Brandy Ryan
The automotive industry is in a period of continuous evolution—shaped by shifting consumer expectations, advancing technologies, and increasing pressure to deliver faster and more efficiently.
At Automotive Innovation Forum (AIF) 2026, that evolution takes center stage.
Hosted by industry analyst Roger Atkins, this year’s event brings together leaders from automotive design and the manufacturing industry explore what that evolution means in practice—and how to turn it into competitive advantage.
June 2-3 | Darmstadt, Germany.
Celebrating 20 years of industry-first thinking
Now in its 20th year, AIF has become a key moment for the automotive design community to step back, compare perspectives, and move forward with greater clarity.
This year, the focus sharpens around the decisions shaping the industry right now:
- The growing role of AI
- Increasing expectations for speed, flexibility, and efficiency
- Why critical decisions still happen too late—and how to change that
- The need for closer alignment across teams and disciplines
AIF 2026 is designed to explore how these shifts are being navigated—not only within automotive, but in the broader context of modern manufacturing—and what’s emerging as best practice.
Two days designed for impact
Day 1: Industry perspective and shared insight
AIF 2026 opens with a series of keynotes and panels that set the context for where automotive—and manufacturing more broadly—are heading:
- A forward-looking keynote exploring the forces shaping the next decade
- A cross-industry panel examining how organisations are approaching complexity and speed
- Autodesk’s perspective on what’s changing—and how new capabilities are being applied in practice
In the afternoons, attendees dive into dedicated tracks:
- Design & Development (Automotive, Mobility, Transportation)
- Digital Factory (Factory & Manufacturing)
Customer sessions from OEMs and industry leaders—including Renault, Bentley, Rivian, and BMW—bring these themes into focus through real-world examples of how teams are managing complexity, collaboration, and change.
Day 2: From insight to execution
Day 2 builds on that momentum, focusing on how ideas translate into practice:
- A customer keynote exploring end-to-end alignment—from design intent to production reality
- Deep-dive sessions across design, visualization, and factory planning
- A student competition showcasing fresh thinking and future talent
Across sessions, the focus shifts from direction to application—how teams are evolving the way they work to deliver better outcomes, faster.
Guided by industry perspective
With Roger Atkins hosting both days, AIF 2026 is shaped by an independent, industry-first lens.
Discussions are designed to connect strategic shifts with practical implications—helping attendees understand not just where automotive is heading, but how approaches from across manufacturing are influencing that evolution.
Be part of what’s next
Be part of what’s next
Across the industry, evolution is constant—driven by technology, shaped by market forces, and informed by approaches that extend beyond automotive alone.
AIF 2026 brings that evolution into focus, offering a space to learn from peers, explore new approaches, and move forward with greater confidence.
Join us at AIF 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next.
This story was developed using a blend of human expertise and AI tools supporting the research and drafting. Our team shaped, edited, and fact-checked the final content to ensure accuracy and alignment.
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