News

IAAE 2026 Returns Bigger Than Ever – The Largest Edition in Its History

0 88 3 minutes read

Surpassing all previous records, the 23rd International Auto Aftermarket EXPO 2026 (IAAE 2026) will take place from February 12–14, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (East Halls 7 & 8).

Organised by the International Auto Aftermarket EXPO Steering Committee (Executive Chairperson: Makiko Hanai, President and CEO of The Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun Co., Ltd.), IAAE continues to serve as a premier platform dedicated to revitalising the automotive aftermarket industry, including distribution, repair, maintenance, and advanced vehicle inspection sectors.

IAAE delivers critical industry insights through a comprehensive programme of exhibits, live demonstrations, and seminars, highlighting the latest technologies and trends across specialised automotive maintenance and OBD vehicle inspection.

Record-Breaking Scale

The 2026 edition marks the largest event in IAAE history:

368 exhibiting companies
- 282 domestic (Japan)
- 86 international
722 booths in total
50 first-time domestic exhibitors

International exhibitors represent a diverse global presence, including companies from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, UAE, India, Italy, UK, Greece, Germany, Spain, and the USA.
(As of February 3, 2026)

In addition to innovative products and solutions, the event will host 71 seminar sessions all free to attend covering government policy trends and key industry developments.

Visitor Pre-Registration

Secure your spot by completing your pre-registration in advance:
Visitor Pre-registration Link: https://www.iaae-jp.com/en/advance/

Seminar Information

Explore the full seminar schedule and session details:
Seminar Information Link: https://www.iaae-jp.com/en/seminar/

Key Highlights

Car Detailing

With the rapid expansion of the paint protection film (PPF) market, leading exhibitors such as ALNEX, XPEL, STEK, ONYXHIELD, Car Make Art Pro, QUAD, Soft99 Auto Service, Design Lab, DELECTO, Profilm Advanced Material, and YMG1 are drawing strong industry attention.

Notable first-time participants include Colton Car Care, Shibata, NAGARA, Hirakata Giken, and Fabnerd.

AVAN Kasei will make its debut by introducing the prestigious German chemical brand Koch-Chemie.

Commercial Vehicles

Building on last year’s successful participation, Isuzu Motors will showcase its E-PARTS lineup alongside group company UD Trucks. TAS will also present its latest Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) solutions for heavy-duty trucks.

3D Printing Zone

As 3D printing rapidly transforms the automotive aftermarket, key exhibitors include Carbon Technologies Nippon, Sakura Innovation, J•3D, Joto Techno, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, and Tobata Seisakusho.

Collision Repair & Painting

In the bodywork and refinishing segment:

MCON JAPAN will introduce the Instavalo automotive body scanner.
PaintGo painting robot returns at the NIJES booth.
HB BODY (Greece) will showcase its acclaimed automotive refinish paints.
Tokai Jushi Kogyo will debut specialised LED lighting solutions for bodywork painting from German manufacturer OLIGO surface controls.

Other Notable Exhibits

First-time exhibitors such as HASCO and KOTO SANGYO—both specialists in high-precision tools—are expected to attract strong interest.

Auto R’s will unveil its proprietary maintenance equipment brand, “R’s tool,” making its first-ever appearance at IAAE.

Innovative service solutions include:

SmartDrive’s new brake pad diagnostic service
Wurth Japan’s launch of the “Tunap” advanced cleaning and lubrication range
Aviloo’s state-of-the-art EV battery diagnostic equipment demonstration

Scan Tool Zone

A special highlight of IAAE 2026, this dedicated area will feature all 12 Japanese automobile manufacturers presenting their genuine diagnostic equipment, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe and experience professional-grade tools typically not accessible to the public.

Participating manufacturers include:

Isuzu Motors
Suzuki Motor
Subaru Corporation
Daihatsu Motor
Toyota Motor Corporation
Nissan Motor
Hino Motors
Honda Motor
Mazda Motor Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
UD Trucks Corporation

Painting Demonstration Area

This dedicated zone will showcase the latest eco-friendly, water-based paint technologies. The 2026 programme expands beyond live application techniques to include high-precision colour measurement and advanced colour mixing processes.

Demonstrators:

Axalta Coating Systems
Isamu Paint
Kansai Paint
Nippon Paint
ROCK PAINT

Global Auto Aftermarket Conference @TOKYO

A key highlight of this year’s EXPO, this international seminar series will feature global experts sharing strategic insights into evolving market dynamics:

China – Current Status and Future Outlook for EV Maintenance
UK – Thatcham Research’s Initiatives for Balancing Vehicle Repair and Non-Life Insurance
Thailand – The Aftermarket as the Centrepiece of the ASEAN Automotive Industry
Malaysia – The Impact of Global Electrification Trends on the Malaysian Automotive Aftermarket
Africa (Kenya) – Growing as a Hub for East Africa

Special Event: “Professional Choice” Car of the Year 2026

On February 12 (Thursday), IAAE will host the prestigious “Professional Choice” Car of the Year 2026 award ceremony, organised by the Auto Aftermarket New Generation.

This unique award recognises vehicles evaluated by industry professionals including maintenance specialists, bodywork experts, retailers, and road service providers, based on real-world expertise.

Award categories include: