Home to DaimlerChrysler, Porsche and Neoplan, Stuttgart really lives up to its reputation as the capital of the car industry. These prestigious automotive manufacturers are joined by a number of components suppliers, most notably Bosch, Mahle and Behr. Every year more patents are registered here than anywhere else in Germany. Almost 45 per cent of Baden-Württemberg's research and development capacity is based in Stuttgart.

Stuttgart Exhibition Centre is the showroom for Baden-Württemberg's heavily export-oriented economy. Every year it hosts more than 30 of its own trade fairs and exhibitions, including several prestigious international fairs. It is also the setting for around 20 guest events. The main themes include lifestyle and leisure, industry and technology, and business and education.

Stuttgart Exhibition Centre is located four kilometres north-west of the city bordering a tranquil parkland area. From the main railway station take the U7 underground train in the direction of Killesberg/Messe (journey time approx. 5 minutes). Stuttgart airport has frequent connections to the most important European cities and there are also numerous intercity rail connections.