Welcome to IAA Mobility!
- Michael Levet
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
IAA Mobility returns to Munich as the industry stage where vehicle makers and technology firms set the agenda for the months ahead. This article previews the themes likely to dominate conversations on the show floor, highlights the manufacturers and suppliers expected to make headlines and shows where Chinese OEMs are focusing their efforts.
SBD Automotive has a team of five experts on site to connect, collaborate and uncover what is next for the industry. We will be meeting with clients, exploring breakthrough technologies and strengthening partnerships throughout the week. IAA Mobility was last held in 2023 and showcased concepts such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. SBD Automotive identified several standout trends that year, including Sustainable Manufacturing, Generative Artificial Intelligence and 800-volt architecture. Additional developments focused on vehicle interiors, with minimalist designs, evolving screen layouts, driver monitoring systems, dimmable glass and advances in battery management all drawing attention. For IAA Mobility 2025, near-production-ready versions of those concepts are expected to debut, including the BMW iX3 built on the Neue Klasse platform and Volkswagen’s affordable Electric Urban Car Family.
Who to expect in 2025?
In 2023, around 30% of the total number of companies exhibiting at IAA had their main HQ based in Germany. Around 10% of exhibiting companies were from the United States of America and 9% from China. In 2025, based on current exhibitor listings, SBD has estimated that around 15% of the companies in attendance will be from China (grown from 9%) showing that the Chinese automotive industry continues to use IAA Mobility as a platform to promote market entry into Europe.
Likewise, there will be similarities in the industries and technologies exhibited in 2025 compared to 2023. In 2025, Suppliers of Vehicle Chassis, Powertrain, and Drivetrain Components are expected to continue to be the most well represented industry, followed by software and application developers and touch and interior electronics companies. In 2025, Micromobility and EV charging are not expected to be as well represented.
2025 announcements and themes
SBD Automotive is expecting Software Defined Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence, ADAS and connectivity to be key themes at IAA 2025. Suppliers of Vehicle Chassis, Powertrain, and Drivetrain Components are expected to be the most well represented industries, with Micromobility and EV Charging taking a lesser role. Notable IAA announcements so far:
BMW are expected to unveil the iX3 Neue Klasse.
Volkswagen have confirmed the launch of the ID.2X, electric crossover and Hyundai have announced that the Ioniq 2 concept will be revealed at IAA 2025.
Bosch will exhibit an extensive portfolio of intelligent mobility technologies including semiconductors, sensors, modular ADAS systems, and a new take on ‘bring your own device’ with digital.auto.
ZF will showcase its latest products for Vehicle Motion Control, E-Mobility, Driver Assistance Systems and Safety Systems (ZF LIFETEC).
LG Electronics will be announcing new content partnerships at IAA Mobility 2025 for their infotainment ecosystem
Qualcomm are expected to announce a new advanced driver-assistance system. It has been noted in other media outlets that this is a long awaited system.
There will be more OEMs exhibiting in 2025 compared to 2023:
OEMS | IAA 2023 Exhibitor | IAA 2025 Exhibitor |
|---|---|---|
212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., LTD | ✗ | ✓ |
AITO | ✗ | ✓ |
Audi | ✓ | ✓ |
AVATR | ✓ | ✓ |
Bako Motors | ✗ | ✓ |
BMW AG | ✓ | ✓ |
BYD | ✓ | ✓ |
Changan Co., Ltd | ✗ | ✓ |
Cupra | ✓ | ✓ |
Denza | ✓ | ✗ |
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. | ✗ | ✓ |
Ford | ✓ | ✓ |
Forthing | ✓ | ✗ |
GAC | ✗ | ✓ |
Genesis Motor Deutschland GmbH | ✗ | ✓ |
Hyundai Motor Company | ✗ | ✓ |
HONGQI | ✗ | ✓ |
HiPhi | ✓ | ✗ |
Honda | ✓ | ✗ |
Kia Deutschland GmbH | ✗ | ✓ |
Leapmotor | ✓ | ✓ |
Linktour | ✗ | ✓ |
Lotus | ✓ | ✓ |
Lucid Motors | ✓ | ✓ |
Mercedes-AMG | ✗ | ✓ |
Mercedes-Benz | ✓ | ✓ |
Mini | ✓ | ✓ |
MG | ✓ | ✗ |
NIXXEN Van | ✗ | ✓ |
Opel Automobile GmbH | ✓ | ✓ |
O&J Automotive | ✗ | ✓ |
Polestar | ✓ | ✓ |
Porsche | ✓ | ✓ |
Renault | ✓ | ✓ |
Smart Europe | ✓ | ✓ |
SERES | ✓ | ✗ |
Togg | ✗ | ✓ |
Tesla | ✓ | ✗ |
Volkswagen AG | ✓ | ✓ |
Volvo Car Germany GmbH | ✗ | ✓ |
XPENG | ✓ | ✓ |
What does the team think?
"The 2025 IAA Mobility demonstrates a clear shift from concept-focused showcases, as seen in IAA 2023, to production-ready products and technologies. OEMs and suppliers are now emphasizing technology implementation and consumer usability over the technology itself, signaling greater consumer readiness and acceptance.
Also, EVs and connected vehicle technologies are increasingly transitioning from premium segments to volume models. Brands like Volkswagen and Hyundai are presenting volume-market EVs, broadening access to these advanced technologies for a wider consumer base. Overall, IAA 2025 appears promising in terms of technological adoption, with the potential to address critical gaps in mobility and accelerate the transition toward more connected, sustainable, and accessible mobility solutions."
“The increased presence of Chinese exhibitors and delegates at this year’s event is to be expected as they look to increase their market share in Europe. Will the innovations unveiled by European exhibitors raise the bar to those market expansion ambitions? We're looking forward to finding out”
Meet Our Team @ IAA Mobility 2025
SBD Automotive is heading to IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich with a team of five experts ready to connect, collaborate, and uncover what’s next for the industry. We’ll be meeting with clients, exploring breakthrough technologies, and strengthening partnerships throughout the week.
We’ll also be capturing the most important trends and announcements in our IAA Premium Event Report. If you want to ensure you get time with our experts while we’re on-site, reach out now to secure your meeting.