Protests against the IAA: Mobility put to the test

IAA in Munich: Protest between mobility vision and police action

Munich – The International Motor Show (IAA) took place in Munich for the first time in September 2021 – and promptly caused heated debates. Manufacturers presented their latest models and concepts under the extended motto “Mobility”, while climate and environmental activists expressed their displeasure on the streets. The accusation was that the “green veneer” was merely a façade behind which profit maximisation was still being pursued at the expense of people and nature.

In order to keep the sometimes vociferous protests in check, the police deployed a large contingent – one of the largest operations in two decades, according to many observers. There were repeated clashes with demonstrators, during which pepper spray and batons were used. Despite the clashes, the trade fair attracted thousands of visitors and remained a scene of tense contrasts until the very end: visionary mobility concepts here, loud criticism and vehement resistance there.