Three days at the trade show, many in-depth technical discussions, and a clear focus on customer-oriented solutions: From October 27 to 29, KIRCHHOFF Automotive was once again represented at the International Supplier Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg. Under the motto “Engineered for Your Needs,” the company demonstrated how materials, manufacturing processes, and component designs can be specifically tailored to meet various requirements in automotive engineering.
The trade show appearance also marked an anniversary: KIRCHHOFF Automotive has been exhibiting at the IZB for 20 years. Its proximity to Volkswagen and the direct exchange with experts from development and procurement have made the trade show an important meeting place for sales and technology ever since.
Solutions for Different Requirements
This year’s trade show presentation focused on how requirements for lightweight construction, costs, manufacturing processes, and materials can be tailored to specific customer needs.
One answer to this was provided by SIBORA Next Generation, the further development of the SIBORA silicon-boron steel grade – first introduced in 2024 and developed in collaboration with VW Group Innovation. The concept relies on surface variants selected specifically for each application. By using zinc or AlSi coatings, the design can be adapted depending on the load scenario, installation position, and manufacturing process. This allows for different requirements regarding corrosion protection, component weight, hot forming, and local component properties to be considered.
Another key focus was on crash management systems (CMS) featuring various material and manufacturing concepts. Aluminum solutions as well as coated and uncoated systems were on display. These were complemented by partially press-hardened concepts and a SIBORA CMS featuring varying SIBORA strengths within the system. As a result, the baseplate, crash boxes, and bumper shell can be designed according to their respective functions in the load path and tailored to the desired crash behavior.
Focus on Personal Exchange
In addition to the exhibits, direct dialogue with customers and industry experts was at the heart of the three-day trade show. After all, it is only through personal exchange that technological possibilities are transformed into concrete approaches for applications and future projects.
“Since our first appearance at IZB 2006, the supplier exchange has developed into an important trade show for KIRCHHOFF Automotive. It enables us to engage directly with decision-makers and specialists from various departments at Volkswagen, as well as other Group brands such as Škoda, Audi, and Porsche,” emphasizes Dr. Heiko Engels, Member of the Executive Board & CTO.
Twenty years after its first participation, KIRCHHOFF Automotive thus built on the progress made in recent years. “Engineered for Your Needs” summed up the central message of the trade show presentation: The focus was not on a single technological solution, but rather on the ability to tailor different materials, processes, and component concepts to the specific application and the customer’s concrete requirements.
▶ Impressions from KIRCHHOFF Automotive’s trade show appearance at IZB 2026
