Industry: Auto shower IAA is getting bigger – more Chinese exhibitors

The international car show IAA in Munich is growing this year and presents significantly more Chinese manufacturers. The number of exhibitors from the People’s Republic will increase by about 40 percent compared to the 2023 IAA, as the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Munich trade fair reported.

In total, over 700 exhibitors at the IAA are expected from September 9th to 14 Among them are a good 30 actual car manufacturers, about a third more than two years ago. Several Chinese companies are represented for the first time.

The Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai have returned to the IAA. A prominent name is missing: the US electric car maker Tesla. Since the show officially called “IAA Mobility” is no longer an exclusive car show, Deutsche Bahn, the bicycle industry and some are not associated with the auto industry will also be represented.

Chinese industry is looking for their salvation in export

The fact that the Chinese auto industry, which suffers from overprodiation, price battles and bad business figures in their home market, wants to reinforce their export offensive in Europe is already recognizable by the public presence in downtown Munich: In addition to the German manufacturers, several Chinese companies have also booked large stands, and BYD has reserved 15 places for test cars alone.

“Signal of strength and confidence”

The German manufacturers who suffered primarily because of the losses in China under sales declines do not want to leave the stage to Chinese competition and will also present innovations and new models. VDA managing director Jürgen Mindel announced “a signal of strength and confidence”.

Overall, the IAA visitors with 231 different models from the participating manufacturers will be able to do test drives, as Mindel said. The majority are electric cars, but also some vehicles with a hybrid engine, but not cars with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Doubts about the fair disappear

The IAA is already a success for the VDA as the main organizer. Apart from protests by the environmental associations, there have also been doubts in the car industry in recent years whether traditional trade fairs are still worthwhile. One reason for the move from Frankfurt to Munich in 2021 was the lower resonance. The increased number of participating manufacturers is now a sign that the IAA finds greater encouragement in the international auto industry.

Mindel’s words gave little doubt that the IAA will continue to take place in Bavaria in the future and does not return to Frankfurt: “We want to and will continue this success story together,” said the managing director. However, an official decision has not yet been announced.