- Speaker #0
Equipe Auto is the big meeting for the profession, but it is also the big event for Farcom. It's an excellent showcase.
- Speaker #1
The pleasure of reconnecting with many distributor friends and friendly brands as well. We have succeeded in building a broad and dense network of cooperation with other core businesses.
- Speaker #2
Equipe Auto is a great platform. It is a platform, well, to talk about our innovations, new products, our solutions, because we don't just sell tyres. but also solutions.
- Speaker #0
There are still all the equipment manufacturers who are there. So, if you will, there are still some big names among the exhibitors. You know, it's not just the equipment, actually. It draws a lot of people.
- Speaker #2
Hello to you who, through this podcast, Equipe Auto, 50 Years of Passion, dive into the history, evolution, and reality of Equipe Auto, the international trade show for automotive professionals. A flagship event, Equipe Auto will celebrate its 50th year from October 14th to 18th, 2025. at the Porte de Versailles in Paris. 50 years. 50 years of events, meetings, business, innovations and transmissions. Here is episode number eight, dedicated to the exhibitors. Since 1975, they have been there. Some witnessed the birth of the show, others are participating for the first time. French or international, they are distributors, equipment suppliers, startups or giants of the sector. These are the exhibitors of Equipe Auto. In this episode, I handed the microphone to those who, every year, bring the salon to life. set up their stand as one word a stage with their innovations their ambitions and their desire their passion to share obviously the whole equip auto team would have loved to hand this microphone to everyone but if we had done that this podcast would have lasted at least 50 years like the impressive longevity of equip auto those you will discover today reflect the diversity of our aftermarket sectors present at equip auto i take you to meet the company garnet lkq france manuel Filtration France, FACOM Continental, Class Equipment, Kennell and also Univerveo. Through their voices, their journeys and their vision of after sales, we discover an industry in motion, rooted in experience and fully oriented towards the future. I invite you to follow me. I am Laurence Perrault, automotive journalist, creator of this podcast, and I will be your guide through the 50 years of Equipe Auto. The exhibitors are the soul of Equipe Auto. Some have been there since the beginning, others have joined us in recent years, but all contribute to making the show an essential event in the industry. Aurélie Jouve, director of the Equipe Auto Show. Since 1975, more than 1,500 exhibitors and brands have enlivened our Parisian editions, and many have also trusted us in the regions during our tour of France in 2021 and 2024, or in Lyon in 2023. They are nearly 50% coming from all over the world. In 50 years, the show has been able to evolve and adapt thanks to their loyalty and commitment. At each edition, new participants from the emerging sectors of after-sales, services, and automotive innovation enrich this dynamic. I warmly thank them. They are the ones who bring Equipe Auto to life and allow it to shine in France and internationally. Equipe Auto. 50 years of passion.
- Speaker #0
We are all... I use a term that doesn't exist but a solution finder. It's always been the company's DNA to provide solutions.
- Speaker #2
Hervé Garnet, president of the CHL Participation Group.
- Speaker #0
which owns the company it was my grandfather who created it at the end of 1910 but it was officially registered at the beginning of 1911. that's why the date 1911 was chosen initially we were electric coil winders we made electric motors and notably starters for cars at the time since cars were delivered without accessories that means they started with a crank and the luxury accessory was being able to start with a key a starter motor is needed so in fact the story of garnet started like that at the end of the first world war my grandfather worked on developing a battery charger. In fact, to start a car, a battery was needed. Full men made the battery, Garnet made the charger, and that is what kickstarted the company in the 20s, as a patent was filed for a battery charger. My grandfather developed a whole range of compressors, the goal being to sell as many electric motors as possible, since the factory mainly manufactured electric motors. The company grew, and in the 1960s, they stopped making battery chargers, leaving only the compressors. I arrived at the end of the 1980s, and I relaunched the range of compressors, at the end of the 1980s. I arrived at the head of a group that has 180 people, with six companies. We sell products in Australia, Japan, all over.
