In a constantly evolving sector like automotive, innovation, quality and professionalism make the difference. Rewarding excellence means recognizing the commitment of companies and professionals who, through cutting-edge solutions and top-level skills, contribute to the market’s growth and to road safety. From the most innovative products to the most efficient services, including businesses standing out in sustainability and digitalization, celebrating the best in the industry is not only a tribute to current successes it’s also a stimulus to face future challenges with determination and vision.

With just weeks to go before the 30th edition of Autopromotec, GiPA Italia and the Autopromotec show organizers met with trade media in Milan at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to share a snapshot of the aftermarket’s macro-trends and preview some of the innovations that will be showcased in Bologna. The meeting, organized to introduce the GiPA Excellence Awards 2025, also gave attendees the opportunity to vote for the winner of the GiPA Press Award 2025. As it has for the past 17 years, the first day of Autopromotec will close with an awards ceremony celebrating the people, companies and initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on the aftermarket.

THE AFTERMARKET TAKES THE STAGE

Everything is ready for the 30th edition of the international biennial exhibition for automotive equipment and the aftermarket: Autopromotec 2025 returns to Bologna Fiere from May 21 to 24, 2025, with a richer-than-ever program of conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities for the industry.

After reviewing the past two successful editions, Autopromotec CEO Renzo Servadei explained how the upcoming event will be even more special due to the rapid technological innovation brought by SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles) and the application of AI in vehicle and component design.

“Autopromotec 2025 aims to be the stage where all major innovations and latest technologies from exhibitors will be revealed. It is the ideal place for companies and professionals to discover the best tools serving the aftermarket.”

In line with this trend, the 2025 edition will focus on the most relevant themes in the sector: new technologies, smart mobility, data and connectivity, sustainability, ADAS systems, and more. The numbers are already promising another successful edition: over 1,500 exhibitors expected, 26% international, and 91% of exhibition space already confirmed, with diagnostics, workshops, and networks among the most popular sectors.

2025 MACRO-TRENDS GiPA

Italy’s Project Coordinator Rosaria Amodio and new Country Manager Romain Gougeon presented the key 2025 market megatrends ahead of the show.

Among the topics discussed: the aging vehicle parc and the slow growth of electric vehicle registrations currently, nearly 99% of vehicles on the road are still combustion-engine powered. They also highlighted how the repair market is shrinking and shifting toward multi-service models; how parts turnover is growing faster than labor costs; and how, outside the OE and equivalent parts logic, remanufactured parts are preferred over used ones.

GiPA ITALIA HONORS AFTERMARKET EXCELLENCE

Founded in 1997 to reward companies and projects that stand out in the Italian automotive aftermarket, the GiPA Excellence Trophies reach its 17th edition this year. The award ceremony has become a “can’t miss tradition” that closes the first day of Autopromotec.

The recent press meeting at Crowne Plaza Milan City was the perfect occasion to gather the media and select the next Press Trophy winner. The winner has been chosen and all that’s left now is to meet in Bologna on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, for the Autopromotec opening night, where the winner’s name will be revealed along with all the other award recipients.