The next Automechanika Shanghai is scheduled from November 26 to 29, 2025. Even beforehand, the organizers can promote the now annual automotive industry event, taking place for the 21st time in China's economic center, with new records. A comparison with Automechanika in Frankfurt, regarded as the world's largest trade fair for the aftermarket industry, shows that the sister fair in East China has now surpassed the Germans in terms of exhibitor numbers as well as area.
With an area of 383,000 square meters, the event surpasses the 2024 predecessor edition by a full 33,000 square meters. Compared to standard football fields of about 7,000 square meters in size, this would be nearly five additional football fields—and significantly more than in Frankfurt, with its approximately 320,000 square meters the last time in 2024.
In parallel, interest from the automotive industry in presenting itself in the Chinese industrial city, which has the world's largest container port, is growing: more than 7,000 exhibitors are announced—several hundred more than before. In Frankfurt, there were "only" about 4,200 in 2024. This indicates that the trade fair in the largest city of the Asian country has apparently gained significant importance over the past years: already in 2024, the number of exhibitors grew by 20 percent compared to 2023, according to Messe Frankfurt. The exhibition area in 2023 was still significantly more modest with 300,000 square meters.
Of great economic importance
The economic metropolis situated by the East China Sea is among the most
populous cities in the world: the reported approximately 29 million rank it third worldwide and surpass Frankfurt, with its manageable 780,000, by about 38 times. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, only Tokyo (37.2 million) and Delhi (32.9 million) have more inhabitants. Its status as a global economic region for the automotive industry has evidently increased in recent years.
Additionally, another major event for the industry takes place in the metropolis of millions: the biennial Auto Shanghai, focusing on vehicles. It is a magnet for all those of high rank and name in the automotive industry. We have reported on the growing importance that German supplier companies like ZF and Continental attach to their presence there.
Opportunity for exchange
As reported by Messe Frankfurt as the organizer, the next edition in fall 2025 is expected to have significantly more exhibitors at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. All 15 halls and the entire exhibition area of around 383,000 square meters are to be fully occupied, promising even more appeal than the 2024 edition, where around 222,300 visitors were counted. It is the 21st edition of Automechanika Shanghai since its inception in 1985. The organizers write:
“Such dimensions are unprecedented in the show's history. The trade fair opens opportunities in marketing and trade, information exchange, and training to develop together with market trends, which this year reflect innovations and changes towards sustainability in the industry.”
Latest technologies
A special focus at Automechanika Shanghai, according to the announcement,
will deal with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The organizers write:
“The potential for seamless transitions between different regions and through various modes of transport has come within reach. This dynamic emphasizes the promotion of electrification and alternative drives, and also drives the development of future mobility services and maintenance processes, the digitization of sales channels, and an optimization of logistical processes.”
Focus on new mobility and AI
According to the details, around 39,000 square meters, and thus ten percent of the total exhibition area, is dedicated to the theme of "Electromobility and Connectivity" (Halls 5.1 and 6.1). Accordingly, 50 percent of all exhibitors will also present products related to this topic. These include battery and motor systems as well as electronic control applications, but also, for example, charging technologies and energy storage systems, connectivity and driver assistance systems, or thermal management. The Innovation4Mobility area also serves this purpose, where the topic of Modern Mobility is illuminated with the latest products, discussion forums, and start-up activities.
Research institutes, universities, and financial institutions are also involved in the accompanying events. Announced are, for example, interactive demonstrations, workshops, and expert discussions that show how various AI applications are influencing the development of (partially) autonomous vehicles, but also, for example, predictive maintenance, driver assistance systems (ADAS), and personalized driving experiences. Another focus will primarily deal with digitization, for example in the area of new business models in the automotive value chain.
A sector that has also gained increasing
attraction in recent years is tires and wheels: the exhibition area here was expanded by 50 percent compared to the previous year.
High expectations
A clue to what visitors and business people can expect from the next aftermarket fair in Shanghai is provided by last year's data: In 2024, of the reported trade visitors, about 62 percent were involved with commercial vehicles. 44 percent were related to business areas connected to electromobility. And 28 percent of the interested parties came from 180 countries and regions outside China. According to surveys, most participants were also very satisfied with the results of the four-day event: 97 percent gave their positive verdict on participation in general, 78 percent were able to return home with direct orders, and 85 percent of exhibitors confirmed they had met their objectives with their presence.
A few weeks ago, Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong, emphasized the significance of the fair during the pre-announcement:
“Automechanika Shanghai has become one of the most influential platforms in the automotive industry regarding exploring international cooperation and presenting innovative technological achievements.”
Last year, they had proudly registered great international interest, continued Chiew. For the next edition, they would strive to promote deeper integration and developments in the global industry by appropriately aligning their offerings with market innovations and dynamic trends in the automotive sector.
The biennial Automechanika Frankfurt has existed since 1971 and is organized by Messe Frankfurt. Now, around the globe, 14 editions of Automechanika
