The automotive world is one brimming with enthusiasm, business, and passion. It is a world where many aspects of motoring collide, and an auto trade show is the very tip of that iceberg. These events serve as crucial networking opportunities, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers, all eager to showcase the latest hits within the industry.
When attending these, you’ll meet everyone—those who drive cars, those who build cars, those who maintain cars, and those who repair them. You’ll introduce yourself to a platform intended to form industry connections, gain high-tier knowledge, and stay ahead of the competition.
So, if you want to know which essential auto shows you should be aware of, you’ve come to the right place! This article will highlight the most important expos, their impact on the industry, and how attending them can reshape your business prospects!
Why Automotive Parts Trade Shows Are Critical for Aftermarket Business Growth
Owning a business in the automotive aftermarket parts niche makes attending trade shows as essential as a chef visiting a Michelin-starred culinary event.
These events bring together like-minded professionals, business people, suppliers, and traders, offering the chance to discover new products, trends, and innovations shaping the entire industry.
Auto shows feature expert speakers, hands-on workshops, and insightful panels that can elevate business growth. Plus, they provide a valuable opportunity to assess competitors and refine market positioning.
They offer something for every business professional, making them a must-attend event. Don’t miss the opportunity!
The 10 Most Popular Auto Trade Shows in 2025
| No. | Show | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEMA | November 4–8, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA |
| 2 | Automechanika | September 8–12, 2025 | Frankfurt, Germany |
| 3 | AAPEX | November 4–6, 2025 | Las Vegas, USA |
| 4 | Automec | April 7-11, 2025 | São Paulo, Brazil |
| 5 | China Int. Auto Parts Expo | October 14–16, 2025 | Shanghai, China |
| 6 | The Tire Cologne | June 24–26, 2025 | Cologne, Germany |
| 7 | Japan Mobility Show | Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2025 | Tokyo, Japan |
| 8 | Texas Auto Body Trade Show | September 12–13, 2025 | Allen, USA |
| 9 | Int. Amsterdam Motor Show | April 17–21, 2025 | AMS, The Netherlands |
| 10 | NA Int. Auto Show | January 10–20, 2025 | Detroit, USA |
Must-Attend Automotive Trade Shows for Professionals in 2025
Now it’s time to mention all the big hitters, the biggest automotive trade shows for aftermarket parts retailers you can find in 2025, so take notes, and start planning.
SEMA Show (Las Vegas, USA)
- Date & Location: November 4–8, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada, USA.
- Official Website: SEMA Show Official Website
- Target Audience: Custom automotive industry professionals, including tuners, aftermarket parts suppliers, and automotive influencers.
There is arguably no other North American International auto event as big and as popular as SEMA (Nevada USA). It is a premier North American international auto event for the custom automotive industry where innovative products, influencers, and the very best of tuning come together to make a huge celebration of the motor vehicle.
The SEMA show attracts industry leaders and professionals from all across the world, offering a platform for networking events and business exploration. It is likely one of the very best places for discovering new aftermarket parts and tuning accessories on the planet.
With over 2,300 trade show displays, millions of attendees, all the vehicles you can think of, and the latest custom vehicle trends and modifications, the Las Vegas Convention Center Sema show offers a unique opportunity for all professionals and die-hard enthusiasts.
Automechanika (Frankfurt, Germany)
- Date & Location: September 8–12, 2025, at Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Official Website: Automechanika Frankfurt Official Website
- Target Audience: Global manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals focusing on parts, accessories, repair, and maintenance.
Likely the biggest European aftermarket automotive event, Automechanika (Frankfurt, Germany) is held biennially in Germany. It attracts global manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals, showcasing innovations in parts, accessories, repair, and maintenance.
Automechanika is a premier event with an expansive variety of exhibitors for parts, components, and equipment. Compared to SEMA, Automechanika is more about the business and technical side of aftermarket services, while SEMA leans heavily into customization, performance, and car culture.
This means that Automechanika is more tailored for B2B networking, sustainability, and future mobility trends, all of which are essential for running an aftermarket parts business in the modern age.
AAPEX (Las Vegas, USA)
- Date & Location: November 4–6, 2025, at The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, USA.
- Official Website: AAPEX Show Official Website
- Target Audience: Automotive aftermarket professionals, including parts suppliers, retailers, and distributors, with a focus on the North American market.
The APPEX (Las Vegas, USA) show is more closely related to Automechanika than SEMA, but with a clear North American focus whereas Automechanika serves as a more global hub for car aftermarket services. This means that attending AAPEX is mostly for those who want to create a footprint in the NA market with NA customers and businesses.
