Wolfsburg, 27 October 2026. The Volkswagen Group Hubs at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) 2026 have received 365 proposals for innovative solutions. This represents an increase of 143 percent compared with the previous edition in 2024, when 150 proposals were submitted. Across five hubs focusing on specific technology areas, selected suppliers and start-ups meet with experts from the Volkswagen Group’s Technical Development and Procurement departments to discuss solutions to specific technical and commercial requirements. IZB takes place from 27 to 29 October at Allerpark in Wolfsburg.
The Volkswagen Group Hubs were introduced in 2024 and have been expanded for this year’s event. In addition to the four existing topic areas, a new hub dedicated to General Procurement & AI has been added. The other focus areas are Interior & Exterior, Electronics & Connectivity, Powertrain & Battery, and Metal, Body & Chassis Systems.
Technical solutions for specific requirements
The format is based on a Call for Proposals, which enabled companies to submit solutions to specific challenges defined by Volkswagen ahead of the fair. Of the 365 proposals received, 327 came from IZB exhibitors and 38 from start-ups. The largest share, with 127 submissions, was in the Metal, Body & Chassis Systems category.
Experts from the Volkswagen Group reviewed the submissions. Selected companies have the opportunity to discuss their developments directly with the relevant Volkswagen representatives at IZB. In addition to technical suitability, feasibility, quality and cost-effectiveness are key evaluation criteria.
One of the selected partners is KIRCHHOFF Automotive. The long-standing Volkswagen supplier of body and chassis components presented further developments of the SIBORA steel technology, jointly developed with Volkswagen Group Innovation, during a 30-minute project presentation. First showcased at IZB 2024, this silicon-boron steel enables components with different strength levels, combining improved energy absorption in the event of a crash with reduced weight.
This year, KIRCHHOFF Automotive presented a new coating technology that improves corrosion protection without compromising the material’s strength.
“We combine safety with lightweight construction and work together with Volkswagen to bring our products to market readiness. IZB provides the perfect platform for this exchange,” said Andreas Heine, Vice President Communication and Marketing at KIRCHHOFF Automotive.
Volkswagen expands dialogue with suppliers
In addition to the expert discussions at the hubs, the programme includes further opportunities for exchange. As part of the Hub on Tour format, Volkswagen representatives visit suppliers’ exhibition stands to explore their technologies first-hand. Individual hubs also host dedicated theme and focus days, enabling more in-depth discussions on specific topics.
In addition, 32 topic-specific Walk & Talk tours are being organised during the fair for Volkswagen employees. These tours allow participants to discover companies and innovations relevant to their respective fields of expertise.
Dr Tim Schumacher, Managing Director of the organising company Wolfsburg AG, said: “The number of proposals submitted demonstrates the strong interest among suppliers in engaging directly with Volkswagen. The key question now is which solutions best address the specific challenges and what next steps emerge from these discussions. With the Group Hubs, we are once again bringing the relevant experts together on site.”
The professional exchange will continue over the remaining days of the fair. On Thursday, the IZB Livestage will host concluding wrap-up panels, where Volkswagen representatives and selected suppliers will review their participation in the event.
IZB 2026 features six exhibition halls and 858 exhibitors from 36 countries. The fair is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Thursday. IZB is organised by Wolfsburg AG, a joint venture between the City of Wolfsburg and Volkswagen AG.
Further information:www.izb-online.com
