The Munich Auto Show, officially known as IAA Mobility 2025, is set to take place from September 9–14, 2025, at Messe München and across downtown Munich, Germany. As one of the world’s largest and most prestigious mobility trade fairs, it serves as a global platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations in automotive technology, sustainability, and mobility solutions. This year’s event, themed “It’s All About Mobility,” will highlight electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and innovative transport concepts, bringing together industry leaders, startups, and enthusiasts from around the world. For India, a rapidly growing automotive market with a strong push toward electrification and sustainability, the Munich Auto Show 2025 offers inspiration and opportunities to align with global trends. Here’s a closer look at the event and its relevance to the Indian context.
What is IAA Mobility 2025?
The Munich Auto Show, previously hosted in Frankfurt, has evolved from a traditional car exhibition into a comprehensive mobility platform since its rebranding to IAA Mobility in 2021. Organized by the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) and recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA) as one of the “big five” auto shows globally, it showcases passenger vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, and emerging mobility solutions. The 2025 edition will feature:
- IAA Summit (September 9–12, 2025) at Messe München, targeting trade visitors and journalists with world premieres, product launches, and expert discussions.
- IAA Open Space (September 9–14, 2025) in downtown Munich, offering free access to the public for test drives, experience areas, and interactive displays.
- A focus on electromobility, autonomous driving, connected mobility, and sustainable urban transport solutions.
With over 750 exhibitors and 500,000 participants expected from 110 countries, the event will feature major global automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, and a significant presence of Chinese brands such as BYD, Changan, and GAC, alongside American players like Ford and Lucid.
Highlights of IAA Mobility 2025
The Munich Auto Show 2025 will spotlight several key trends shaping the future of mobility:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) Take Center Stage: With the global push for decarbonization, EVs will dominate the show. Expect debuts like the BMW iX3, Porsche Cayenne EV, Mercedes GLC, and Volkswagen ID Polo GTI, alongside affordable models from Chinese brands like Leapmotor’s B05.
- Autonomous and Connected Mobility: Innovations in self-driving technology and vehicle connectivity will be showcased, reflecting the shift toward “smartphones on four wheels.”
- Sustainability and Urban Mobility: The event will emphasize eco-friendly solutions, including electric scooters, bicycles, and public transport integration, addressing urban congestion and pollution.
- Chinese Automakers’ Growing Presence: Chinese brands like BYD, GAC, and Chery will showcase advanced EVs, leveraging their expertise in battery technology to compete with European giants. Their market share in Europe has nearly doubled to 4.8% in 2025, signaling fierce competition.
- Digital and Hybrid Experiences: Live streams, digital services, and a hybrid format will enhance accessibility, allowing global audiences, including those in India, to engage virtually.
The Indian Context: Relevance and Opportunities
India, as the world’s third-largest automotive market, is at a pivotal moment in its mobility journey. With government initiatives like the FAME III scheme, PM E-DRIVE, and a target for 30% EV penetration by 2030, the Munich Auto Show 2025 offers valuable insights and opportunities for Indian automakers, policymakers, and consumers. Here’s how the event resonates with India’s automotive landscape:
1. Learning from Global EV Trends
- Indian Brands at the Forefront: Indian automakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and MG Motor India are ramping up EV production. Tata’s Nexon EV and Mahindra’s XUV400 EV are gaining traction, but Indian brands can draw inspiration from Munich’s showcases, such as BYD’s Seal 6 DM-i Touring plug-in hybrid or Leapmotor’s B05, to develop affordable, high-range EVs tailored for Indian consumers.
- Battery Technology: China’s dominance in battery production, highlighted by brands like BYD and CATL, underscores the need for India to bolster its domestic battery manufacturing. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) aligns with this goal, and Indian companies can explore partnerships with global players showcasing at IAA.