This does not mean that the AAPEX automotive event also isn’t global, but rather that it is ideal for finding auto repair parts, tools, and tech solutions, for US-based suppliers and businesses.
Automec (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Date & Location: April 7–11, 2025, at São Paulo Expo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Official Website: Automec São Paulo Official Website
- Target Audience: Automotive aftermarket professionals, repair shops, and parts suppliers in the South American market.
Automec (São Paulo, Brazil) is the biggest automotive aftermarket trade show in Latin America (South America), primarily serving the Brazilian and South American markets. It focuses on auto parts, repair equipment, accessories, and service innovative solutions for vehicles, trucks, and even commercial vehicles.
With that said, Automec is a perfect place for exploring regional market opportunities. Automec also strongly focuses on mechanics, workshops, and repair shops, while AAPEX, for example, is more geared toward retailers and distributors.
China International Auto Parts Expo (Shanghai, China)
- Date & Location: October 14–16, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China.
- Official Website: CIAPE Official Website
- Target Audience: Global automotive parts suppliers, manufacturers, and professionals interested in China’s automotive market.
If you want to explore one of the largest automotive markets on the planet, you should consider booking a ticket for the Shanghai China International Auto Parts Expo (China) (CIAPE) as this is the hotspot for Asia’s booming auto parts sector.
CIAPE is also very valuable for those looking for valuable connections with suppliers and manufacturers directly. Compared to SEMA (customization-focused), CIAPE highlights China’s role as a global production hub, showcasing the latest manufacturing, supply chain, and export opportunities.
It also is one of the very few expos out there that focus both on OEM and aftermarket sectors at the same time.
The Tire Cologne (Cologne, Germany)
- Date & Location: June 24–26, 2025, at Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany.
- Official Website: The Tire Cologne Official Website
- Target Audience: Tire manufacturers, retailers, and automotive professionals focusing on tire technology and markets.
The Tire Cologne (Germany) is one of the most important, if not the most important international events that focus on all things tires. Attending it is an excellent proposition for retailers expanding into wheel and tire sales.
The show emphasizes eco-friendly tire technologies, retreading solutions, and recycling processes, setting it apart from events like SEMA, which leans more toward performance and customization.
Even though it is primarily EU-centric, it is still a great place for everyone looking for a piece of the European tire market.
Japan Mobility Show (Tokyo, Japan)
- Date & Location: Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan.
- Official Website: Japan Mobility Show Official Website
- Target Audience: Automotive manufacturers, technology companies, and professionals interested in mobility innovations, EVs, and smart transportation.
Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the Japan Mobility Show (Tokyo) serves as a key platform for Japanese automakers, technology companies, EV automakers, concept cars, and all things surrounding broad automotive mobility innovation.
Unlike Automechanika (aftermarket-focused) or SEMA (customization-focused), the Japan Mobility Show tends to emphasize next-gen transportation, AI, EVs, and smart mobility.
It is a great place to familiarize your business with the future of mobility and what could be the next big thing in the industry of the future.
Texas Auto Body Trade Show (USA)
- Date & Location: September 12–13, 2025, at Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center, Allen, Texas, USA.
- Official Website: Texas Auto Body Trade Show Official Website
- Target Audience: Auto body shops, repair professionals, suppliers, and equipment specialists.
At the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center, the Texas Auto Trade Show is an annual two-day event intended to bolster and advance the automotive repair industry across Texas and the Southwest NA region.
The main benefits of attending the Texas Auto Body Trade Show for professionals are the ability to engage in educational seminars, hands-on competitions, and networking opportunities.
It’s also a great place to showcase tools and take part in competitions for painters, estimators, and body technicians, offering participants the chance to showcase their skills and win significant prizes.
From a B2B perspective, automotive trade shows such as these focus primarily on auto body shops, auto body association reps, repair professionals, suppliers, and equipment specialists.
International Amsterdam Motor Show (IAMS)
- Date & Location: April 17–21, 2025, at RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Official Website: IAMS Official Website
- Target Audience: Automotive enthusiasts, production companies, and professionals interested in high-performance vehicles and automotive innovations.
Like Japan’s Mobility Show, the International Amsterdam Motor Show (IAMS) is also a heavy hitter within the global automotive community.
IAMS is known for its focus on the latest developments, new vehicles, and prominent brands in automotive and mobility, offering attendees insights into cutting-edge technologies and designs.
