With an objective of 2,140 exhibitors, up 5% on 2005, EQUIP AUTO 2007 is asserting its ambition as world leader in the sector. An ambition first reservation figures confirm. In the Garage Equipment sector for example, 84% of expected exhibitors, as of 30 March, have already confirmed their registration, a rise of 15% on March 2005 figures.

This flood of reservations echoes EQUIP AUTO’s declared strategy: an opening onto all equipment markets (OEM, Aftermarket and Garage), increased internationalization (one visitor out of 3 will be international and 50 countries are already represented among exhibitors), and deployment of intense and interactive events.

Reaffirmed sectors
Sector definition has changed for improved consistency and is accompanied by theme-based events intended to irrigate the entire show, and in particular:

• Hall 1, dedicated to Repair and Maintenance (as is half of Hall 2), will welcome on a surface area of 1,200 m² a “Trends and Knowledge” area where the world of motor sport will be taking the stage alongside the innovations of the year: Reconstitution of a rally-raid box where team professionals will be presenting “live” performances; Creation of an “innovation circuit” where the 24 products shortlisted as part of the International Grands Prix for Automotive Innovation will be presented in a dynamic and interactive way.
• Hall 3, where “Bodywork-Paint” and “Breakdown” are concentrated, will welcome broad-based events such as: the “Future Pros Workshops”, “Relational Exchange Marts” and other “aftermarket”  events (program under development).
• Hall 5 traditionally welcomes the “Tires” area, which to date is showing a 22% increase in terms of surface area (compared with March 2005).

 
Innovative events

• The Relational Exchange Marts (REMs) are a first for the show. Entirely dedicated to visitors, the REMS are interactive events that aim at putting offer and demand regarding two major concerns –recruitment of staff and company transfer – instantaneously in touch with one another in total interactivity (*).
• The Future Pros Workshops, created in 2005, and renewed in partnership with six leading schools in the trade. Designed as places of information intended for young people in training, they offer operational information on the main trades facing difficulties in recruitment. They will be led by network and brand managers and representatives from professional organizations. Tuesday 16 October: Vehicle Manufacturers and Brand Networks Future Pros Workshops – Wednesday 17 October: Fast-Fit and Auto Centers Future Pros Workshops – Wednesday 17 October: Auto Body Repair and Mechanics Networks Future Pros Workshops.  

“Business” Services

• Hall 4 will be welcoming the information technology sector and a new “Services for Professionals” (SFPs) area regrouping all services and diversification activities (used vehicle networks, rental, financing, insurance and warranty, new vehicle, used vehicle and parts e-business, store and workshop fittings).
• As in 2005 the sector dedicated to petroleum products, lubricants, additives and maintenance products will be located at the junction of Halls 4 and 5.
• The second half of Hall 4, Hall 5 and Hall 6 will be welcoming, as usual, Vehicle Equipment and Independent Aftermarket (IAM) and Original Equipment Spares (OES) networks.
• Industrial Vehicles remain more than ever a priority for EQUIP AUTO 07. As a reminder, the 2005 show brought together some 449 companies exhibiting systems and equipment intended for IVs.

EQUIP AUTO 2007, a forecasted success that can be summed up in four key words: Innovation, Opening, Internationalization, Interactivity.

(*) Principle of a R.E.M.: in a closed area in Hall 3, EQUIP AUTO will be making job offer (Recruitment R.E.M.) and business Purchase-Sale (Transfer R.E.M.) classified advertisements available to a public of visitors. The public will be able to reply in situ using an electronic unit. At the end of the event a list of useful contacts will be established for each advertisement and given to the advertiser, who will then be able to contact candidates the same day. Recruitment R.E.M.: Friday 19 October at 9:30am. / Transfer R.E.M.: Saturday 20 October at 9:30am.

 
 
Press Contact: Anne Plantié-Roux - aplantie@comexpo-paris.com