From 21 to 24 May, the 30th edition of Autopromotec took place in Bologna at the exhibition centre — the biennial international trade show dedicated to automotive equipment and the aftermarket. An event that brings together professionals, companies, institutions and researchers from around the world to explore the challenges and opportunities of a constantly evolving sector.

For 2025, LifeGate Radio participated as the official radio station of the fair, gathering contributions and opinions from sector experts and professionals. Each interview was broadcast on Vivavoce, our segment dedicated to initiatives, projects and events that "speak" about sustainability. Among the central themes of this edition, mobility, sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence and innovation. But also AI, data act, made in Italy and the future of the automotive sector.

LifeGate Radio, a series of interviews to take stock of sustainability and innovation

Highly topical themes that we discussed live through the many interviews conducted by our Chief mobility editor Roberto Sposini at the microphones of LifeGate Radio, featuring entrepreneurs, companies, as well as representatives from the world of research and academia, journalism and associations.

Autopromotec 2025: a record-breaking edition

Founded in 1965, the event is organised by Promotec, a services company owned by the Associazione italiana ricostruttori pneumatici (Airp) and the Associazione italiana costruttori autoattrezzature (Aica). In 2025 it celebrates a double anniversary: the 30th edition and the 60th anniversary of its founding.

An edition that sought to explore, with an innovative approach for the sector, the most relevant topics in the automotive aftersales space, outlining the sector's macro themes.

Sustainability is not merely synonymous with less pollution — it also implies economic and social sustainability. From efficient maintenance to aftermarket activities, every aspect can contribute. It is crucial to reward companies that are committed to the environment and to recognise innovation as an ally of sustainability.

Renzo Servadei, CEO of Autopromotec

An international meeting point

From 21 to 24 May, 97,348 attendees were recorded, with 17 per cent of professional operators coming from abroad, from 130 countries, testament to the event's increasingly international vocation. Average daily attendance was high, with 24,337 visitors per day. The companies participating in this 30th edition numbered 1,692, representing 61 brands, with a foreign share of 45 per cent.

The fair today represents not only a meeting point for manufacturers, distributors, service providers and auto-repair technicians, but also a privileged observatory for getting an early read on the trends and technologies transforming the world of mobility. With an increasingly future-oriented outlook, Autopromotec stands out for the high quality of its exhibitors, the breadth of its product offering, its drive towards internationalisation and its rich calendar of training and conference events.

ISO 20121 certification: a new sustainability challenge

For a trade fair, managing traffic, waste, emissions, the use of energy and natural resources — from the ethical selection of suppliers to social inclusion, through to active dialogue with stakeholders and local communities — are among the most critical aspects to handle. With the 2025 edition, Promotec obtains ISO 20121 certification, which attests to the sustainable management of the event. "A recognition that confirms the organisation's concrete commitment to a model of responsible fair management on environmental, social and economic levels," reads a statement from the organisers. Autopromotec will return to BolognaFiere from 26 to 29 May 2027.