- Speaker #2
Have you been participating in a Keep Auto for a long time?
- Speaker #0
Since the creation.
- Speaker #2
Why, in your opinion, does the Keep Auto show remain an essential event?
- Speaker #0
There are still all the equipment suppliers who are there. So if you will, there are still distinguished people among the exhibitors. You know, it's not just about the equipment, actually. It attracts a lot of people. I have also advocated for the fair to return to Port de Versailles. The advantage of Port de Versailles... is that it truly represents the image of Paris. We welcome our clients to Paris, and in the evening, we go out in Paris.
- Speaker #2
Javier Garnet, if you recall a memorable moment from one of the Equipe Auto events you experienced?
- Speaker #0
The one that immediately comes to mind is when I took over the company in the late 1980s, I still took over from Smouldering Ashes. You know, it wasn't easy. I had to create an Equipe Auto 93. There was a company called Speedy that pushed the door open and said to me, listen, I'm interested, we should see what we can do. And that was the revival of the Garnet company. It was the first major contract that restarted with us. And from there, everyone followed. The Midas, the Norauto, the Euromaster, the Fauvair.
- Speaker #2
Would it have happened if you hadn't participated in that Equipe Auto?
- Speaker #0
Oh, well, no, because I met him at Equipe Auto. Yes. Listening to the client, first of all. That is to say, the client must be at the center of the discussion. And since we are still a manufacturer, assembler, and designer, we can afford to develop products according to what the clients ask us. And that's what we did. We have listened, we adapted to the market. We also created markets, because when this machine first came out, it didn't exist, so we listened to our customers. At the time, I was told there was no market. Yes, there was no market. My contracts told me there was no market. There is no market today. The group is worth 38 million. And it's true that today we are the world leader in this product. And it is the TB126, which means it is a product that is the onboard machine for heavy-duty vehicles, allowing tyres to be dismounted on site.
- Speaker #2
One of the great memories Hervé Garnet told me about, they were the International Innovation Grand Prix at the Equipe Auto 2015 show, presented that day by Emmanuel Tayada.
- Speaker #3
Silver trophy!
- Speaker #4
It's a French company again. It's the third of these grand prizes. Welcome Hervé Garnet to this stage.
- Speaker #3
Applause for the Garnet company,
- Speaker #4
ladies and gentlemen. For the power motor system, what a curious idea. You turn the vehicle into a power source for your compressor. First of all, thank you for the trophy. The basic idea is to bring energy to a site where there is.
- Speaker #3
Earlier you talked about mobility,
- Speaker #4
innovation,
- Speaker #3
technology. Well, that's it. The idea is to bring air to the middle of nowhere, but energy needs to be mobile. So one of the priority energies in garages, as you know,
- Speaker #4
is compressed air.
- Speaker #3
Because the first market we are targeting for now is the tire sector.
- Speaker #4
Congratulations to you.
- Speaker #3
Thank you and thanks to the team.
- Speaker #1
Ecapoto is an institution that has ultimately never stopped evolving for the market and innovating. For us, Ecapoto is above all an opportunity that presented itself in 2022 for us to exhibit for the first time in our history.
- Speaker #2
Ludovic Montenot, Marketing Communication Director and Concept, LQQ France.
- Speaker #1
LQQ France started in 2008 in France, so we are a relatively recent player. We have seven logistics depots for a network that is now French, and we have about 100 partner distributors in the market, who obviously distribute our ranges and also unite a network of Auto First France garages for approximately 150 people in the market. In 2022, we started to initiate the question mark, France on the French market replacing VanEck Autopierces France, and the real change took place. place in 2025.
- Speaker #2
What motivated you to come to Equip Auto?
- Speaker #1
We began to grow in the French market and when the growth was reasonable we decided that it was clearly the right time to participate in this type of event which allows us you know to have have contacts with with clients potential clients suppliers and even see our colleagues extremely important. So for us being a player of Belgian Dutch origin it was also a great way to be recognized as a fully fledged French player and perfectly integrated into the landscape. Not participating in Ekipauta would be a mistake, a mistake both in terms of ambitions, since we still aim to grow, but also a mistake in terms of connections with all the players.
