The IAA moves to Munich in 2021 from Frankfurt, its home for almost 20 years. It is critical for the show's reputation to attract foreign companies.

Munich won the show against competition from Berlin and Hamburg by convincing the German automakers association that its city center and nearby locations could be used to host mobility-focused events.

Germany's VDA industry association is switching the venue of its show from Frankfurt to either Berlin, Hamburg or Munich as it attempts to reverse flagging interest from automakers and the public.

Europe's biggest auto show could move to Berlin from Frankfurt as organizers consider ways of boosting flagging interest from automakers and the public.