
What Is Automechanika?
Automechanika is the leading international trade fair brand for the automotive aftermarket. Organized by Messe Frankfurt, it brings together professionals from across the mobility value chain, including parts, equipment, services, and innovation in key markets worldwide. Beginning with cutting-edge vehicle diagnostics and repair to sustainable mobility solutions, Automechanika events are where the automotive industry comes together to conduct business.
One evident thing is that in recent years, Automechanika has definitely shown huge growth and has expanded all the way to Asia, evolving into a powerhouse of the automotive aftermarket, servicing a vast region that spans diverse economies and innovation hubs. Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur and beyond, each regional edition captures the dynamism of local markets while aligning with global trends in mobility, electrification, digitalization, sustainability, and automotive culture. This post dives deep into the standout editions across the continent, highlights key innovations and regional trends, and explores why these exhibitions are indispensable to industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
1. Automechanika Shanghai – Asia’s Flagship Event
Overview & Significance
Automechanika Shanghai is the largest automotive aftermarket fair in Asia, and second only to Frankfurt globally. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in December 2024, the event boasted stunning numbers: 6,763 exhibitors, a 350,000 m² exhibition area, and over 222,000 visitors from 181 countries. Such scale cements Shanghai's position as Asia's automotive marketplace par excellence.
Special Zones & Exhibitor Highlights
The showhouse was meticulously segmented into specialized zones:
- Parts & Components: Occupying six halls and featuring giants like Bosch, Continental, Hitachi Astemo, and ZF, this zone showcased next-gen AV, thermal management systems, SACHS Air Struts, and SecuBrake fluids.
- Alternative Drives / EV: Reflecting China's booming NEV market, exhibitors highlighted batteries, charging solutions, and energy management displays.
- Innovation4Mobility & Green Repair: These zones underlined the shift toward sustainability and intelligent aftermarket solutions.
Visitor Engagement & Digital Integration
Beyond static displays, the fair offered 81 fringe events, livestream sessions, training workshops, and digital networking via the AMS-Live platform, engaging roughly 300 million online views. Attendees appreciated the show’s dual focus on emerging trends and practical knowledge transfer.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 edition, scheduled for 26–29 November, is expected to set a new benchmark, expanding into all 15 halls of the NECC and hosting around 7,000 exhibitors over a 383,000 m² footprint
2. Automechanika Kuala Lumpur – Southeast Asia's Changing Landscape
Regional Expansion & Strategic Focus
Originally an aftermarket-centric event, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur is now embracing the full automotive lifecycle, including manufacturing to mobility solutions. The 2025 edition (15–17 May) marked a leap in scale, covering six halls (12,538 m²) and bringing together around 320 exhibitors from 20 countries.
Adoption of Technology & Culture Integration
- Automotive Mobility Solutions Zone: Showcasing EV charging, AI, fleet management, logistics, digital services, and connected vehicle technologies from key players like EV Connection, Bosch Rexroth, and AMZ.
- Lifestyle & Culture Elements: The autoFEST@KL initiative brought JDM classics, esports racing, car-audio competitions, and a Sunday evening music party to blend business with entertainment.
- Fringe Programme: A robust technical academy, collision repair training, and themed workshops covering sustainable workshop practices, EV diagnostics, and PPE.
Industry Feedback
Participants praised the event's expanded reach into electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and lifestyle components, echoing Malaysia’s evolving automotive priorities.
3. Other Regional Automechanika Editions in Asia
While Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur stand as flagship events, Automechanika's footprint extends further into the following markets:
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Launched in October 2025, positioned as the premier Central Asian aftermarket platform with ~535 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), New Delhi (India), Beijing: Though not covered in-depth here, these editions are integral to the brand’s growing presence in high-growth markets.
These localized shows cater to specific regional needs, focusing on spare parts, workshops, diagnostics, fleet services, and EV infrastructure as dictated by national automotive strategies and emerging economies.
