Project manager Ralf Sawatzki promises unforgettable moments at this year's trade fair: “Visitors come to us because they want to experience something special. That's why there will be even more action at the stands and in the show area this year. We want fans to arrive with a smile and leave with an even bigger smile.” To ensure this happens, there will be autograph sessions and product demonstrations, as well as a special feature on the Dakar Rally with vehicles from the past and present. In addition, the Maybach Exelero, one of the most exciting projects in automotive history, awaits visitors to Mercedes Fan World in Hall 3. This one-of-a-kind vehicle reaches 351 km/h and is being exhibited for the first time at the Essen Motor Show. A VW Beetle with 612 hp – and a Tesla motor. Another highlight: In Hall 5, tuningXperience brings together around 150 elaborately modified private vehicles from all over Europe. The range is as diverse as the automotive landscape itself, extending from high-volume models to coveted niche vehicles. Whether compact cars or sports cars, electric cars or classic cars – tuningXperience continues to thrill hundreds of thousands of visitors with its diverse lineup. At the same time, it is a barometer for current and upcoming trends such as wide-body kits and classic tuning. This year, a VW Beetle with a 612 hp Tesla motor and a tuned VW T2 minibus with 300 hp are among the attractions causing a stir.

In addition to the special shows and events, the regular program at the Essen Motor Show also has a lot to offer. Hall 3 is all about performance and racing. This year, in addition to extraordinary chassis and wheels, there will also be sporty production vehicles from Ford. Motorsport fans can also look forward to the ADAC, which regularly presents models from its most popular racing series, such as the German Rally Championship and the DTM. Tuning and lifestyle form the core of the Essen Motor Show: everyone who is anyone in the scene will be exhibiting in Halls 5, 6, and 7. These include exhibitors such as 3M, Arlows, H&R Spezialfedern, LCE Performance, Sonax, and Z-Performance, who will be bringing spectacular project vehicles and new products to Essen. The TUNE IT! SAFE! initiative is revealing all (and only that) and presenting its new vehicle on Preview Day: a tuned car in police livery. Things get particularly fast-paced again in Hall 8, where visitors can experience the thrill of motorsports and network with industry professionals. Sometimes this leads to big careers: EMS provided a platform for future Formula 1 world champions Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel when they were still up-and-coming talents. But even if it doesn't lead to a big career, it's still worth visiting exhibitors such as the Automobilclub von Deutschland, Ernst Racing, and the touring car legends. Giti Tire's Girls Only Team is also the only all-female team in motorsports to be present at the event. Essen is also a must for fans of classic cars. They can experience pure automotive passion in the Classic & Prestige Salon organized by S.I.H.A. in Halls 1 and 2. In addition to classic cars, exhibitors elegantly round off the range with modern classics, super sports cars, and prestige automobiles. Once again, the Essen Motor Show fully lives up to its reputation as the season finale for car fans. What makes this finale so special is that there are only winners.