The 2025 IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich was a showcase of the latest models and concepts coming from carmakers. With a strong presence from manufacturers, the event spread across the Messe München and various ‘open space’ locations in the Bavarian capital. Brands used the show to highlight their latest mobility developments and future plans. The event boasted a record 57% share of foreign exhibitors, with 40% of all exhibitors being first-time participants.
Over 350 world premieres and product innovations were unveiled at this year’s IAA Mobility, spanning from city cars to large SUVs, and production-ready models to bold experimental concepts. Domestic brands like BMW, Volkswagen (VW), Mercedes-Benz, and Audi took center stage at the event, showcasing new eras, directions, and design languages.
BMW used the event as a launchpad for its Neue Klasse, a vehicle platform that will underpin more than 40 new or updated models by 2027. The first of these models is the all-electric iX3, a D-segment SUV featuring a distinct new design language and advanced technology. BMW also revealed a new entry-level EV, the i3, which is set to be unveiled early next year.
Volkswagen presented its new direction at the IAA Mobility with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs). They showcased four new EVs, including the ID.Polo, ID.Polo GTI, ID.Cross Concept, and ID.Every1 concept. The models mark the start of VW’s new naming strategy where established vehicle names will be transferred to EVs.
Mercedes-Benz’s presence at the IAA Mobility was spearheaded by the new all-electric GLC SUV, showcasing a new design language and advanced technology. The GLC features an AI-driven ‘superbrain’, an MBUX ‘hyperscreen’, and an 800-volt system with bi-directional charging. Mercedes-Benz also premiered its CLA with a new hybrid powertrain and an all-electric shooting brake estate version.
Overall, the 2025 IAA Mobility was a platform for car manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations and future plans, highlighting the shift towards electrification and advanced technology in the automotive industry. The IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich showcased a plethora of new and exciting models from various automakers. Mercedes-Benz introduced the Concept AMG GT XX, which demonstrated the upcoming AMG.EA high-performance architecture by completing a record-breaking ‘round the world’ distance challenge. The model traveled 40,075km in just eight days, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
In addition to the AMG GT XX, Mercedes-Benz also presented an electric VLE prototype, providing a glimpse of its future grand limousine models. Smart confirmed plans to introduce the #2, an all-electric two-seater city car in Europe by autumn 2026.
Audi unveiled its Concept C, a two-seater convertible sports car that represents the brand’s new design philosophy and future direction. Porsche premiered the 911 Turbo S with hybrid technology and showcased its new wireless charging system for cars, which will first be available for the all-electric Cayenne.
Renault revealed the sixth-generation Clio, available with a full-hybrid petrol or LPG powertrain in some markets. Opel presented the Mokka GSE, its fastest all-electric model to date, as well as the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car. Skoda showcased the Epiq show car, previewing an upcoming all-electric compact SUV crossover.
Cupra introduced the Raval electric city car and the Tindaya concept, displaying the brand’s future design language. Polestar revealed the Polestar 5 grand tourer, built on an 800-volt framework.
Hyundai unveiled its Concept Three, the first compact EV concept from its Ioniq sub-brand, and outlined its electrification roadmap. Kia showcased four premieres, including the EV2 concept, a preview of a production model set to launch in 2026.
Chinese automakers also made an impact at the IAA Mobility exhibition. BYD presented the Seal DM-i Touring plug-in hybrid and announced plans to produce the Dolphin Surf city car in Hungary. Leapmotor held the world premiere of its B05 electric hatchback and the B10 electric SUV, built on its new Leap3.5 architecture.
Overall, the IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich was a showcase of innovative concepts and future models from automakers around the world, highlighting the industry’s shift towards electrification and sustainability. The recent IAA Mobility show in Munich showcased a range of impressive vehicles from various manufacturers, including some exciting new models from Chinese, American, and Turkish brands.
Changan, a Chinese automaker, displayed the P7+ alongside the G6 SUV coupé and G9 SUV at the event. They also confirmed the introduction of a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) SUV for the European market, called the S05. Changan’s Avatr sub-brand showcased its Vision Xpectra concept, as the carmaker aims to expand its presence to over 50 countries and regions globally.
GAC, another Chinese brand, presented six vehicles at the show, including the Aion V BEV SUV, which will be the brand’s first model to be sold in Europe. GAC plans to enter several European countries from September 2025 and aims to achieve full market coverage across Europe by 2028.
