Growing in Southeast Asia: Messe Frankfurt partners with GIAMM on Automechanika Jakarta debuting in 2026

Automechanika Jakarta
Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE), 24 – 27 September 2026

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During today's press conference, Messe Frankfurt announced the expansion of the Automechanika trade fair brand in Southeast Asia, highlighting Indonesia's advantages as an emerging economy with a robust automotive industry, the largest in Southeast Asia.^[1] With a Cooperation Agreement signed between Messe Frankfurt and the Indonesian Automotive Parts & Components Industries Association (GIAMM) to organise the fair, the partnership leverages a combination of international and local resources, networks and expertise to advance the sector. Scheduled from 24 to 27 September 2026 at Jakarta's all-new Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE), this inaugural event underscores the company's commitment to building trade platforms in high potential growth markets. The show expects to feature 350 exhibitors across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space. 

 

"Messe Frankfurt's presence in Southeast Asia continues to expand in efforts to support new trade routes burgeoning across the region. In this regard, Automechanika Jakarta is an important addition to the company's Mobility & Logistics portfolio. Indonesia has strong potential, especially within the automotive supply chain; shifts in investment towards the country's manufacturing and logistics sectors emphasise its significance in the global supply chain", commented Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of the Management, Messe Frankfurt Group. He added: "We look forward to working alongside GIAMM and utilising their local expertise to further develop international trade in the region while uniting the Indonesian automotive market."

The company organises around 40 trade fairs serving the Mobility & Logistics sector. Automechanika Jakarta represents the company's second entry into Indonesia, following the successful launch of Asiabike Jakarta in 2023, as well as the achievements of other regional Automechanika shows in Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Shanghai. While Indonesian companies have had an active presence in Messe Frankfurt's 14 Automechanika brand events, this new addition aims to establish a prominent gateway into the country, opening opportunities for international trade, industry development, and information exchange to support the growth and advancement of the budding regional automotive supply chain.

Mr Hamdhani Dzulkarnaen Salim, Chairman of GIAMM, explained why the country is a prime location for such activities: "Indonesia is well-positioned to become a significant player in the global automotive supply chain over the coming years. As an emerging economy with government incentives supporting industry transformation and bolstering vehicle sales, this is a country full of opportunities. The establishment of Automechanika Jakarta is crucial in this sense, providing a much-needed platform to converge domestic and overseas markets. Sharing Messe Frankfurt's vision, we aim to foster local industry growth through this event by exposing domestic companies to best practices and valuable networks."

A Cooperation Agreement signed between Messe Frankfurt and GIAMM was witnessed by representatives from the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia. Each ministry has expressed a strong endorsement of the fair, demonstrating their commitment to fostering the growth of domestic enterprises, trade, and industry transformation, which the fair will significantly contribute to.

Strong trade position makes way for a bright future in Indonesia
Indonesia has matured into a robust international trading partner by engaging in numerous trade agreements and playing a key role in regional partnerships. This status is further solidified by the expected announcement of the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this month, which is poised to open-up trade and relationships with the European Union, creating opportunities for the development of the automotive industry.

The sector has generated international interest thanks to government incentives and an emerging middle class with increased purchasing power, among other factors. It is already the largest automotive market in Southeast Asia, with car sales projected to reach 900,000 units and motorcycle sales expected between 6.4 and 6.7 million units in 2025 according to the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industry (GAIKINDO) and the Association of Indonesian Motorcycle Industry (AISI) respectively.^[2] Despite its recent rise as a global player, the country is already well established regionally, serving as a key Complete Built-Up (CBU) vehicle exporter, delivering more than 472,000 vehicles to over 100 countries under various major automotive OEMs in 2024.^[3] The fair will present opportunities for international players to tap into this prosperous local market, and for domestic companies to make global connections for trade.

Automechanika Jakarta to engage all automotive players
Automechanika Jakarta engages participants from the entire automotive supply chain, including parts and components, electrics and electronics, accessories and customising, diagnostics and repair, digital solutions and services, tyres and wheels, body and paint, motorcycles, as well as automotive manufacturing and automation. In this context of growth, innovation, and promoting local industry development, the exhibition aims to empower, connect and offer interactive experiences to its array of participants.

