Equip Auto 2005 Reinforces Its Global Positioning

Equip Auto 2005 Delivered its biggest attendance yet, with the Paris, France automotive event also recording an increase in international participation.
The 2005 Equip Auto Show, which brought together the entire automotive equipment sector at Paris-Nord Villepinte 13-18 October, recorded a 4.9% rise in attendance (137,566 visitors, 30.1% from abroad). These results confirm not only the remarkable development of the international audience but also Equip Auto’s exceptional appeal, attracting 2,042 exhibitors this year, 78% of them from outside France (72% in 2003).
Equip Auto clearly strengthened its world positioning in 2005, with international visitor levels rising from 26% in 2003 to 30.1% this year (as a reminder, 20% in 2001). These 41,407 international visitors (up 21.4%) are, moreover, particularly representative of both the large traditional international markets and the new centers of international automotive dynamism. What should also be noted, though, is that this growth in international interest has taken place without abandonment on the part of the national audience, which has remained sustained and virtually stable at 96,159 French visitors, compared to 97,043 in 2003.
Through all sectors, from design to maintenance, exhibitors spoke of particularly high levels of commercial contacts and a very productive business climate. The 2,042 exhibitors (up 10.4%), representing an exhibition area of 200,000m2 at Equip Auto 2005, report that they have achieved high degrees of activity and continually rising volumes of business.
Finally, mention should be made of the dynamism of exhibitors, who presented vehicle and garage equipment concepts and products with remarkable levels of creativity and exceptional dynamics of innovation, as highlighted by the International Grands Prix of Technical Innovation awarded by a jury of 75 journalists representing 21 countries.