4. Why Automechanika Asia Matters
Value Area |
Impact |
Market Access |
Connects global suppliers with buyers in Asia’s fastest-growing automotive and EV markets. |
Industry Trends |
Showcases innovation in EV, digital services, green repair, and smart maintenance. |
Education & Training |
Provides hands-on workshops, technical seminars, and certification opportunities. |
Networking |
Business matchmaking services (e.g., Match Up), fringe events, and cultural integrations boost partnerships. |
Brand Exposure |
Proven platform for launching new products, qualifying for tenders, and establishing footholds. |
Regional adaptations are key: Kuala Lumpur emphasizes mobility and lifestyle; Shanghai leads in scale, EV, and digital ecosystems; Tashkent reflects nascent Central Asian industry emergence.
5. Top Highlights & Takeaways
- Record-breaking Shanghai 2024: With 222,341 attendees, over 6,700 exhibitors, 81+ events, and global livestream reach, this edition underscored Asia’s global aftermarket leadership.
- Shanghai 2025 Growth: Full utilization of 15 halls, ~7,000 exhibitors—proof of sustained momentum.
- Kuala Lumpur 2025 Milestone: Six halls enlarged the conversation around electrification, digitalization, and automotive culture, mirroring regional automotive development.
- Regional Diversification: Expansions into Tashkent and other emerging centers position Automechanika as a comprehensive pan-Asian aftermarket network.
- Strategic Themes: Across editions there’s emphasis on:
- Green and smart mobility
- Aftermarket modernization
- Professional training
- Cultural and lifestyle elements to engage broader audiences
Why Attend Automechanika?
Whether you're an OEM, distributor, garage owner, or fleet manager, Automechanika offers:
- Global networking with buyers and suppliers
- Hands-on product demonstrations
- Market insights on electrification, digitalization, and AI in mobility
- Workshops and live presentations from industry experts
These events are ideal for companies looking to expand into new regions or stay competitive in fast-evolving automotive markets.
Upcoming Automechanika Events (2025–2026)
Event |
Location |
Dates |
Automechanika Frankfurt |
Frankfurt, Germany |
September 9–13, 2025 |
Automechanika Dubai |
Dubai, UAE |
October 7–9, 2025 |
Automechanika Shanghai |
Shanghai, China |
December 3–6, 2025 |
Automechanika Riyadh |
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Spring 2026 (TBC) |
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
May 14 – 16, 2026 |
Automechanika Istanbul |
Istanbul, Turkey |
June 2026 (TBC) |
Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
June 18-20, 2026 |
Planning everything from the start is very important. Hotels near the trade fair venues sell out quickly, especially in Frankfurt and Shanghai.
Booking Accommodation for Automechanika
To make the most of your visit, it's important to book your hotel early, ideally near the venue for easy access.
Fair Point GmbH offers:
- Free hotel quotes for accommodation near trade fair venues
- Personal travel agents to assist with group or corporate bookings
- Special rates for exhibitors and business travelers
- Flexible terms and last-minute support
Whether you're attending Automechanika Frankfurt or Dubai, we can help you secure accommodation that fits your budget and schedule.
Travel Tips for Automechanika Exhibitors & Attendees
- Register early: Many Automechanika shows offer discounted tickets for early registration.
- Arrange airport transfers: Especially for events in Dubai or Istanbul, private transfers save time.
- Check visa requirements: Especially for Shanghai and Riyadh; allow at least 4–6 weeks.
- Plan meetings in advance: Use the B2B matchmaking platforms provided by Messe Frankfurt.
Invest in The Future of Your Business
For aftermarket professionals, mobility solution innovators, policymakers, and automotive culture enthusiasts, Automechanika is a strategic barometer for the regional automotive industry's transformation. From mega-scale innovation expos in Shanghai to culturally immersive showcases in Kuala Lumpur, and emerging nodes like Tashkent and Ho Chi Minh City, the series captures not just what’s next, but what’s now in automotive Asia.
Whether you're sourcing the latest EV technology, expanding your brand footprint, or exploring cultural synergy within the automotive community, attending an Automechanika Asia show is time and capital well spent.
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