IAA Mobility Expands and Remains in Munich for Future Editions

The IAA Mobility trade fair is set to grow significantly this year, with increased international participation compared to the previous event in 2023. According to Messe München and the VDA, the industry association organizing the event, space bookings for this year's fair are already surpassing those from two years ago. Notably, 54% of the registered exhibitors hail from abroad, marking a record high and an increase of approximately 5 percentage points from last year.

Asian exhibitors play a crucial role in this trend, with 68% of international participants originating from the region, accounting for about one-third of all exhibitors. A significant number of these are from China, with 103 exhibitors confirmed--a 33% increase compared to the previous event. Additionally, Korean automotive brands Hyundai and Kia are returning to the trade fair.

The demand for exhibition space in the Open Spaces--public areas in the city center designated for showcasing innovations--remains robust. Currently, more space is booked in these areas than was occupied in total last year. Proponents argue that these free-access exhibition zones open the fair to a broader audience, while critics view them as a commercialization of public space for corporate interests.

Looking ahead, Munich is likely to remain the host for future IAA events. Originally agreed to host three consecutive fairs, the arrangement appears poised to extend beyond this initial commitment, especially considering that the city council has already approved plans for future Open Spaces. The cooperation between the organizers and the city is expected to continue, with confidence expressed by the trade fair's management.

The IAA serves as a critical platform for the automotive industry, aiming to showcase technological advancements and industry strength. The VDA president emphasized the importance of this event in demonstrating the capabilities of the industry, which faces challenges such as declining profits and job reductions amid a competitive global market.

Economic factors are also significant, with the trade fair projected to generate substantial regional value, amounting to hundreds of millions of euros for Munich. This year's event will include opportunities for test drives, featuring 229 vehicles available for attendees--an increase of 25% from the last fair. There will also be a designated area on the A94 highway for autonomous driving demonstrations. In addition to automotive innovations, sections dedicated to cycling and micro-mobility are planned, including a four-kilometer test track for bicycles in the English Garden.

The IAA Mobility is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 14.