Automechanika 2026: BFL Showcases the Diversity of Automotive Painters

Under the slogan “Get a passion for color—become an automotive painter. Because you love it,” the BFL’s trade show presence is aimed specifically at high school students, apprentices, teachers, and parents, as well as industry professionals. Up to five times a day, young automotive painters offer authentic insights into the training program and day-to-day work in so-called masterclasses. Together with the Central Association for Bodywork and Automotive Technology (ZKF), the Central Association of the German Automotive Trade (ZDK), and the Federal Guild Association of the German Automotive Trade (BIV), the BFL also showcases the entire process chain involved in vehicle production. Visitors can get hands-on, assemble and customize a miniature vehicle model, and then take it home with them. Modern technologies also play a central role at the BFL booth. In a virtual paint booth, interested visitors can try their hand at digital painting and get a sense of the possibilities of future work environments. The spray gun challenge, on the other hand, requires manual dexterity, precision, and speed. A special highlight awaits visitors on Thursday, September 10: The National Vehicle Painter Team will be guests at the BFL booth. These up-and-coming talents will share their experiences from national and international competitions, be available for one-on-one conversations, and demonstrate their skills during a live painting session of two electric go-karts.

The Automotive Painter Profession at Automechanika

Another eye-catcher at the booth illustrates just how much new technologies are transforming this profession: a real painting robot symbolizes automation and technological transformation in the automotive painting trade. But the robot doesn’t have a name yet. Visitors are therefore invited to submit their own name suggestions. A winner will be drawn from all entries and will win an event weekend at the Nürburgring. Creativity and customization will take center stage on Friday, September 11. That day, automotive painter and content creator Alexander Bloch from Stilbruch-Lack will be a guest speaker. He’ll discuss his career path, extraordinary projects, and the creative side of the automotive painting trade. In addition, he will be customizing several “Car Shapes” live at the booth. Under the motto “Craft for Charity,” two electric vehicles individually designed by Alexander Bloch in the style of a Brabus G63 will also be unveiled; these will then be auctioned off as part of a charity campaign. With its appearance at Automechanika, the Federal Association of Automotive Painters aims not only to inspire interest in this apprenticeship-based profession but also to demonstrate just how diverse, creative, and technologically sophisticated the modern craft is. From traditional craftsmanship to digital applications, automation, and custom design, the spectrum of this profession—which is constantly evolving—is vast.