering topics including diagnostics, EV servicing, ADAS calibration, business development and more.

Also featured was Innovation4Mobility, an educational theatre highlighting the future of connected and sustainable automotive technologies, further enriching the event’s focus on forward-thinking solutions.

Motorvate 

Kevan Wooden, CEO of LKQ UK & Ireland said: “It’s more important than ever for the sector to pull together in retaining and attracting future talent, and our participation in the Motorvate programme highlighted the exciting career opportunities available to all.

“We’re fully committed to ensuring technicians of every level are equipped with the latest skills so the aftermarket can thrive long into the future, which is reflected via our award-winning training initiatives at LKQ Academy centres across the UK.

“From welcoming fresh talent at our Motorvate stand, to promoting our extensive range and services, and engaging with loyal and new customers on our Emotive and Modern Garage stands, the event was a huge success from start to finish.”

Mark Hallam, head of marketing for ZF Aftermarket UK and a gold sponsor, said the event was outstanding.

“It gave us the perfect opportunity to engage directly with workshops, distributors, and industry professionals, while showcasing our latest product innovations and services. The quality of the audience and the relevance of the content made it one of the most valuable events in the calendar.” 

Networking remained a core element of the event, with standout moments including the Women in Automotive Drinks Reception, IAAF Networking Drinks, and the SMMT Meet the Buyer programme.

Another new stand-out feature for this year was the Thirty Under 30 Awards, hosted on the Motorvate Ignite Arena, recognising the brightest young talent in the industry, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. Meanwhile, the Garage Awards, hosted by the IAAF and supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts, celebrated excellence across the independent aftermarket.

‘Energy and ambition’

Exhibitors across the show floor shared a plethora of product launches, innovations and solutions, many offering added-value services to support their customers in real-time.

Gold Customers within the Automechanika Lovers programme for this year’s event included: Autel, Bosch, Elring, Launch Tech UK, Mann + Hummel, Stanley, TecAlliance, Walker and ZF Aftermarket.

Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt, said: “This year’s Automechanika Birmingham has been our strongest yet, not only in numbers, but in energy, ambition and impact. The feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been incredible, and we’re delighted to have delivered a show that continues to sit at the heart of the UK automotive calendar.

“The industry has chosen Automechanika as the place to come together, to tackle its biggest challenges, celebrate success and shape a stronger future.”

Exhibitors and visitors are now set to return to Birmingham next June for the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026, focused exclusively on the needs of workshops, technicians and body repair specialists, and packed with even more tools, technology and training.