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German Auto Industry Gears Up for Landmark 2026 Summit in Berlin

Berlin’s EUREF Campus becomes the epicenter of automotive innovation as top executives and policymakers converge. What will the 2026 DAT Report reveal about buyer trends?

This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.
This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.

German Auto Industry Gears Up for Landmark 2026 Summit in Berlin

The German automotive industry is preparing for the New Year with a notable event. The ZDK Annual Start Conference 2026, co-hosted by the Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK) and the Central Association of the Motor Vehicle Trade (ZVK), is scheduled for January 27, 2026. The summit, to be held at the Gasometer on Berlin-Schöneberg's EUREF Campus, aims to discuss crucial questions shaping the industry's future.

With nearly 1,000 participants registered, the event has sparked strong industry interest. Thomas Peckruhn, President of ZDK, expressed satisfaction with the response, highlighting the collaboration between car retail and repair workshops. The summit will feature a special program segment showcasing young talent from the motor trade.

Notable attendees include Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, Hildegard Müller (VDA), and Imelda Labbé (VDIK). However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not be attending due to scheduling conflicts. The summit will also witness the unveiling of the 52nd DAT Report, offering insights into car buyers' purchasing and workshop behavior.

The ZDK Annual Start Conference 2026 promises to be a significant gathering for the German automotive industry, providing a platform for discussion, collaboration, and innovation. With key industry figures in attendance and the unveiling of the 52nd DAT Report, the event is set to shape the sector's future in 2026 and beyond.

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