- Speaker #2
The automotive part is at the heart of many changes today. How is Elka Q adapting to these challenges? And what do you consider to be the priority issues?
- Speaker #1
We have clients, whether they are repairers or distributors, the responsibility of a group's role is to support these customers in upskilling. Today, ultimately, the market is evolving on a technical level. You know, we see it with the data, we see it with the electric market. We also see it with regulations, with accreditations like CERMI, which will require repairers to be accredited to work on safety components related to vehicles, especially during diagnostic research. Indeed, the market is changing, but it is extremely important for groups to be close to their clients, especially now, perhaps even more than before.
- Speaker #2
Since 2022, when you first participated in Ecopauto, which is quite recent, Have you already been able to sign significant contracts thanks to Equipauto?
- Speaker #1
Equipauto helped us with our existing clients. That is to say, our existing clients who trust us were able to see that we had reached a higher level. To answer your question specifically, Lawrence, yes, we met potential clients at the stand. We were able to convince some of them, and this resulted in significant growth with these new clients. And then there is the third point, which is very important. It is also the relationship with the equipment manufacturers. Since we are a relatively young player in the French market, Equipauto also allows us to consolidate, strengthen our relationships with the equipment manufacturers, whether they are exhibiting or just visiting during the event.
- Speaker #2
Would you, Ludovic Montenot, do without Equipauto now?
- Speaker #1
Honestly, I don't think so. For a reason that is, that is very simple. It's because, as you said, Lawrence, the market is evolving tremendously. Equipauto is an extremely strong communication vector. The initiatives taken at the trade show for technology, for mobility, for recruitment as well, because we also have a real constraint in terms of attracting talents and also enhancing people's skills. So Equipauto ultimately channels and concentrates a set of services, concepts and visions that are extremely important for the industry players. and in this, Eccipauto in my opinion, will also grow increasingly significant with all the constraints imposed on us. So I think Echipauto still has very, very, very good years ahead of it to support these players.
- Speaker #3
Echipauto. Echipauto is an expert in filtration. So there is the automotive branch, of course, with emblematic brands like Manfilter. But there are also other activities within the manual group in filtration, for air quality, filtration, or even water.
- Speaker #2
marketing manager at Manumel Filtration France since 2022.
- Speaker #3
I have been in the world of automotive replacement parts since 2011. I believe my first Ecopauto was in 2011. At the time, I was a product manager on a stand to represent the products and explain to visitors the different technologies. And so, over the editions, since Ecopauto, this role as a participant has today transformed into more of an organiser role, since this will be the third Ecopauto stand. I organise for an equipment manufacturer.
- Speaker #2
What makes Ekipaoto still an essential event for Manumel today, in your opinion?
- Speaker #3
I would say that Ekipaoto has this national, even international dimension, which is somewhat unique. It is highly anticipated by various industry stakeholders, but also by the network. For us, it's also an opportunity to meet both our clients, international groups, and also mechanics and repairers. It's a time for business, exchanges, communication and discussion.
- Speaker #2
Pierre Robin, since what year has Manumel been participating in the Ecopauto exhibition?
- Speaker #3
I sincerely searched in the archives and I don't have the date. I know that Manumel France was previously distributed by a company called Noda and then Manumel France was created in 1999. Before or after, there was sometimes a decision to participate under one of the iconic brands which was the name Manfilter. Since the addition in 2022 in particular, we are more about the Manumel Group in general.
- Speaker #2
Have you witnessed quite a few revolutions in the filtration industry?
