International VDI Congress for Plastics in Automotive Engineering (PIAE) 2026

Functional Design, Active Aerodynamics, and Circular Lifecycle Concepts

2026/05/22

Summary
Keynote: Lost in Transformation? Theses on the Future of the Automotive Industry in an Era of High Volatility (Center of Automotive Management)
Form & Function: Light Integration into an Active Grille Shutter (Röchling)
Active Aeroblades in an SUV: The Next Step in Active Aerodynamics (Porsche)
Development of Post-Consumer Recyclates of Maritime Origin and Their Use in Visible Components in Vehicles (BMW/LyondellBasell)
Simply mono(materials) at Škoda Auto (Škoda)
Lifecycle Management of High-Voltage Batteries in Suzuki Vehicles (Suzuki)
Key Takeaways from PIAE 2026

Summary

The International VDI Congress for Plastics in Automotive Engineering (PIAE), organized by the VDI Wissensforum GmbH, is the world's leading congress for plastics technology in the automotive industry.


PIAE at the Kongresshaus in Baden-Baden (PIAE 2026 organized by VDI Wissensforum GmbH/photos: Copyright © MarkLines Co., Ltd. All rights reserved)

PIAE 2026 was held for the first time in Baden-Baden from March 18 to 19, marking a milestone in the congress’s more than 40-year history. The event confirmed its strong position as a leading international platform for plastics in automotive engineering, bringing together around 900 industry experts, 70 national and international exhibitors, and nearly 50 technical lectures, including 15 presentations by OEMs.

The congress highlighted key technological and strategic developments shaping the future of the automotive industry. Core themes included lightweight construction and advanced material solutions, design and surface technologies, sustainability and circular economy concepts, digitalization and artificial intelligence in development and production, as well as electromobility and functional materials. Vehicle exhibits complemented the conference program by providing practical insight into the application of emerging technologies and materials.

Through focused technical sessions, TecPart Innovation Award presentations, and a parallel conference on high-voltage batteries, PIAE 2026 emphasized the growing importance of integrated material, process, and system expertise in automotive engineering.

This report summarizes selected presentations from the congress, with a particular focus on material innovation, sustainability, and functional integration, and does not aim to cover the full thematic scope of the event.

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