Hongqi revealed its plans to introduce up to 15 models in the European market, covering BEVs and hybrids across different segments. The EHS5, a premium all-electric SUV, is the first model under this strategy, as Hongqi aims to establish over 200 sales and service outlets in Europe.
Aito, another Chinese brand, launched specialized variants of three SUVs – the Aito 9, Aito 7, and Aito 5 – for the Middle Eastern market. These models feature BEV and range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains.
Turkish manufacturer Togg premiered its production-ready T10F sedan at the show, alongside the T10X SUV, marking its entry into the German market. Togg also introduced Can.AI, an AI platform developed in collaboration with Microsoft Türkiye.
Lucid Motors, an American marque, announced its European market debut with the Gravity model, a three-row SUV. The premium BEV will be available for order in select European countries with deliveries expected to begin in early 2026.
Ford showcased the Ranger PHEV MS-RT and the E-Tourneo Custom MS-RT at the event, offering a motorsport-inspired version of the pick-up and a sporty electric passenger transporter.
Overall, the IAA Mobility show was a platform for manufacturers from around the world to showcase their latest innovations and future plans for the European market. The diversity of vehicles on display highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. The world is facing a crisis like never before. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire globe to a standstill, with millions of people infected and thousands losing their lives. The virus has not only affected people’s health but has also had a devastating impact on the global economy.
Countries around the world have implemented strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of the virus. This has led to businesses shutting down, people losing their jobs, and economies going into a tailspin. The World Bank has predicted that the global economy will shrink by 5.2% in 2020, the deepest recession since World War II.
The impact of the pandemic is being felt across all sectors of the economy. The tourism industry, which relies heavily on travel and leisure, has been hit the hardest. Airlines, hotels, and tour operators have all seen a significant decline in business as people cancel their travel plans and stay at home. The International Air Transport Association has estimated that the airline industry could lose up to $314 billion in revenue this year.
The manufacturing sector has also taken a hit, with factories closing down and supply chains being disrupted. This has resulted in a shortage of goods and a rise in prices, further adding to the economic woes. The automotive industry, in particular, has been severely affected, with car sales plummeting and production being put on hold.
The service industry, which includes restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues, has also been impacted. Many businesses have had to shut their doors permanently, while others are struggling to stay afloat. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, with millions of people losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
Governments around the world have implemented stimulus packages to help revive their economies. These packages include measures such as cash handouts, tax breaks, and loans to businesses. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as the situation continues to deteriorate.
As the world grapples with the economic fallout of the pandemic, experts are warning that the road to recovery will be long and arduous. It will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals to rebuild the economy and ensure a sustainable future for all. Only time will tell if the world can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger on the other side. the perspective of a marine biologist studying the impact of climate change on coral reefs.
As a marine biologist specializing in the study of coral reefs, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on these delicate ecosystems. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their incredible biodiversity and importance to marine life. However, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events are threatening the health and survival of coral reefs around the world.
One of the most pressing issues facing coral reefs is the phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and become more susceptible to disease. This process is primarily driven by increased sea temperatures, which can cause stress to the corals and disrupt the delicate relationship between the coral polyps and algae.
In recent years, coral bleaching events have become more frequent and severe due to rising global temperatures. The 2016 bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef, for example, resulted in the loss of an estimated 29% of shallow-water corals. This is particularly concerning as coral reefs provide crucial habitat for a wide range of marine species, many of which rely on the reef for food and shelter.
In addition to coral bleaching, ocean acidification is also posing a significant threat to coral reefs. As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase, a portion of this gas is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This can make it more difficult for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, which are essential for their growth and survival. In some cases, corals may even start to dissolve under acidic conditions.
Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and cyclones, can also have a devastating impact on coral reefs. These events can cause physical damage to the reefs, breaking apart coral colonies and reducing their ability to recover. In addition, heavy rainfall can lead to increased sedimentation and pollution runoff, further stressing the corals and hindering their ability to thrive.
As a marine biologist, it is clear to me that urgent action is needed to address the threats facing coral reefs. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as implementing conservation measures to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. By working together to address these challenges, we can help ensure the long-term health and survival of these vital marine habitats.