- Speaker #3
Yes. So in terms of technological advancements, everyone thinks of one of the first filters being, of course, the oil filter, since the engine needs it. This oil filter has been able to evolve with new technologies. We launched an innovation a month ago, filters from our Manfilter product range, Airfilter and Filter for Oil. These filters in the technology used an oil-based impregnation You see, because it's a process that ensures the filter remains rigid and stays in place during the filtration process. And so, we launched a new next generation filter that we are going to present at the Grand Prize for Innovation, which is a filter based on wood-based impregnation. This wood lignin comes from the paper industry, so we absolutely will not cut down any additional trees as we source this wood lignin from the paper industry. By using this wood impregnation, we reduce the use of petroleum.
- Speaker #2
And have there been other significant developments in the creation of filters?
- Speaker #3
For example, one of the technologies today is what we call the screw-on filter, the spin-on. This is a technology for oil filters that truly marked a change. And by the way, the screw-on spin-on filter was invented at the time by the brand
- Speaker #2
WA. If the Ecopalto trade show were a filter, what would it be used for in your opinion?
- Speaker #3
Difficult question for a Joe. To filter business opportunities, to filter the knowledge of our customers, so that they leave with the best understanding of our products.
- Speaker #2
If I asked you to summarise your attachment to the Equip Auto Show in three words, what would they be?
- Speaker #3
Essential, proximity and innovation.
- Speaker #5
Continental is a German company that was created in 1871, and Continental's first business was the rubber part, so it was protections for horse hooves. This is also the origin of our logo. Because the Lower Saxony region has some well-known horse breeds, And that's why we have a Continental logo with a little horse. It's a bit of the history. And then, well, Continental adapted, let's say, to mobility. And for example, well, the first Renault that was able to climb or march on Rue Lepic was equipped with Continental tyres at the end of the 1890s. 98.
- Speaker #2
Véronique Giraud, General Manager of Continental France.
- Speaker #5
150 years of innovation. And with phases, let's say, closer to us than the 1990s. Acquisitions. for example Leroyal, which was a leader in Belgium, and at the end of the 2000, an expansion of activities in the automotive sector as an auto parts supplier. where we ventured into different trades but always related to the chassis.
- Speaker #2
Mobility keeps reinventing itself, right? We have this desire for safety. We have a vision, what we call the zero vision, zero accidents, zero deaths, the group's ultimate vision. So all of this, these motivations and the various ambitions of our clients, push us to reinvent ourselves and to always seek a bit further, the extra mile, the extra performance.
- Speaker #4
Yes,
- Speaker #5
of course. In fact, we've made various innovations. We started, for example, by exploring and testing rubber from dandelions as an alternative to EVA. And we also introduced the NXT tyre. We've launched the most sustainable tyre available today. And for example, we have a heavy-duty tyre coming with the same technologies. The idea is really to have the most environmentally responsible tyres in the market within an industrial model. When we talk about environmental responsibility, it really concerns the entire chain. It involves sourcing products, producing green electricity, and also the final stage, for instance, with management, well, end of life, and the Alipa network in France, where we have, I have the chance to be president of Alipa, also truly support the end of life product to recycle it into other industries, or at least reintroduce it into a new tyre production chain.
- Speaker #2
Veronique Giraud, what role does EquipAuto play for Continental?
- Speaker #5
EquipAuto is a great platform. It's a platform to talk about our innovations, new products, our new solutions, how to better manage tyres, to showcase our experts, and especially to meet our customers.
- Speaker #4
And you, what are you really looking for there?
- Speaker #5
First, it allows us to ask if we are on the right track. Are we addressing the right topics? To validate R&D work, innovation work. And then, well, the human aspect, the meetings. Because we are in a business that remains transactional. Our big boss always says, tyre business is people. Business. So the world of tyres is a world, it's the people, and so it's a very nice meeting platform, a key event. How long have you been attending the Equipoto show? I don't know if we were there 50 years ago at the beginning of the exhibition, because 50 years is a good age, but I would say I think at least 20 years.
- Speaker #6
For FACOM, Equipoto is the major meeting for the profession, but it's also an excellent showcase for presenting its innovations.
- Speaker #2
Pascal Couralet. Communication Manager, FACOM France.
