IAA MOBILITY 2025 Highlights
That was Day 1
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The IAA MOBILITY is now officially open. From now through September 14, the event will bring together the leading companies from the automotive, technology, bicycle, and micromobility sectors to not only discuss sustainable, intelligently connected mobility solutions—but to make them a tangible experience for everyone.
The IAA MOBILITY is now officially open. From now through September 14, the event will bring together the leading companies from the automotive, technology, bicycle, and micromobility sectors to not only discuss sustainable, intelligently connected mobility solutions—but to make them a tangible experience for everyone.
With VDA President Hildegard Müller, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, and Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter in attendance, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially opened the third edition of IAA MOBILITY on Tuesday morning.
With VDA President Hildegard Müller, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, and Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter in attendance, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially opened the third edition of IAA MOBILITY on Tuesday morning.
“In times of dynamic economic and political challenges, our industry is demonstrating at IAA MOBILITY what it is capable of: with world premieres, innovative strength, and determination, companies are showing their performance and their commitment to actively shaping the future of climate-neutral and digital mobility. IAA MOBILITY is the showcase of this strength – a signal of courage, unity, and the ability to successfully master change. We are not just talking, we are delivering. We are showing that the German automotive industry is taking on the challenges and exporting mobility solutions worldwide,” said Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
She added: “The industry has accepted the challenge. The companies of the German automotive industry have done their homework. We have invested, we have delivered innovations, and we hold a leading global position in future technologies. We are champions of innovation, Europe’s leader in e-mobility, and a driver of prosperity and growth.”
Müller: “Every success story for the German automotive industry is a success story for growth and prosperity.”
At the same time, she cautioned: “The whole world is in a race when it comes to competitiveness and investment locations, while Europe and Germany are doing too little to secure future-proof conditions. If the automotive industry here is to remain a success story for prosperity, growth, employment – for people and for the climate – then policymakers in Berlin and Brussels must finally deliver.”
Müller specifically called for: “Our goal must be to bring Germany back to the top of international competitiveness rankings.
Opening of IAA MOBILITY 2025
with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz
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Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in his speech: “IAA 2025 offers an impressive overview of the innovative strength of the automotive and supplier industry in Germany and worldwide. The companies at the exhibition are showing how electromobility is becoming even more powerful, diverse, and attractive. With its dense network of major manufacturers and countless suppliers, Germany is ideally positioned to remain the number one automotive country in the future.”
Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder declared: “Auto is coming home! IAA MOBILITY and Bavaria are a perfect match. We are the number one automotive region and intend to stay that way. Germany as a whole needs a clear commitment to the automobile again. It is the central lifeline of our economy. That includes stopping the EU ban on combustion engines, accelerating technology for e-mobility and autonomous driving, reducing industrial electricity prices, and expanding charging infrastructure. The IAA is the showcase of the German automotive industry to the world. From here, we can send a powerful signal: Germany is hungry for cars and Germany is a future automotive market! Munich, as the home of IAA, embodies exactly the right spirit.”
Dieter Reiter, Mayor of Munich and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe München, added: “Munich combines tradition and innovation – and IAA MOBILITY demonstrates that impressively. Mobility is one of the central challenges of our time. With this international fair, we are sending a strong signal for sustainable, intelligent, and accessible mobility of the future. We are proud to host this important platform that fosters exchange between science, industry, politics, and society.”
Talks and Keynotes with CEOs
Gordon Replinski, Editor-in-Chief of Politico, kicked things off in the session “Europe in Focus: What CEOs Say About Competitiveness,” where he spoke with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse and Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG, about the EU’s competitiveness and economic future, as well as the challenges and strategies needed to strengthen Europe’s position on the global stage.
Later, in the session “From Machine to Experience: CEOs on the Future of the Car,” he welcomed Markus Heyn, CEO and Chairman of Bosch Mobility, Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO of Enterprise Mobility, to discuss the evolution of the automobile—from a mode of transport to a connected, personalized, and sustainable experience. Throughout the day, several CEO keynotes were held, featuring speakers such as Michael Lohscheller (Polestar), Gürcan Karakas (Togg), Alex Kendall (Wayve), Arnd Franz (Mahle), Jean-Marc Chery (STMicroelectronics), and Laurent Favre (OP Mobility).
Talks and Keynotes with CEOs
Gordon Replinski, Editor-in-Chief of Politico, kicked things off in the session “Europe in Focus: What CEOs Say About Competitiveness,” where he spoke with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse and Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG, about the EU’s competitiveness and economic future, as well as the challenges and strategies needed to strengthen Europe’s position on the global stage.
Later, in the session “From Machine to Experience: CEOs on the Future of the Car,” he welcomed Markus Heyn, CEO and Chairman of Bosch Mobility, Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO of Enterprise Mobility, to discuss the evolution of the automobile—from a mode of transport to a connected, personalized, and sustainable experience. Throughout the day, several CEO keynotes were held, featuring speakers such as Michael Lohscheller (Polestar), Gürcan Karakas (Togg), Alex Kendall (Wayve), Arnd Franz (Mahle), Jean-Marc Chery (STMicroelectronics), and Laurent Favre (OP Mobility).
As part of the IAA Conference, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel spoke about the future of sustainable mobility solutions
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel visited IAA MOBILITY and joined VDA spokesperson Simon Schütz for a talk on how circular economy principles can reshape mobility—from rethinking resource use and exploring alternative fuels to developing sustainable transportation systems. In the discussion, he emphasized the role of innovation and technology in creating smarter, cleaner, and regenerative mobility solutions for the future. He also visited the Ecobat booth, where IAA MOBILITY showcased an original battery box, granulate from the recycling process, and second-life products made from it.
In downtown Munich, visitors were invited to get creative from Day 1 at the IAA Open Space: The Volkswagen Discovery Rally (Odeonsplatz – Family Trail, Station 1) offered families a playful adventure focused on mobility. At Odeonsplatz – Family Trail, Station 2, the smart Art Shop “Open Your Mind” opened its doors, giving visitors the chance to design their own smart x Keith Haring Art Cars.
Also opening on Day 1 was the Citizen Lab at Marienplatz. This was followed by talks on topics such as “Three Myths About Sustainability,” sustainable mobility and the innovations driving progress, and autonomous vehicle research. One panel discussion explored public transport topics including the Germany Ticket, zero-fare models, and real-world implementation, featuring, among others, Carmen Parrino, Head of Regional Transport at Deutsche Bahn AG.
On the Siegestor Stage at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel also spoke, and the first live concerts took place with schmerzis and Thaler performing.
In addition, at Königsplatz, Deutsche Bahn AG’s “Future of Public Transport” initiative launched its interactive experience space with Evelyn Palla, Member of the Management Board for Regional Transport at DB AG / CEO of DB Regio AG at Deutsche Bahn AG.
For the first time, Munich is also hosting the Festival of Lights as part of IAA MOBILITY. From September 9 to 13, iconic buildings such as the Bavarian State Library, the Residenz, and the Old Town Hall will be illuminated with spectacular light art projections each evening from 8 to 11 p.m.