IAMS is also known for its supercar/hypercar and concept cars culture which brings in lots of capital and enthusiastic buyers from all around the world. Business-wise, IAMS is mostly attended by car parts distributors, suppliers, and service providers wanting to connect with European high-end industry leaders.
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
- Date and Location: January 10–20, 2025, at Huntington Place and Hart Plaza, Detroit, USA
- Official Website: https://detroitautoshow.com/
- Target Audience: OEMs, suppliers, investors, and industry professionals.
Held in Detroit, the heart of the U.S. auto industry, NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show) is widely known for revealing groundbreaking vehicle models, industry innovations, and advanced mobility solutions, similar to the Japan Mobility Show. The event brings together major NA automakers, technology pioneers, and thought leaders to showcase the latest in EVs, autonomous driving, and sustainable motoring.
NAIAS also has a strong luxury and performance car presence, featuring exclusive supercar and hypercar reveals that attract high-net-worth buyers and global collectors. From concept cars to production-ready models, the show serves as a key platform for brands looking to make a lasting impact.
Business-wide, NAIAS is usually targeted at OEMs, suppliers, investors, and industry professionals seeking strategic partnerships in North America’s automotive market.
How to Find the Best Trade Show to Grow Your Business
There are many things one can consider when choosing between these, and it’s completely understandable to want to attend them all, but if you had to choose, here’s how to do it.
Consider key factors like location, target audience, exhibitor list, business plans, and costs to ensure the best ROI. Prioritize events that align with your product focus—whether performance parts, general accessories, or the repair industry. Plan by booking accommodations, creating a schedule, and setting clear goals to maximize networking and opportunities.
It would also be a good idea to simply take a bit of time and watch a few YouTube videos, read a few articles, and even start networking immediately to get a broad understanding of which one of these will suit your ventures best.
All of these shows have newsletters which you should subscribe to to always be in the loop about each of these.
Expert Tips for Making the Most of Your Next Car Trade Show
When you decide your next course of action and which of these you’ll attend, it would also be a good idea to maximize your trade show experience, both from an enthusiast’s standpoint and from a business standpoint.
First, be sure to do your pre-snow research. Do your due diligence and find out who is going to attend the show in question, which exhibitors are prioritized, and which sessions you must attend. Also, try to grasp the scale of the entire event and be smart about organizing what you’ll check out and when.
You should also arm yourself with business cards, product catalogs, and everything about your business that might be appealing to like-minded attendees. Practice your networking strategies, keep track of who you talk to, learn the big faces beforehand, and finish by converting leads into fruitful long-term partnerships.
Is It Worth Attending an Automotive Expo? Here’s Why
The Experience
Among many things, if you are a car enthusiast or work within the car industry in any way shape, or form, attending these will offer you insights into the industry and the people that nothing else can match.
B2B Opportunities
From a venture perspective, an auto show is a perfect fit since it brings in international and national automobile dealer associations, aftermarket auto parts industry leaders, specialty equipment market associations, and everything you can think of when it comes to business partnerships.
Valuable Insights
Product innovations, EV technology, the latest products, educational sessions, the global community, etc. A trade show is a place where you can get the very latest insights into pretty much every corner of the industry.
Competitors
With an expansive list of various companies and individuals that tend to attend these, an auto trade show is also a perfect place to gauge your competition and how vast or competitive a specific industry niche might be.
New Vehicles
Many of these shows also showcase cutting edge new vehicles, new design trends, seminars, the latest trends in alternative fuels, and all kinds of “new” concepts, ideas, and prospects, many of which could become the golden standard one day.
New Skills
Auto Trade Shows also offer various event features, hands on workshops, working with the latest technology, hands on training, and cutting edge tools, all of which will equip you to dominate your industry.
Conclusion – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Absolutely. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a business professional, automotive trade shows are invaluable for exploring industry trends, and maximizing your growth opportunities.
Choosing the right events allows you to connect with industry experts, explore new products, and strengthen supplier relationships, ensuring a competitive edge in the aftermarket sector.
At Nanjing Woda Auto Technology Co., Ltd, we leverage 25 years of experience to provide high-quality, one-stop procurement services for engine, ignition, electrical, exhaust, and suspension systems. With a global reach in over 100 countries, we ensure competitive pricing, reliable logistics, and expert after-sales support to help businesses expand and thrive.
If you’re looking for trusted sourcing and strong industry connections, we’re here to help. Working together, growing together, and achieving success together.
