Preparations for the Essen Motor Show 2026 are in full swing – and it’s already becoming clear that when the doors of Messe Essen open from 28 November to 6 December 2026 (Preview Day: 27 November), visitors can once again look forward to a unique festival for car enthusiasts. With around 500 exhibitors, it is clear that Europe’s leading event for sports cars, tuning, motorsport and automotive passion will once again be an absolute must-attend event for the community in 2026. The line-up is already generating excitement with numerous well-known brands and specialists from all areas of the automotive world.
In Hall 3, dedicated to Performance & Racing, exhibitors include Dickie Spielzeug, Mosselman Turbo Systems and Ravenol. Halls 5, 6 and 7 are entirely devoted to Tuning & Lifestyle – featuring, amongst others, Alcar Wheels, Area 52, Arlows, Borbet, Capristo Automotive and Eventuri. Infinitec, Kumho Tire, Milltek Sport, Osram, SCC Fahrzeugtechnik and the Association of Automotive Tuners will also be in the spotlight there. Motorsport fans can look forward to seeing the Pfister Racing and WS Racing (Girls Only) teams in Hall 8, for example.
Antonio Capristo, Managing Director of Capristo Automotive GmbH: “The Essen Motor Show is simply an integral part of our calendar. Hardly any other event brings the performance and tuning community together quite like this – from long-standing customers and dealers to new faces who share our passion for sound, performance and quality. It is precisely this personal interaction that makes the show so special for us year after year. That is why it was clear to us right from the start that Capristo would be back again in 2026. We look forward to seeing familiar faces again, making new contacts and presenting our latest developments right where the passion for performance is at home.”
Antonio Curioso, Managing Director of BORBET Vertriebs GmbH: “The Essen Motor Show has been a fixture in our trade fair calendar for many years. Especially in an increasingly digital world, it provides an excellent platform for us to bring our brand, our wheels and our latest developments to life. It also gives us the opportunity to engage directly with customers, partners and automotive enthusiasts. This personal exchange is just as important to us as our ambition to drive innovation with new products and actively help shape future trends.”
New highlights on the exhibition grounds
The Essen Motor Show continues to evolve beyond its line-up. For the first time, Messe Essen is taking full responsibility for the ‘Youngtimers’ and ‘Oldtimers’ sections. This means that the entire EMS is now marketed under one roof. The new concept in Halls 1 and 2 offers enthusiasts of classic cars their own dedicated space and creates additional incentives for exhibitors and visitors. Among those taking part are, for example, the Automobilclub von Deutschland and Mercedes-Fan World. Another new feature is the Car Market in Hall 1A. Here, exhibitors can offer vehicles directly for sale and engage with potential buyers. The programme is complemented by the Show Area in Hall 4, featuring spectacular vehicles and live action.
Project manager Ralf Sawatzki announces: “With our mix of performance and racing, tuning and lifestyle, motorsport, classic cars, accessories and live events, we remain true to our aim of being the festival for car enthusiasts. For exhibitors, the Essen Motor Show offers the ideal platform to engage with the community, showcase products and attract new customers. At the same time, visitors can look forward to ten days packed with excitement, innovation and a passion for cars.”
Be part of the festival for car enthusiasts
Exhibitors can still register for the Essen Motor Show 2026. Full details are available at www.essen-motorshow.de. Tickets for visitors are already available from the online ticket shop. A day ticket costs 20 euros there, making it cheaper than buying one at the box office. Ticket sales on site are cashless only.
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
