From 12 to 16 October 2027
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.
1970:The Lambda sensor – A revolution for cleaner engines
1970: The disc brake, a pillar of active safety
1975: Paul-Jean Souriau – A motor show for the future of the automobile
1975: Michelin TRX – A revolution in tyres
1975: The revolution in automotive signalling
The evolution of automotive braking
ADAS – On-board electronics at the service of the driver
Maurice Paquette – From the agricultural world to the high-pressure gantry
1975: Pierre Burelle – Plastics technology for lighter cars
1976: The rise of the diesel engine
1978: Jean Maurus – Modernising the distribution of automotive parts
1978: Paul Lipschutz – The remote control that changes everything
1978: ABS – The revolution in electronically controlled braking
1980: The evolution of car headlights
1980: Airbag – The Mercedes S-Class ushers in a new era of passive safety
1980: Laminated glass, a safety standard
1980: ESP – Electronic Stability Programme by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz
1980 TPMS – Monitoring tyre pressure in real time
1980: First keyless ignition systems – Towards hands-free access
1980: Hector Fratty – Automotive Lighting and Innovation at Valeo
1980: The rear-view mirror revolution
1980: Stop & Start – The simple idea that paved the way for the hybrid era
1980: Rear-wheel steering – Agility and stability in motion
1980: Liquid crystal displays – Towards the digital dashboard
1985: Pierre Farsy – Structuring car maintenance with AD Pro and AD Top
1985: Particulate filters – Controlling diesel engine emissions
1985: Supercharger – Modernised supercharging
Germain Celette – The engineering of chassis straightening
1990: Water-based paint – Towards cleaner bodywork
1990: Regenerative braking – Recovering energy to move forward more efficiently
1995: Electropneumatic ABS for industrial vehicles: optimised braking
1996: The evolution of windscreen wipers
1996: Annie Easley – Pioneer of hybrid vehicle batteries
1996: Common rail direct diesel injection – Performance and fuel efficiency
1997: Hybrid powertrain – The rebirth of an old concept
1999: Calibration tools for ACC radars – Precision driving aids
2001: Starter-alternator – The key to Stop & Start
2003: Bumpers – New standards for pedestrian safety
2020: The AGEC law: accelerating the circular economy
2022: The legend of the 101 wrench
2022: Remote parking – Towards autonomous parking
2025: Artificial intelligence – The driving force behind autonomous vehicles
2025: Biometric recognition – Towards personalised interaction
Air conditioning with body recognition – Intelligent comfort
Solid-state batteries – Capacity and ultra-fast charging
Video rear-view mirror – Reducing blind spots
(R)évolution - 50 years of innovation and personalities
27.38 MoDownload
