Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 review

PMF is back from this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt, which, as always, was full of intrigue, enthusiasm, hustle and bustle, and a few dramas!

It’s the drama where PMF will start actually; there is always potential for a journey to go wrong – it might be delayed or cancelled flights, luggage ending up in a different city or country, or the hotel in reality being different to that seen on the booking pages. This year, it was Frankfurt’s self-service biometric kiosks.

After a smooth journey out of Heathrow into Frankfurt, the PMF team thought the journey couldn’t get any easier upon finding these empty self-service machines, ready to scan passports, faces and fingerprints. Upon finishing these checks, we were asked to proceed to a border control desk where an officer would verify details – straightforward, should be in a taxi for the hotel in no time…

Turn around a corner to find a queue that stretched the length of the building, continuing further to a left, then to a right, then another left – it was incredible, something never experienced before. The line was moving at a pace that even a snail would be frustrated by.

The team was playing games to stay entertained, chatting to growingly impatient passengers – some of whom were anxious about whether they’d make their connecting flight – before a decision was taken to open more desks in a different area. Some walked quickly while others ran as fast as they could to get to the front.

It was a chaotic scene, with little guidance from the staff that were on hand. In the end, it didn’t make a difference to the trip – but could this make some visitors think twice about visiting Automechanika Frankfurt again if this was their experience? Attending the event is a significant investment for a lot of people and businesses, so could this turn them away? Perhaps it was a one-off, but either way, it’s not the way anyone would want to start their trip.

Some were also impacted by the air traffic control issues at UK airports – but the PMF team, which arrived at the departure terminal at Frankfurt Airport earlier than planned in case of problems, managed to pass security, catch a slightly delayed flight, and arrived back at the intended destination of Heathrow only half an hour later than scheduled.

Opening day

To the event itself, beautiful warm sunshine greeted visitors on the opening morning, and there was curious anticipation as to what this year’s event would have in store. There had been plenty of build-up material, teasers from exhibitors, but until the doors swung open and stands were seen in person, there was an element of mystery and surprise.

There was an immediate feel of familiarity; PMF has been to enough Automechanika Frankfurt events to know where the halls are, the media centre, the best places to eat and catch a breather!

PMF’s commercial team filled gaps in the schedule with meetings with suppliers, while press conferences were scheduled over two days. Ultimately, the objective is to come away with information, news, and stories that will interest readers.

Like two years ago, Schaeffler was the first press conference on the bill – where it announced that LuK, INA, and FAG brands will transition to fall under the Schaeffler brand.

Starting with FAG in the second quarter of next year, the company is confident that by uniting its aftermarket portfolio, it is simplifying access to a “broader ecosystem of products, services, and digital solutions” and that it will make the lives of customers easier because they will be able to “identify the right solutions, navigate the portfolio, and benefit from the full expertise of one trusted technology partner”.

However, Schaeffler says the product quality, specifications, part numbers, agreements, day-to-day business processes, and online catalogues will remain unchanged – as well as product labelling. Sales tools, training, and communication will be provided before each rollout step.

Brembo was next up, with its Greenance Plus Kit the main talking point. Comprising a new brake disc and pad designed to help reduce environmental impact, particulate emissions, and disc wear. This also included a brake fluid, developed with 84% bio-based materials and a reduced carbon footprint.

Brembo’s caliper portfolio has also been strengthened, with its remanufactured range now featuring an anti-corrosion treatment that, the company says, increases salt-spray resistance to 240 hours. This is in line with OE standards.

ZF Aftermarket presented several new solutions but also wanted to emphasise how “close partnerships, a broad technology portfolio, and a connected ecosystem” can help customers respond to a “rapidly changing market”.

ZF wants to help customers “resolve issues faster” and “manage increasing complexity more effectively”. It believes this can be achieved by combining remote vehicle data, diagnostics, workshop operations, and parts procurement.

From ZF to OSRAM, which presented a ‘road ready’ theme. Journalists were squeezed onto the stand, with a comprehensive round-up of its lighting and accessories displayed and demonstrated by company experts on a makeshift but well-lit garage.

OSRAM’s NIGHT BREAKER LED H11 ECE bulbs received an Automechanika Innovation nomination, recognition for how the company is assisting the change in vehicle lighting and move to road-legal LED bulbs.

After racking up 22,000 steps and 16km of walking – some of which was clocked up mistakenly after taking a wrong turn out of the hotel that morning – PMF was glad of a rest and a ‘hydration break’. Step forward, UFI Filters, which offered an aperitif courtesy of the UFI chairman to the automotive media.

UFI used Automechanika Frankfurt as a platform to launch transmission filters to the market. An integral part of the gearbox system, transmission filters protect the hydraulic circuit by capturing particles and impurities that may accumulate over time. This ensures transmission oil remains clean and the system runs smoothly.

UFI is confident its transmission filters optimise operating costs, comprise reliable technology, boast extensive OE replacement coverage, and offer great performance.

This marked the end of a long and intense first day.

The day after

Following a hearty meal and more hydration at a local German restaurant the night before, breakfast was a light and muted affair – but the walk to Messe Frankfurt, again bathed in warm sunshine, and subsequent cup of coffee in the media centre brought energy levels back up.

The day began with another press conference – this one at ALLDATA Europe, the provider of original vehicle manufacturer information. The company announced enhancements to its ALLDATA Repair platform.

Among them was Quick Specifications, which allows users to find commonly used vehicle data – information like torque settings, oil grades, fluid capacities, tyre pressures, and timing configurations. This information can now be accessed from any diagnostic device, laptop, tablet, or phone with an internet connection.

ALLDATA also introduced Diagnostic Intelligence to the assembled press. It combines original VM repair information, real-world repair intelligence, and AI-assisted insights into one single diagnostic workflow. The hope is that this will create a more structured, faster, and more confident diagnostic process, which will create quicker, more accurate repairs.

Every day is a school day!

While meetings and press conferences are always scheduled, some of the best conversations are actually those that are spontaneous; for example, the sight of an alternator being sprayed with water on SEG Automotive’s stand prompted a quizzical look and a laugh from a member of staff!

He explained that this was a 48V boost recuperation machine water spray test – an important validation procedure that ensures the unit’s environmental resilience. Every day is a school day!

With Suplex the destination of PMF’s final meeting – look at for this company in the coming months – the long walk back to the media centre was a time for reflection. Automechanika Frankfurt is a place to get business done; walking through the halls, it was clear from handshakes and deals being signed that the biannual event remains a pivotal part of the automotive calendar.

More than 112,000 trade visitors from a staggering 173 countries visited over the five days – a reminder that face-to-face, personal interaction is still very much wanted. Automechanika Frankfurt is indeed the industry’s meeting place.

What’s more, over 4,600 of those that entered the Messe were students and apprentices. In an era of AI, software, connected cars, driver assistance systems and alternative drive systems, these are the technologies the next generation need to see, feel and engage with. With the industry crying out for new, young talent, it was great to see the stars of the future immersed in what Automechanika Frankfurt had to offer.

Back to the present, this year’s instalment of Automechanika Frankfurt served as a reminder why this international show is must-see. It gives motor factors a front-row seat to change. It is the perfect forum to stay informed, competitive and inspired for the future.