Visionary Piccard at the Automechanika Frankfurt CEO Breakfast
5 Aug 2026
On 8 September, Dr Bertrand Piccard will speak at the Automechanika CEO Breakfast in Frankfurt. The explorer and entrepreneur will share insights into his experiences as a pioneer and explain why sustainable innovations are the key to economic success.
Piccard made aviation history with the first non-stop flight round the world in a hot-air balloon and the first circumnavigation of the globe in a solar-powered aeroplane. With his new project, ‘Climate Impulse’, he is now planning the first non-stop round-the-world flight in an aeroplane powered by liquid hydrogen, which produces zero CO₂ emissions.
"The impossible does not exist as such in reality, it only exists in the mindset of those who see the future as an extrapolation of the past."
Dr Bertrand Piccard
Dr Piccard, your projects were long considered impossible. What does it take to overcome limits?
Bertrand Piccard: The only limits we have to overcome are our inner limits, these wrong ideas which make us believe that we cannot think in a different way. Real progress begins when we question our certainties and are prepared to envisage the opposite from what we have always done. In that sense, innovation does not come when we have new ideas, but when we get rid of old believes. Like this, we will have a free mind that will be able to accept something new.
With Climate Impulse, you aim to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and emission-free for the first time in a hydrogen-powered aeroplane. What do you hope to demonstrate with this?
Bertrand Piccard: This project is far more than a technological challenge. In a world of eco-anxiety, it aims to prove that there are more solutions than problems, that we can trust the future as soon as we take actions to implement clean technologies and renewable energies. We must stop viewing sustainability as a constraint. The clean transition can accelerate innovation, create new markets and enable economic success. This is precisely the message I want to convey with Climate Impulse.
The automotive and aftermarket sectors are undergoing a period of profound change. Could you briefly outline for us the message you will be sharing with the guests at the CEO Breakfast?
Bertrand Piccard: I am convinced that the environment and the economy are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: the most profitable solutions of today are those that are efficient, in the sense that they reduce waste and allow to achieve more with less, thus improving profit margins. Companies should not view change as a risk, but as an opportunity to reinvent themselves and become more competitive. Those who embrace innovation early on and have the courage to further develop new business models will be more successful in the long term.
CEO Breakfast
Date: 8 September 2026, doors open and breakfast: 7.00 am, programme starts at 7.30 am
Venue: Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, Forum, Level 1, Panorama Hall
The Automechanika CEO Breakfast offers international executives a platform for personal exchange, strategic insights and networking. Following Dr Piccard’s keynote speech, there will be an inspiring CEO discussion with representatives from event partners Aumovio, Castrol, Continental, Mann+Hummel, Schaeffler and ZF. Hear first-hand how these CEOs are tackling the challenges of our time and what role collaboration with partners plays for them.
These CEOs will be joining you for the panel discussion
“The automotive aftermarket is transforming as mobility expectations evolve. Our value is defined by Maximizing Uptime, delivering reliability, performance, and seamless mobility. Ultimately, success will be defined by keeping customers at the center, combining a broad technology portfolio with a connected value chain, and strong partnerships across the aftermarket ecosystem.”
“The transformation of mobility is fundamentally changing the IAM sector. Increasing sustainability requirements and new vehicle platforms call for innovative solutions—and that’s exactly where we come in. MANN+HUMMEL combines innovation and materials expertise with a data-driven supply chain and a needs-based product portfolio to offer customers worldwide more sustainable and future-proof solutions.”
“At Castrol, we believe the future of mobility will be shaped by those who embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress. Automechanika provides a unique platform to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and work together to accelerate the transformation of the automotive industry for generations to come.”
“Repairability is a key element of future ecosystems. As digital services, new technologies and changing market requirements reshape the industry, we reduce complexity for our customers through one brand, one integrated portfolio and one service experience.”
“At the CEO Breakfast, AUMOVIO will focus on the profound changes shaping the market. This dynamic process can only be successfully managed through close collaboration between industry, workshops, and business partners. With a practical approach, a global mindset, and a strong focus on sustainability and digitalization, our goal is collaboration. Working together will give us the opportunity to develop together and future-proof the aftermarket.”
“We listen to our customers and act on their feedback. Our goal is to make it easy for independent aftermarket workshops to choose high-quality products while benefiting from straightforward installation and repairs. At the CEO Talk, I will discuss how future industry resilience requires us to look beyond organizational borders and take responsibility for the wider aftermarket ecosystem.”
