Messe Frankfurt is significantly expanding its worldwide automotive exhibition portfolio, with the flagship Festival of Motoring show, a long-time South African favourite, leading the charge into Australia.
The expansion also includes two new Automechanika aftermarket shows in key emerging markets.
The popular Festival of Motoring (FoM), hosted annually at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand since 2016, will be replicated in Sydney, Australia, starting next year.
The original FoM show is a staple for local enthusiasts because it uniquely combines high-end car exhibitions, auto lifestyle displays, and thrilling opportunities to be driven on the famous Kyalami track.
The new Australian edition is scheduled for November 20–22 at Sydney Motorsport Park. Messe Frankfurt is partnering with Michel Malik to bring the event to life. Malik, the global publisher of BodyShop News and presenter of the long-running World on Wheels radio programme, is a key figure in this launch.
Michel Malik commented on the choice of venue: “Holding it at Sydney Motorsport Park was a no-brainer thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class racing circuits.”
This partnership is particularly relevant to our readers, as BodyShop News Africa is published under license with BodyShop News Global.
In addition to the Festival of Motoring expansion, Messe Frankfurt is boosting its industrial trade show presence with two new Automechanika shows:
Automechanika Jakarta (September 24–27, 2026)
This new aftermarket show is set to better serve the ASEAN region, which encompasses major markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Messe Frankfurt already has a presence in the region with shows in Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City.
Automechanika Baku (March 3–5, 2027)
This event will open in Azerbaijan, strategically located on the "New Silk Road." The region holds immense potential for the automotive sector due to its relatively low levels of motorisation and its proximity to massive markets such as China.
The global expansion signals Messe Frankfurt's confidence in the motoring sector, using successful African models like the Festival of Motoring as a template for international growth.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
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