Industry comes together at best-ever Automechanika

Automechanika Birmingham 2025 marked a watershed moment for the UK automotive industry

Automechanika Birmingham 2025 marked a watershed moment for the UK automotive industry, as the event welcomed more than 15,000 visitors for the first time in its history – a significant milestone that underscored the sector’s resilience, growth and appetite for innovation. Thousands of professionals from across the aftermarket and supply chain united at the NEC for three packed days of innovation, training, networking, business opportunities and inspiration.

Record-breaking attendance, jam-packed halls and exciting new features signal Automechanika as the national gathering place to tackle aftermarket challenges, attract new talent, learn, network and meet customers both new and old. 

The 2025 edition brought together over 15,000 visitors with more than 7,000 garages, bodyshops, and detailers. The audience enjoyed an unparalleled range of exhibitors and content, with over 550 suppliers from more than 35 countries, and the highest ever ratings for live demonstrations, training and face-to-face engagement, the event confirmed its status as the national meeting place for the sector. With over 70% of space already booked for the 2027 edition, the show has cemented its position as the go-to platform for face-to-face business. The appetite for in-person connection has never been stronger.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, said: “Automechanika Birmingham is now firmly established as the UK’s unmissable event for the aftermarket sector and automotive supply chain. At a time of significant transformation for the industry, it provides a vital platform to come together, share ideas, attract new talent and unlock future opportunities.”

A major new addition this year was Motorvate – a feature space designed to ignite interest and careers in automotive among students, apprentices and early career professionals. With competitions, insightful talks and hands-on experiences running throughout the show, it delivered a bold new vision for inspiring the next generation.

The show also saw the return of the Aftermarket Hub, Modern Garage, Workshop Hub and Paint & Spray Live, alongside fan favourites such as Vehicle Detailing Live and Body Repair Live, all delivering over 150 hours of free training sessions and covering topics including diagnostics, EV servicing, ADAS calibration, business development and more. Also featured was Innovation4Mobility, an educational theatre highlighting the future of connected and sustainable automotive technologies, further enriching the event’s focus on forward-thinking solutions.

Kevan Wooden, CEO LKQ UK & Ireland said: “Automechanika Birmingham is a must-attend event in the automotive calendar, as it showcases a thriving aftermarket with a promising future. It’s more important than ever for the sector to pull together in retaining and attracting future talent, and our participation in the Motorvate programme highlighted the exciting career opportunities available to all. “We’re fully committed to ensuring technicians of every level are equipped with the latest skills so the aftermarket can thrive long into the future, which is reflected via our award-winning training initiatives at LKQ Academy centres across the UK.

“From welcoming fresh talent at our Motorvate stand, to promoting our extensive range and services, and engaging with loyal and new customers on our Emotive and Modern Garage stands, the event was a huge success from start to finish.”

“Automechanika Birmingham 2025 was an outstanding event for the aftermarket sector,” added Mark Hallam, Head of Marketing ZF Aftermarket UK. “It gave us the perfect opportunity to engage directly with workshops, distributors, and industry professionals, while showcasing our latest product innovations and services. The quality of the audience and the relevance of the content made it one of the most valuable events in the calendar. We’re proud to have been a Gold Sponsor and are already looking forward to returning – it’s an unmissable date for anyone serious about the UK aftermarket.”

Networking remained a core element of the event, with standout moments including the Women in Automotive Drinks Reception, IAAF Networking Drinks, and the SMMT Meet the Buyer programme that facilitated high-level procurement conversations.

Another new stand-out feature for this year was the Thirty Under 30 Awards, hosted on the Motorvate Ignite Arena, recognising the brightest young talent in the industry, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. Meanwhile, the Garage Awards, hosted by the IAAF and supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts, celebrated excellence across the independent aftermarket.

Exhibitors across the show floor shared a plethora of product launches, innovations and solutions, many offering added-value services to support their customers in real-time.

Gold Customers within the Automechanika Lovers programme for this year’s event included: Autel, Bosch, Elring, Launch Tech UK, Mann + Hummel, Stanley, TecAlliance, Walker and ZF Aftermarket, all demonstrating exceptional commitment, innovation and leadership across the global Automechanika platform.

Joanne Knowles, Event Director at Messe Frankfurt, commented: “This year’s Automechanika Birmingham has been our strongest yet, not only in numbers, but in energy, ambition and impact. The feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been incredible, and we’re delighted to have delivered a show that continues to sit at the heart of the UK automotive calendar. The industry has chosen Automechanika as the place to come together, to tackle its biggest challenges, celebrate success and shape a stronger future.”

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