To illustrate, fringe events are set to encourage networking and knowledge exchange aligned with the industry's direction like the Automotive Mobility Solutions Conference and the Supply Chain Collaboration Forum. Skills development will also be exemplified through the Tech & Skills Workshop with a range of targeted training exercises. Further to this, community engagement and celebrating automotive culture will be a focus of autoFEST@Jakarta, with a concert, drifting, and a car audio and modification competition, creating a rewarding experience for the entire automotive value chain, from OEMs to end-users.

In addition, the co-located Drive Expo Jakarta will showcase new car models in passenger, commercial vehicle and motorcycle sectors that are shaping Indonesia's automotive landscape.

Automechanika Jakarta is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Indonesian Automotive Parts & Components Industries Association (GIAMM). For more information, please email the organisers at autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com. 

Other Automechanika events organised by Messe Frankfurt's Greater China offices include:

• Automechanika Shanghai: 26 to 29 November 2025
  www.automechanika-shanghai.com 
• Automechanika Kuala Lumpur: 14 to 16 May 2026
  www.automechanika-kl.com 
• Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City: 18 to 20 June 2026
  www.automechanika-hcmc.com 

#automechanika #technology #aftermarket #automotive

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Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were around €775 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity. For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability

With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

Background information on The Indonesian Automotive Parts & Components Industries Association (GIAMM)
GIAMM, formerly known as AAPCOMI and GIAM, traces its history back to 1973 and has since evolved to focus on promoting the development and welfare of the automotive component industry in Indonesia. Rooted in the philosophy of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, GIAMM aims to foster international competitiveness within the industry. Through communication, consultation with government and institutions, and market expansion initiatives, GIAMM is dedicated to advancing the Indonesian automotive parts sector.

[1] Investasi Otomotif Capai Rp 31,7 Triliun, BKPM Fokus Tarik Modal Asing, January 15, 2025, Kompas, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/x5a15. Retrieved: July 2025

[2] 10 Merek Teratas Penjualan Mobil Indonesia Dikuasi Jepang, Ada BYD, February 2025, Gaikindo, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/Kdab6. Retrieved: September 2025

[3] Indonesian Automobile Industry Data, Gaikindo, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/R85e8. Retrieved: September 2025

[1] Investasi Otomotif Capai Rp 31,7 Triliun, BKPM Fokus Tarik Modal Asing, January 15, 2025, Kompas, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/x5a15. Retrieved: July 2025

[2] 10 Merek Teratas Penjualan Mobil Indonesia Dikuasi Jepang, Ada BYD, February 2025, Gaikindo, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/Kdab6. Retrieved: September 2025

[3] Indonesian Automobile Industry Data, Gaikindo, https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/R85e8. Retrieved: September 2025

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Growing in Southeast Asia: Messe Frankfurt partners with GIAMM on Automechanika Jakarta debuting in 2026

Growing in Southeast Asia: Messe Frankfurt partners with GIAMM on Automechanika Jakarta debuting in 2026

Propel Investment in Chinese Tech Startups, Support Their Global Expansion, and Accelerate Smart City, Sustainability and AI Innovation

BEIJING and HONG KONG, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MTR Lab Company Limited ("MTR Lab", a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation) and Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd. ("ZGC Science City Ltd") are forming an ecosystem partnership. Focusing on smart city and sustainable development, the collaboration will accelerate the investments in and global expansion of frontier tech enterprises across AI, robotics, smart mobility, rail, retail, property and construction. This cross‑border partnership between Hong Kong and Beijing leverages the strengths of both ecosystems to accelerate the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, aligning with the national development strategy of "new quality productive forces (新質生產力)."

Chinese Mainland's innovation ecosystem has surged in recent times with rapid advances in AI and related technologies, powering a major acceleration in smart city and sustainability development. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, as of September 2025, there were 5,300+ AI companies in the Chinese Mainland, accounting for around 15% of the global total. Beijing's Haidian District, the AI innovation hub of China, is home to over 35% of China's AI companies, with a significant concentration of "specialised and sophisticated (專精特新)" enterprises and unicorns. These emerging trends align closely with MTR Lab's strategic investments in smart‑city and sustainable development. Last year, MTR Lab received nearly double the number of investment proposals and opportunities in AI and robotics compared with 2024. Among them, proposals originated from the Chinese Mainland accounted for more than 30%.

As a core element of the partnership, while continuing to deepen the integration of innovation resources, ZGC Science City Ltd will invite industry leader MTR Lab into its innovation ecosystem and refer MTR Lab to high‑potential startups in AI, smart city and sustainable development for prospective investment and collaboration. Through MTR Lab's extensive global innovation network, the two parties will jointly explore pilot application opportunities, technology implementation and cross‑border expansion, supporting Chinese startups in accessing broader global markets.

