Automechanika Birmingham 2025 has marked a watershed moment for the UK automotive industry, welcoming more than 15,000 visitors for the first time in its history.

The record-breaking attendance underscored the sector’s resilience and appetite for innovation as thousands of professionals from across the aftermarket and supply chain united at the NEC for three days of training, networking and business opportunities.

The 2025 edition brought together over 7,000 garages, bodyshops and detailers alongside more than 550 suppliers from over 35 countries.

With 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.

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.

“The show also saw the return of popular features including the Aftermarket Hub, Modern Garage, Workshop Hub and Paint & Spray Live, collectively delivering over 150 hours of free training sessions covering diagnostics, EV servicing, ADAS calibration and business development.

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.”

Mark Hallam, head of marketing ZF Aftermarket UK, added: “Automechanika Birmingham 2025 was an outstanding event for the aftermarket sector. 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.

The Thirty Under 30 Awards, hosted on the Motorvate Ignite Arena, recognised the brightest young talent in the industry, while the Garage Awards celebrated excellence across the independent aftermarket.

Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt, said: “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.”