Frankfurt Motor Show - History

History

  • 1897: First mini exhibition at the Hotel Bristol in Berlin
  • 1897-1911: IAA takes place annually or twice a year, usually in Berlin
  • 1921: First IAA in Berlin after World War I (14th edition overall), with 67 exhibitors.
  • 1921-1926: No international exhibitors allowed as a result of the war.
  • 1923: Diesel trucks make their appearance
  • 1931: For the first time exhibition includes front-wheel drive vehicles.
  • 1939: Shortly before World War II, the Volkswagen which was later known as VW Beetle was shown for the first time
  • 1950: First post-war IAA
  • 1951: The IAA moves to Frankfurt, and becomes biennial
  • 1955: Launch of the BMW 503 and BMW 507.
  • 1957: Launch of the BMW 700 and Opel Olympia Rekord "Panorama".
  • 1961: A record of 950.000 visitors is set. The safety belt is one of the highlights of the exhibition. Launch of the BMW 1500 .
  • 1965: First Japanese cars at the IAA
  • 1971: What would have been the 45th IAA was cancelled at short notice on political grounds in order to discourage passenger car purchases. That was the moment where the idea of "Automechanika '71, International Exhibition for Automobile, Workshop, Filling Station and Garage Equipment" arose. Thus Messe Frankfurt gave the automobile, equipment, accessories and other companies normally represented at the IAA the chance to make presentations.
  • 1989: Last IAA to feature both cars and commercial vehicles at the exhibition site in Frankfurt. More than 1.2 million visitors attended the event, setting a new record.
  • 1991: The IAA is subdivided in two. From this point on, in odd-numbered years the IAA Passenger Cars continues to be held in Frankfurt; starting in 1992, even-numbered years will see the IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover.
  • 2001: The September 11 terror attacks cast a shadow over the IAA, which nevertheless went ahead only two days later. As a mark of solidarity with the victims, all show elements and loud music as well as the official opening ceremony with the Federal Chancellor were cancelled. VDA President Gottschalk explained this decision: "Because we could not permit terrorist forces to take away our freedom of action. And because, as a key international sector, we have a responsibility not to allow things to grind to a halt."

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