History of the IAA
The IAA was founded in 1897 and has since developed into one of the most important fairs in the automotive industry. The first IAA took place at the Berlin Hotel Bristol, where eight motor cars were presented. Originally intended only for the German audience, the IAA quickly developed into an international event. In the following decades, the number of exhibitors and visitors grew steadily, making the fair an important date in the calendar of the automotive industry.
A decisive milestone was in 1951, when the IAA first moved to Frankfurt, where it established itself as the leading automotive exhibition in Europe. In 1991, it was divided into two separate events to meet the specific needs of the different market segments: IAA Mobility for passenger cars and general mobility and IAA Commercial Vehicles for trucks and transport solutions. This division allowed the different interests and requirements of the respective target groups to be addressed more specifically and specialised innovations and developments to be presented.
The secret of the IAA’s success lies in its ability to continuously adapt to the changes and requirements of the automotive industry. Innovation, flexibility and a strong network in the industry have contributed to the fact that it has always remained relevant. The International Motor Show has repeatedly offered a platform for groundbreaking technologies and new models, making it attractive to exhibitors and visitors alike.
Overview of the event
The IAA attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibitors from all over the world each year. It serves as a platform for networking industry experts, presenting new products and technologies, and engaging directly with potential customers.
Nowadays, electromobility is a central theme of the IAA. Many car manufacturers use the fair to present their latest electric vehicles and charging technologies. This includes all-electric models as well as hybrid vehicles. Examples of vehicles presented are the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S.
The IAA also offers a platform for the latest developments in the field of autonomous driving. Manufacturers showcase prototypes and technologies that enable autonomous driving, such as the Waymo autonomous vehicle fleet and the self-driving concepts of Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Sustainability is another central issue. The IAA presents environmentally friendly vehicle technologies, including hydrogen propulsion and sustainable production methods. Companies such as Toyota and Hyundai showcase their hydrogen vehicles, while BMW and Volkswagen focus on sustainable materials and production processes.
At the IAA, visitors can marvel at a variety of innovations and the latest vehicle models. These include concept vehicles that show future design trends and technologies, as well as series models that are about to be launched. In addition to vehicles, suppliers present their latest technologies and components that will be used in the next generations of vehicles. Visitors can also see historic vehicles that illustrate the development of the automotive industry, as well as special vehicles and tuning highlights.
The fairs are divided into several phases. First of all, there are special days for trade visitors and the press, where exclusive presentations and press conferences take place. This provides manufacturers with the opportunity to present their latest innovations to a selected audience and generate extensive reporting. The fair then opens its doors to the general public, who can visit the exhibitions, take part in test drives and participate in interactive experiences. In addition to the exhibitions, there are numerous lectures, workshops and round tables that provide visitors with a deeper insight into the various aspects of the automotive industry.
