Vector of Automotive Business Development 2026: Business Programme at InterAutoMechanics

From 18 to 21 August 2026, as part of the InterAutoMechanika exhibition (Moscow, Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 2), the analytical and practical event of the year for business owners, dealers, service station managers, importers and specialists in the automotive components industry will take place.

The business programme for this season is entirely focused on addressing modern market challenges, adapting to new economic realities and uncovering hidden areas of profitability. The organisers have prepared four days of intensive immersion in business processes at the AutoBusiness Forum (Hall 8, Stand 8-380) and practical masterclasses within the AutoWorkshop (Hall 7, Stand 7-540).

Key Focus Areas and Programme Highlights

The programme will open with a plenary discussion devoted to macroeconomic forecasts for 2026–2027, the transformation of dealer networks and the integration of the Chinese vehicle fleet amid a shortage of catalogues. Experts will raise critical questions – from the impact of Euro-3 standards on component lifespan to countering pressure from marketplaces.

The first day's programme continues with an expert dialogue entitled 'Right to Repair', dedicated to overcoming the shortage of technical information in independent garages. Participants will discuss legal means of accessing diagnostic maps and codes, with particular attention paid to adapting to the specific characteristics of the Chinese vehicle fleet.

As part of the closing focus discussion on 18 August, leading foreign trade experts will examine real-world cases of supplies from China, Korea, Japan and Europe. New routes (including the UAE – Iran – Russia logistics corridor), the specifics of 2026 certification and the development of a systematic business based on warranty support for imported vehicles will be analysed in detail.

On 19 August, the AutoBusiness Forum business programme will move entirely to practical tools for increasing garage profitability and legal security. Experts will examine non-obvious profit growth points, such as monetising a car wash attached to a service station, the effective introduction of auto chemicals and building internal sales through service advisors and mechanics.

• Intensive session 'Blind Spots of the Service Station' (Partner: Nadezhny Avtoservis). Finding hidden sources of income: building internal sales through all staff, launching a fast service as a unique selling point, monetising the car wash and safely introducing auto chemicals to increase the average ticket. Experts will also examine digital tools for customer retention and performance indicators for service station administrators.
• Case study analysis 'Why Isn't Your Garage Growing?' (Partner: Pravilny Avtobiznes). Roman Gulyaev will examine the main pain points of owners: why cars are queuing up but there is no money, where the profit goes, how to get employees to deliver results and stop working harder than everyone else.
• Foresight session on automation (Partner: EUROAUTO Franchise). A practical transition from classic processes to contactless service technologies, IT solutions and full digitalisation of vehicle intake to reduce costs.

On 20 August, the exhibition's business programme passes entirely under the management of the co-organiser – the Association of Automotive Component Suppliers AVTOKOM. The main event of the third day will be the large-scale conference 'The Garage as a Successful Business', which will be moderated by the Head of the AVTOKOM Academy, Alexander Ukhov.

This day is entirely devoted to rigorous crisis management, taxation, legal security and supply chain optimisation under sanctions. Together with leading lawyers, financiers and technical experts, participants will examine real-world cases of service station survival in an era of change and will receive ready-made economic tools.

On 21 August, the final day of the exhibition, the conference 'Current Trends in the Engine Oil and Technical Fluids Market. Version 2.0' will take place, organised with the support of the analytical agency 'Index'. Experts will present fresh analytics, examine changes in the composition and quality of imported products, and provide forecasts for the development of this key segment of the automotive components industry.

In addition to the analytical content, visitors can look forward to landmark industry events: the announcement of the finalists of the Brand of the Year consumer trust award across 12 categories, and the presentation of the 'World Automotive Components' (WAC) award.

Throughout all days of the exhibition, the AutoWorkshop will host an interactive zone of practical masterclasses, focused on the introduction of modern technologies and increasing the profitability of every square metre of a service station. The programme has been designed for practitioners, managers and technicians wishing to master new high-margin areas.

Key Masterclass Areas:

• Detailing and bodywork technologies Visitors will be able to learn in person about in-demand, high-margin services: tinting techniques without dismantling components, chip repair and rapid windscreen replacement. Experts will demonstrate the finer points of professional interior valeting, applying protective coatings to the bodywork, polishing, as well as glass marking and protection film application, and powder coating of alloy wheels and brake calipers.
• Modern repair and diagnostics The technical block focuses on working with the current vehicle fleet. The programme includes a practical workshop on repairing steering racks on electric vehicles, a methodology for precise suspension diagnostics on a vibration test rig, a lecture course on servicing modern batteries and a demonstration of training technical staff using VR headsets.
• Management, marketing and sales The business section of the masterclasses will provide ready-made algorithms for increasing the average ticket. Managers will be shown how to correctly calculate the cost of services, build a competitive price list, sell additional services, create a converting website and promote a garage online.
• Space organisation and comfort Technicians and designers will examine the rules of proper layout for service station and car wash work areas, as well as the secrets of setting up modern lighting, which directly affects the speed and quality of mechanics' work.

The main culmination of the final day and the closing of the InterAutoMechanika 2026 exhibition will be the ceremonial draw of a car and valuable prizes from key exhibitors among visitors.

Access to all sessions of the AutoBusiness Forum business programme and the masterclasses at the AutoWorkshop is free with a visitor ticket to the InterAutoMechanika 2026 exhibition.

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