IAA Mobility is the modern continuation of the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, the world's oldest international automotive fair held in Germany since 1897. Relocated from Frankfurt to Munich in 2021 and repositioned around the mobility concept, the fair brings together a broad ecosystem covering not just cars, but e-bikes, urban mobility, autonomous vehicle technologies, battery and charging infrastructure.
The 2026 edition takes place September 9–14 across two distinct venues: Messe München (B2B area, IAA Summit) and Munich city center (Open Space — public experience area). This hybrid format makes IAA an unrivaled mobility festival worldwide.
Strategic Importance for Turkish Automotive Supply Industry
Turkey is the third-largest supplier to the European automotive supply industry. Turkish companies play a critical role in the Tier-1 and Tier-2 supply chains of OEMs like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Renault. The IAA Summit is the single point for face-to-face meetings with these OEMs' procurement teams.
Especially with the electrification trend, Turkish firms have captured major opportunities in battery cells, BMS (Battery Management System), thermal management, e-motor components, light metal casting, and plastic injection. In 2026, the EU's new Internal Market Smart Border Regulation (CBAM) has reinforced the preference for nearshore suppliers.
Main Themes 2026
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is at the summit's center. The transition from CCS2 to megawatt charging system, V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) integration, and standardization debates take the spotlight. Germany's target of 1 million public charging points by 2030 creates new business areas for the sector.
Autonomous driving Level 3-4 launches are intensifying. Level 3 vehicles from brands like BMW, Mercedes and VW are on the market in the 2026 model year; Level 4 robotaxi pilot programs (especially in Munich and Hamburg) will be showcased. Sensor fusion, LiDAR, AI processor categories are on Tier-1 procurement lists.
Light electric mobility (e-bike, e-scooter, cargo bike) will occupy a large portion of Open Space. In this category, the European market entry process is accelerating for Turkish manufacturers.
Stand and Participation Strategy
IAA Mobility offers two participation types: B2B Summit (Messe München) and Open Space (city center). The Summit is mandatory for supply industry suppliers; Open Space is meaningful for firms building consumer brands. Summit stand rental is €420–600 per square meter; total cost for an average supplier stand (24 m²) is around €35,000–55,000.
OSD (Automotive Manufacturers Association) and TAYSAD (Vehicle Sub-Industry Manufacturers Association) coordinate Turkish national participation. Registration for 2026 is open until end of May. The national pavilion provides 30-40% savings compared to individual participation and adds Turkey Brand Pavilion visibility.
Appointments and Networking
Pre-appointments are mandatory for OEM procurement meetings at IAA. Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis accept applications via supplier portals 4-6 months before the fair. For Tier-1 suppliers (Bosch, Continental, ZF, Magna), direct LinkedIn outreach or networking through OSD is required.
The networking event Mobility Night (September 10) brings together approximately 3,000 industry professionals in Munich city center; being a stand owner or accredited press is required for invitation.
Munich and Accommodation
Istanbul–Munich direct flight takes 2.5 hours. Messe München is 25 minutes from the city center by metro (U2 line). During fair week, Munich hotels exceed capacity; nearby cities like Augsburg, Ingolstadt or Salzburg can be alternatives (30-90 minutes by train). Reservations must be made at least 5 months in advance.
Early September weather in Munich is around 15-22 degrees; evenings can be cool. Also, Oktoberfest 2026 begins on September 18 — 4 days after the fair ends. Some participants leverage this opportunity for extended business trips.
Conclusion
IAA Mobility is the most important platform where Turkish automotive supply industry connects with European OEMs and the electrification ecosystem. With proper preparation (8-12 months), a strong technical portfolio presentation, ready certification documents (IATF 16949, ASPICE), and an aggressive post-fair follow-up strategy, the ROI return on IAA investment is high within 12-18 months. The 2026 fair will determine Turkish firms' chances of being part of the electrification value chain as the EU counts down to its 2035 ICE ban.
