Innovation Circuit - Collision Repair Magazine

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Volume 6

Issue 1

Innovation Circuit

Written by David Weisz

Monday, 30 July 2007

Equip Auto 2007 is one of the auto industry’s most celebrated annual events, and this year’s exhibition is poised to be the biggest one yet. Taking place October 15-20 at Parc d’Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte, in Paris, France, Equip Auto 2007 features representation from all equipment markets.

This year’s show promises increased internationalization and over 2,000 exhibitors. According to the show’s organizers, all 200,000 square feet of the exhibition will be packed with interactive events geared toward the movers and shakers of the automotive industry.

Halls of Knowledge

Interactivity takes centre stage this year, at a “Trends and Knowledge” area where this year’s innovations regarding the world of motor sports will be demonstrated. Key events include live performances of a reconstituted rally-raid box, and the creation of an “innovation circuit” where the 24 products short listed as part of the International Grands Prix for Automotive Innovation will be presented in an interactive and dynamic way.

Hall three will focus on “Bodywork-Paint” and “Breakdown” will feature broad-based events such as the “Future Pros Workshops,” “Relational Exchange Marts” and other “aftermarket” events that have yet to be announced.

An information technology sector will be housed in Hall 4, and a sector dedicated to petroleum products, lubricants, additives and maintenance products will be located at the junction of Halls 4 and 5. As well, all services and diversification activities (used vehicle networks, rental, financing, insurance and warranty, new and used vehicle and parts e-business, store and workshop fittings) will be regrouped together in a new “Services for Professionals” (SFPs) area located in Hall 4.

The second half of Halls 4, 5 and 6 will be dedicated to the Vehicle Equipment and Independent Aftermarket and Original Equipment Spares (OES) networks. The Industrial Vehicle sector will also return as an important part of Equip Auto 2007.

Interactive Events

A first for the show, the Relational Exchange Marts (REMs) are interactive events dedicated to visitors that seek to resolve two major concerns-staff recruitment and company transfer-utilizing interactive events to bridge the gap between them. Job offer (Recruitment R.E.M.) and business Purchase-Sale (R.E.M.) classified advertisements will be made available to visitors in a closed area in Hall 3, where those interested will be able to respond to the ads using electronic units provided by Equip Auto 2007.

At the end of the event, a list of useful contacts will be established for each advertisement, allowing advertisers to contact candidates the same day.

Created in 2005, The Future Pros Workshop returns with a renewed partnership with six leading schools in the trade. Designed as places of information for young people in training, it offers operational information on the main trades facing difficulties in recruitment. Network and brand managers, as well as representatives from professional organizations, will lead the various workshops.

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