New products, solutions and ideas, this year’s event had it all.

If there was any proof that Automechanika Frankfurt represents one of the world’s leading automotive aftermarket trade shows, it lay in the thousands of displays sprawled across the enormous Messe Frankfurt during the 2024 event (September 10-14), which encompasses some 400,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space, spread across 11 halls, plus 59,500 square metres of outdoor exhibits.

Every product and service

A pre-event press conference on September 9, declared that Automechanika was back and in a big way. Walking the miles of halls and displays enabled visitors to discover just about any product or service related to the automotive aftermarket. A big focus this year were sustainability and future mobility, perhaps not surprising then, that there was a sizeable amount of effort devoted to vehicle electrification, connectivity, driver assistance systems, and digital/AI solutions.

The theme of this year’s show was Driving Transformation, and a big draw was the Future Mobility Park and Innovation 4Mobility Forum, where attendees had the opportunity to sample and drive vehicles powered by alternative drive systems and gain a greater understanding of new propulsion technology advancements. In total, there were more than 4800 displays at Automechanika Frankfurt, hosted by more than 80 exhibitors, while industry professionals from 172 countries attended. Approximately 94 percent of those who attended came from outside Germany and among total attendees, 94 percent said that Automechankia Frankfurt 2024 delivered the goods in 2024, ensuring their visit was worthwhile in terms of business objectives and networking opportunities.

Supporting programs

Supporting programs, keynote sessions and on-site workshops were also a big hit. Michael Johannes Vice President, Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt perhaps summed it up best. “Never before has Automechanika in Frankfurt had a supporting program and range of events like this. 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.”