October 14 to 18, 2025
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
(R)ÉVOLUTION
A true journey through the history and future of the automotive industry, the (R)EVOLUTION exhibition retraces 50 years of innovations, services, and expertise that have marked the sector since 1975.
50 years of innovation and personalities
A lively retrospective at EQUIP AUTO !
To mark its 50th anniversary, EQUIP AUTO was inviting visitors to dive into five decades of major innovations, technological transformations, and iconic figures that were shaping the world of automotive after-sales.
Designed as a journey through time, the exhibition was providing a better understanding of the major milestones that were accompanying changes in the sector’s practices, professions, and technologies from 1975 to the present day.
The aim was to highlight the ingenuity, resilience, and adaptability of an ecosystem that was fundamental to mobility.
A flexible timeline to serve innovation
Although focused on the period 1975-2025, the exhibition deliberately adopts a flexible and open approach to time. Some of the items on display or personalities mentioned date back to earlier periods, or, conversely, herald future challenges. This conscious choice aims to reflect the historical roots of certain major developments, or to illustrate their extensions into the future. Thus, technical pioneers from the early 20th century rub shoulders with the emerging promises of tomorrow’s after-sales service. This back-and-forth between different time periods provides a better understanding of the dynamics of innovation, which are not limited to a single decade but are part of a continuum of ideas, breakthroughs and transmitted know-how.
A living tribute, a source of inspiration
Throughout the exhibition, you will also discover portraits of visionary men and women, whether entrepreneurs, engineers or technicians, whose actions have marked the history of EQUIP AUTO and, more broadly, that of the automotive aftermarket in France and Europe. This exhibition is intended to be both a tribute and a source of inspiration: a way of celebrating the roots of a constantly changing industry, while affirming its role in the transitions of today and tomorrow and its ability to meet current and future challenges
Discover the major innovations and iconic figures that have shaped the automotive industry, after-sales and services over the last five decades.
Paul-Jean Souriau – A motor show for the future of the automobile
Michelin TRX – A revolution in tyres
The revolution in automotive signalling
Maurice Paquette – From the agricultural world to the high-pressure gantry
The evolution of automotive braking
ADAS – On-board electronics at the service of the driver
Pierre Burelle – Plastics technology for lighter cars
Jean Maurus – Modernising the distribution of automotive parts
Paul Lipschutz – The remote control that changes everything
ABS – The revolution in electronically controlled braking
First keyless ignition systems – Towards hands-free access
Hector Fratty – Automotive Lighting and Innovation at Valeo
The rear-view mirror revolution
Stop & Start – The simple idea that paved the way for the hybrid era
Rear-wheel steering – Agility and stability in motion
Liquid crystal displays – Towards the digital dashboard
Pierre Farsy – Structuring car maintenance with AD Pro and AD Top
Particulate filters – Controlling diesel engine emissions
Supercharger – Modernised supercharging
Germain Celette – The engineering of chassis straightening
Water-based paint – Towards cleaner bodywork
Regenerative braking – Recovering energy to move forward more efficiently
Electropneumatic ABS for industrial vehicles: optimised braking
The evolution of windscreen wipers
Annie Easley – Pioneer of hybrid vehicle batteries
Common rail direct diesel injection – Performance and fuel efficiency
Hybrid powertrain – The rebirth of an old concept
Calibration tools for ACC radars – Precision driving aids
Starter-alternator – The key to Stop & Start
The AGEC law: accelerating the circular economy
Remote parking – Towards autonomous parking
Artificial intelligence – The driving force behind autonomous vehicles
Biometric recognition – Towards personalised interaction
Air conditioning with body recognition – Intelligent comfort
Solid-state batteries – Capacity and ultra-fast charging
Airbag – The Mercedes S-Class ushers in a new era of passive safety
Laminated glass, a safety standard
ESP – Electronic Stability Programme by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz
The disc brake, a pillar of active safety
TPMS – Monitoring tyre pressure in real time
Bumpers – New standards for pedestrian safety
The evolution of car headlights
