As Frankfurt once again prepares to welcome car-makers and -lovers to what is the largest automotive gathering in the world, the Frankfurt Motor Show, or IAA, organizers are paying extra attention to security.
With environmental activists looking to gather people to protest the Frankfurt event on September 14, Germany’s auto-industry association, the VDA, is warning show-goers to prepare for longer-than-usual wait times due to additional security checkpoints.
According to reporting by Reuters, anti-auto protests were brought to a climax last week when a vandalism spree at a car dealership close to Frankfurt left 40 luxury vehicles damaged. A group that goes by “Rocks the Gearbox” is being investigated in connection with the crime.
In an effort to quell (or at least corral) protesters, the VDA is inviting local Greenpeace representatives and auto-execs from Daimler and BMW to a panel discussion about climate change and what it means for mobility in Berlin on September 5.
“We are in close contact with the security authorities just as we are at every IAA. Entrance controls will be tightened, given that there may be spontaneous rioting at the show,” VDA spokesman Eckehart Rotter told Reuters.
Protesters or not, the Frankfurt motor show will take place from September 12 thru 22.
[“source=driving”]