A Show on Wheels: Over 42,000 people Attended ATBS 2025, the Automotive Industry Festival
This past weekend, Romexpo hosted a spectacular edition of the Auto Total Business Show (ATBS 2025), drawing over 42,000 visitors. Over two action-packed days, car enthusiasts were treated to high-octane drift shows with top drivers, live technical demos, product launches, and attractions for all ages — all celebrating performance, innovation, and a shared passion for cars. The lively atmosphere was amplified by live music from Mihai Mărgineanu, the Tibi Scobiola Band, and Fără Zahăr. The event was organized by Auto Total.
Tens of Thousands Brave the Rain for Drift Action and Tuning Highlights at ATBS 2025
Despite the rainy weather on Saturday, the energy was electric as fans flocked to see six high-adrenaline drift sessions light up the asphalt. The lineup featured both rising stars from the Street Kids team and seasoned pros — from European champion Alice Ene to veteran Gabi Imre Jr., alongside Gabi Imre, Mihai Andrei Bogdan, Mihai Dinu, and Bogdan Carapanceanu. An impressive new wave of talent also took the spotlight, including Alexis Stan, Albert Ciotu, Alexei Manea, Adelina Ionescu, and Vanessa Manea. Roars of applause followed every precision-controlled skid, proving that not even the rain could dampen the excitement.
Tuning Takes Center Stage with Over 70 Custom Cars in the JuriLovCars Competition From flawlessly restored retro builds to aggressive widebody beasts on air suspension, extreme audio setups, and fully reimagined interiors — the competition showcased pure passion, creativity, and hundreds of hours of meticulous work. The coveted “Best Car in the Show” trophy went to Bucharest native Alex Ghighilan for his petrol-powered BMW 325i. With a complete overhaul — engine, suspension, bodywork, and custom detailing — his build impressed both the judges and the crowd with its flawless technical execution.
The spectacle didn’t stop there. A real-life Strongman showdown followed, with Romania’s mightiest athletes — Vladimir Comorovschi, Iulian Moțo, Glad-Alexandru Dumitrache, Vlad Voinea, and Robert Trifan — led by Balkan champion Vlad Leahu. These titans wowed the audience by lifting jaw-dropping weights using nothing but raw physical power, in scenes straight out of an action movie.
Meanwhile, mechanics and repair pros got their moment in the spotlight with mini-challenges that served as a warm-up for the upcoming National “Mechanic of the Year Competition” — the largest contest in the auto repair industry. Kicking off this fall, it will gather thousands of professionals from across the country to battle for the ultimate title. The grand prize? A brand-new Citroën C3, awarded to the overall champion of the 2025 edition.
Those in the mood for fun jumped right into the light-hearted challenges at ATBS 2025, turning spontaneous moments into real crowd-pleasers. One of the most applauded was the “How Many People Can Fit in a Car?” challenge, where a team of 16 participants managed to squeeze into a Peugeot 208, using every free centimeter of space.
Advanced solutions and technical trends for automotive professionals. Gabriel Zane, Marketing Director at Auto Total: “ATBS 2025 confirmed it — the future of the aftermarket is being built here. Auto Total, a company with 100% Romanian capital, continues to be a reliable partner for repair shops and auto parts stores across the country. The Central Pavilion brought together over 130 booths featuring OE/OEM equipment and top-tier technical demonstrations. Visitors witnessed impressive tech showcases, raced against the clock at the Wahlberg PITT-STOP Challenge, and had the chance to meet rally champions Simone Tempestini (NRF) and Norbert Maior (Hankook), alongside real rally cars. AJUSA presented the first aftermarket gaskets for electric vehicles, OSRAM unveiled the first road-approved LED bulbs for Romania, OTTO ZIMMERMANN showcased brake discs designed for racing and track days, while MIRKA exhibited its Red Dot Award-winning equipment. Professionals also discovered NGK’s iridium spark plugs, ELRING’s innovative LiqRep Metal compound, Krottendorf’s braking system components, and the complete range of Maddox Ultra oils. ”
