Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 concluded at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand after three days of business matchmaking, technical exchange and industry dialogue.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa from 27 to 29 October, the 11th edition welcomed 4,519 visitors and 317 exhibitors, with 2,837 business matchmaking meetings and 298 conference delegates underscoring its role in connecting the automotive aftermarket.

“Automechanika Johannesburg is where the automotive aftermarket turns ambition into action,” says Michael Dehn, managing director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa.

“By bringing buyers, suppliers and industry leaders together, we create opportunities to strengthen supply chains, build technical expertise and unlock business growth. Our focus is to help the industry translate these connections into lasting commercial value across African markets.”

Connecting businesses across borders

The exhibition brought manufacturers, suppliers, workshop professionals and buyers together across parts and components, repair and maintenance, electronics, accessories, tyres and wheels, offering opportunities to explore products and develop supplier relationships.

Visitors attended from South Africa and international markets including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Germany, China, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. The geographical reach complemented an exhibition spanning the automotive value chain, bringing regional sourcing requirements into direct contact with local and international expertise.

Parts and components accounted for 45% of recorded product interests, followed by diagnostics and repair at 14%. Electronics and connectivity, alongside dealer and workshop management, each represented 9%, reflecting interest in both vehicle technology and business operations.

Investment and collaboration in focus

A fully attended CEO Breakfast opened the event, bringing industry leaders and decision-makers together. Discussions addressed localisation, skills, investment and African trade, positioning the aftermarket as an important contributor to industrial competitiveness, economic participation and safe, affordable mobility.

The gathering also provided a platform for Dehn to announce plans for an Automotive Incubator Highway connecting African markets and supply chains, inviting participation from governments, associations and businesses.

“Automechanika highlights the opportunities emerging across the automotive industry, particularly in components and the aftermarket,” says Siphamandla Ndhlovu, Head: Industrial and Manufacturing at Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking. “Turning those opportunities into growth takes investment, expertise and strong partnerships. At Nedbank, we work closely with businesses to understand their ambitions and help them invest, expand and compete in an evolving industry.”

Technical insight and expertise in action

Notable highlights included the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s regional conference, the Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association Tech-Talk Conference, and conferences hosted by Goldwagen and Global One Automotive Southern Africa.

Technical presentations, training and business insights complemented the exhibition, connecting industry discussion with the practical requirements of workshops, suppliers and transport businesses.

The MIWA SpannerTorque Pavilion united 12 companies and organisations from the independent aftermarket, including Bosch, GUD Holdings, Hella, ZF, Diesel Electric, MANN+HUMMEL, Right to Repair, Launch, Green Drive, Abes, Workshop Pro and Backdraft Cobra.

Visitors watched a vehicle take shape from the chassis upwards, with components assembled and dismantled to reveal the engineering behind its construction. The demonstration offered a close-up view of automotive systems alongside the wider exhibition’s product displays and supplier conversations.

Together, the matchmaking meetings, conference sessions and demonstrations combined commercial engagement with opportunities to share expertise across the sector. The programme placed business development alongside technical learning, giving participants several ways to engage with the changing automotive aftermarket.

Locked in for 2027

The 12th edition of Automechanika Johannesburg will take place from 26 to 28 October 2027 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand and will include product showcases, international pavilions, expert-led conferences, live demonstrations and networking.

Automechanika Johannesburg 2027 will take place from 26 – 28 October 2027.