Deepening innovation ecosystem partnerships, Uniting to "Go Global"
As an international I&T investor, MTR Lab creates strategic value through investments and ecosystem partnerships. Following its collaboration with TusStar, the partnership with ZGC Science City Ltd marks another strategic step in deepening MTR Lab's global collaborative exchange and strengthens MTR Lab's innovation network in the Chinese Mainland.

Haidian District, the core area of Beijing's International Science and Technology Innovation Center, fosters high‑quality technological and industrial development and hosts over 2,950 specialised and sophisticated enterprises and 49 unicorns as of January 2026. Through this partnership, ZGC Science City Ltd will recommend quality startups to MTR Lab. By leveraging MTR Lab's extensive experience in the overseas startup market and the complementary resources of its collaborative platform, both parties will drive cross-border collaboration and explore potential co‑investment opportunities, connecting more Chinese tech startups with global capital and overseas market resources.

"As a global strategic I&T investor and collaborative platform, MTR Lab has been partnering with innovators worldwide to drive next‑generation technologies," said Jing Shi, Head of Investment of MTR Lab. "Our investment portfolio spans Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and developed markets. We strategically help Chinese innovators expand overseas, with examples such as acoustic AI monitoring leader Ensonic and AI‑powered retail tech company Whale. ZGC Science City Ltd 's rich ecosystem of R&D institutions, incubators and innovative enterprises will help us connect with more high‑tech, high‑potential startups and further strengthen our investment network in the Chinese Mainland. We look forward to combining our strengths to help tech startups land in Hong Kong and scale internationally, also to deepen collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong."

"Haidian District is at the core of Beijing's International Science and Technology Innovation Center and is committed to driving the integration of technological innovation and industrial development. We nurture tech enterprises through an international cooperation ecosystem that helps companies 'go global' and expand into new markets," said Mary Huang, Ecosystem Partnership Division Deputy Division Manager of ZGC Science City Ltd. "AI is a key engine for sustainable development. As of December 2025, Haidian District is home to more than 1,900 AI companies, including 26 unicorns, accounting for about 70% of Beijing's total. Under the 15^th five-year plan, ZGC Science City Ltd will prioritise advancing broad AI adoption across traditional industries, deepening innovation ecosystem development, and driving high‑quality growth of Haidian District. We look forward to leveraging MTR Lab's global network and extensive international market experience to help Chinese tech enterprises access overseas opportunities and pilot application scenarios, strengthen the broader industry ecosystem, and support their global expansion and business growth."

Through this partnership, MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd will focus on exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in smart city and sustainable development, identifying more high‑potential tech startups from the Chinese Mainland, attracting global capital for high-quality technology brands and supporting their internation expansion. MTR Lab will officially join the Z Hub scenario acceleration platform of ZGC Science City Ltd to deepen its presence in the Chinese Mainland, and work with innovation partners to build carbon‑neutral smart communities and co-create a smarter, greener future.

For high‑resolution image, please visit: MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd Establish Ecosystem Partnership

ABOUT MTR LAB
MTR Lab Company Limited ("MTR Lab") is a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation Limited. MTR Lab creates strategic value through investment in technologies and formulates innovative solutions that support the long-term growth of communities. With a commitment to co-creating a smarter, greener future, MTR Lab aims to benefit communities by investing in and introducing technologies across different sectors, including mobility (MaaS, new mobility modes, rail tech), new retail technology, property and construction technology, and financial and data services, driving positive impact within two overarching themes: smart city and sustainability. Its unique position as an innovation investor enables MTR Lab and its partners to strategically collaborate toward creating a carbon-neutral smart community. Together, let's Keep Cities Moving! 

ABOUT BEIJING ZGC SCIENCE CITY INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD 
Beijing ZGC Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd., established in May 2019, is a technology investment and sector services platform driven by ecosystem development, dedicated to supporting the construction of a world-leading science and technology park. The company operates through five core business divisions: sector services, ecosystem partnerships, technology investment, property operations, and international collaboration.

The company has established a comprehensive service system that covers the full lifecycle of technology enterprises across all elements, value chains, and operational scenarios. This promotes deep integration of technological innovation and industrial development in Haidian District, striving to create a hub for New Quality Productive Forces and supporting the development of world-leading science and technology park.

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MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd Establish Ecosystem Partnership