HighTech4Mobility – Future Technologies in the Automotive Aftermarket
With the format HighTech4Mobility, Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 put software-defined vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, energy management, in-car entertainment and cybersecurity in the spotlight for the first time. Software companies, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and experts from industry, academia and research discussed how these technologies are shaping the automotive aftermarket and the opportunities they create for the sector.
The aftermarket is an integral part of the SDV ecosystem. Maintenance, upgrades and data-based services open up new opportunities to create value. The transformation goes beyond technology: it is reshaping existing business models and creating opportunities for new offerings. At its 2026 premiere, HighTech4Mobility featured expert talks, practical use cases and plenty of opportunities to network. The Festhalle was the format’s central meeting point, with a dedicated lounge for industry discussions. The dialogue on technological developments will continue throughout the year, beyond the trade fair, together with partners such as HEY/PIONEER, Boston Consulting Group and Google Cloud.
Watch selected talks and panel discussions from HighTech4Mobility on Gateway to Automotive. Industry experts such as Philippe Colpron (ZF Aftermarket) and Philipp Große-Kleimann (MAHLE) discuss AI, new revenue models in aftersales and access to vehicle data.
International Meeting Points for the Mobility of Tomorrow
PIONEER Reception in Frankfurt
On September 10, 2026, Automechanika and HEY/PIONEER brought industry representatives together at the Festhalle in Frankfurt. In the panel “How Tech is Driving the Future of Mobility,” Tobias Liebelt (Benteler Mobility), Lasse Diener (Aufinity), Franck Leveque (CLEPA) and Felix-Matthias Walter (MAHLE) joined moderator Hans Hamer to discuss how technology is changing the mobility ecosystem. Guests continued the conversation during the networking and matchmaking session that followed.
BCG & Google keynote and panel
Also in September 2026, a keynote and panel discussion by BCG and Google Cloud at Automechanika Frankfurt explored how AI can deliver tangible value beyond pilot projects. Alexander Brenner and Christopher Dehnel (BCG), Michael Giangrande (Google), Philippe Colpron (ZF) and Jens Schüler (Schaeffler) discussed use cases such as dynamic spare parts pricing and automated warranty processes, as well as the role of employees, processes and change management.
Beyond Parts: How AI is reshaping the automotive aftermarket
Boston Consulting Group, Google Cloud and Automechanika held a webinar in May 2026 on AI in the automotive aftermarket. Alexander Brenner, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, and Franz Förster, AI Sales Specialist at Google Cloud, shared insights into how AI applications can make processes in the automotive industry more efficient and be successfully integrated into businesses. The webinar was moderated by Christopher Dehnel, also a Partner at Boston Consulting Group.
The HEY/PIONEER Reception also came to Las Vegas in January 2026. Under the theme “How Tech is Driving the Future of Mobility,” the event spotlighted forward-looking perspectives and practical innovations for mobility.
At the end of October 2025, the Innovation4Mobility Talk took place at the Google Cloud Space in Munich, in collaboration with Boston Consulting and Google. Topics included data-driven value creation, software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving and generative AI in the automotive aftermarket. Participants included representatives from Audi, eBay, ZF and Schaeffler.
The HEY/PIONEER Reception kicked off with an event in Berlin in September 2025. At a panel discussion at Borchardt, high-profile speakers from Google Cloud, Benteler Mobility and Motor AI discussed the future of mobility.
“In-depth dialogue with tech entrepreneurs and start-ups delivers decisive momentum for the continued development of our Automechanika trade fairs around the globe. The automotive aftermarket has the potential to play a pioneering role in the technological transformation – and that is precisely what we are aiming for here with our road show.”
“I love how this Reception succeeds in bringing together such a wide range of perspectives. Open dialogue is essential if we wish to achieve a shared understanding of transparency, accountability and applicable European standards for autonomous driving. In my opinion, this is the only way that we can continue to drive forward the greatest innovation the automotive industry has seen in recent decades.”
“The transition to software-defined vehicles requires companies to rethink everything. We are supporting this transformation with Google Cloud because it is a comprehensive platform that not only accelerates vehicle development and improves the customer experience, but also facilitates the optimisation of sales and aftersales operations.”
“Our experience has shown that autonomous driving can only succeed when numerous components work together. That is why we are not building a single vehicle, but rather an entire mobility ecosystem – by working together with partners who help to design the infrastructure, operation and financing.”