- Charging Infrastructure: The Munich show’s focus on charging compatibility and infrastructure solutions can guide India’s efforts to expand its EV charging network, currently at 12,000+ public stations, with a target of 100,000 by 2030.
2. Urban Mobility Solutions for Indian Cities
- India’s urban centers, like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, face severe congestion and pollution. The IAA’s emphasis on electric scooters, bicycles, and integrated public transport systems mirrors India’s push for last-mile connectivity. Companies like Ola Electric and Ather Energy can adopt ideas from Munich’s IAA Open Space, which showcases micromobility solutions.
- Autonomous driving technologies, while nascent in India, could inspire startups like Swaayatt Robots to accelerate R&D for affordable self-driving systems suited to India’s chaotic traffic conditions.
3. China-India Collaboration Potential
- The strong presence of Chinese automakers at IAA 2025 highlights the deepening China-Europe EV supply chain integration, which India can emulate.
- Recent proposals by Indian think tanks, like NITI Aayog, suggest easing restrictions on Chinese investments in India’s EV sector to accelerate technology transfer and cost reduction. For instance, MG Motor India, a subsidiary of China’s SAIC, could leverage insights from Munich to introduce models like the MG Cyberster or hybrid SUVs tailored for Indian roads.
- However, India must balance collaboration with self-reliance, ensuring domestic players like Tata and Mahindra remain competitive amidst growing Chinese influence.
4. Policy and Consumer Insights
- The Munich Auto Show’s expert talks and forums can inform Indian policymakers on global best practices for EV adoption, such as EU’s 2035 combustion engine phase-out and incentives for green mobility. India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) could incorporate similar long-term strategies.
- For Indian consumers, the show’s focus on affordable EVs (e.g., sub-$30,000 models by Chinese brands) highlights the potential for cost-competitive electric cars in India, where price sensitivity is a key factor.
5. Indian Presence at IAA 2025
- While Indian automakers like Tata Motors or Mahindra are unlikely to have a major presence at IAA 2025, their global subsidiaries (e.g., Jaguar Land Rover under Tata) could showcase models like the Range Rover Electric. Indian auto component manufacturers, such as Bharat Forge or Motherson, may participate, aligning with the show’s supply chain focus.
- India’s Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which organizes the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (January 16–22, 2025, New Delhi), can use IAA as a benchmark to elevate its own event, fostering global partnerships.
Challenges for India in the Global Mobility Race
- Cost Competitiveness: Chinese brands like BYD benefit from structural advantages in battery and component sourcing, making their EVs significantly cheaper (e.g., $35,000 in China vs. $56,000 in Europe). Indian manufacturers must innovate to bridge this cost gap.
- Infrastructure Gaps: India’s EV ecosystem lags behind Europe and China in terms of charging networks and grid reliability, necessitating faster implementation of schemes like PM E-DRIVE.
- Global Competition: With Chinese brands eyeing Europe’s market (4.8% share in 2025), Indian automakers face pressure to expand globally while defending their domestic market share.
Why Should India Pay Attention to IAA Mobility 2025?
The Munich Auto Show 2025, starting September 9, 2025, is more than a car exhibition—it’s a window into the future of mobility. For India, it offers a chance to:
- Adopt Global Innovations: Learn from advancements in EV technology, autonomous driving, and urban mobility to accelerate India’s electrification goals.
- Forge Partnerships: Explore collaborations with global players, especially in battery production and charging infrastructure.
- Inspire Local Innovation: Encourage Indian startups and manufacturers to develop cost-effective, sustainable solutions tailored to local needs.
- Elevate Global Presence: Use insights from IAA to strengthen events like the Bharat Mobility Expo, positioning India as a key player in the global automotive industry.
Conclusion
IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich will be a landmark event, showcasing the latest in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable mobility. For India, it’s an opportunity to align with global trends, address domestic challenges, and carve a niche in the evolving mobility landscape. By leveraging insights from Munich, Indian automakers, policymakers, and innovators can drive the country toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future.