- Speaker #6
Two French manufacturers, leaders in Europe of hand tools, a company founded in 1918. In terms of reputation, we can take pride in a great representation among users, mechanics, and the world of mechanics in general.
- Speaker #2
Pascal Correlle, we are going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Equip Auto Show.
- Speaker #6
So first, a happy anniversary to Equip Auto. FACOM has been there from the beginning because we were there for the first edition in 1975. as a member of the FIEV, which is the organizer of the show.
- Speaker #2
How do you explain for comms longevity and the almost emotional connection some professionals have with your tools?
- Speaker #6
Yes, there is an emotional connection, indeed. It is a beloved brand, from enthusiast for enthusiast. We certainly explain the longevity by innovation, whether it's with tools, products, of course, but also sometimes with services. For example, we invented the lifetime warranty more than 70 years ago now. the quality of the products as well, their durability, their longevity. The EquipAuto event is the opportunity to bring together all the company's services, the opportunity to present new products. All the services work, whether it be research and development, marketing, product development, but also sales. Everyone works to be present at this major event, and so it is the window of opportunity for the launch of our new features. We're going to present in this edition a new feature for users, as the OGV grip system is actually a specific pattern on wrenches or sockets, which will enable loosening of all assemblies, even seized, rusted or damaged ones.
- Speaker #2
Do you have an anecdote, a memorable encounter or a memory that you experienced at the show?
- Speaker #6
I am thinking of a product launch that happened during a conversation at the trade show between research and development and the product team. And then they presented this idea to us on a piece of paper. at a trade show and it was born afterward it is something magical to see the realization a few months later it was the case pico the little brother of our best seller which is the nano kit so we had the idea on equipado and another anecdote perhaps is that every two years so at the time of the trade show organization there is a little competition among the different exhibitors to try to get the best locations feicom is always known for being very loud for attracting a lot of World. It's a bit of a magnet. So everybody wants to be positioned near the FACOM stand, but not too close either, because we are also known for making a lot of noise, for putting on shows, performances and events that are very, very noisy.
- Speaker #2
On each auto team, FACOM organizes very nice activities. Remember the wonderful Mustang presented in 2017 at the FACOM stand, where Pascal and a rock band were also present, and it was rocking.
- Speaker #0
The story of the Mustang Shelby a 67 from FACOM, is a project we had, so precisely for Equipe Auto, and we thought why not restore an old car ourselves with FACOM tools. So we had specialists in the field work, and then also especially young people from technical high schools in the region. Here you have two young people from technical high schools in Cugnot and Condorcet in the Paris region. For several years, these high schools, and others with whom we are partners, have been helping us out at Equipe Auto.
- Speaker #2
Pascal Gourali, could you do without Equipe Auto?
- Speaker #4
Personally,
- Speaker #3
no, because it's an event I love. It's the opportunity, you know,
- Speaker #4
to meet all the French and European colleagues who come to participate in this event. We are more than 100 people at the FACOM stand, which will represent in 2025 nearly 850 square meters, so a big event.
- Speaker #3
100 people working, whom we feed on the stand.
- Speaker #4
We have a dedicated canteen to save time and of course for the brand,
- Speaker #3
since let's not forget that Equipe Alto is a trade fair,
- Speaker #4
a um business,
- Speaker #3
it is a trade show, revenue related to, to new products of course, special series since it's the opportunity to release workshop trolleys.
- Speaker #4
Uh, in the colours of this specific event, it's a lot of sharing and many experiences to live. Kennel is a brand of lubricants that was created within the Harmony Group by our Accord Lubrifyance Factory.
- Speaker #2
marketing and communication director for the brand.
- Speaker #4
Lubrifiance has existed since the early 1980s in Cholet, in the department of Maine-et-Loire. We wanted to create our own high-end brand, focused even on competition, as we were inspired by creators of companies and brands that were almost born on the track, just like Kennel was born on the track. More than 30 years later, we are now sold in many networks. Much more mainstream, distributed in not far from 74 or 75 countries, I believe, as of today.
- Speaker #2
You also know Kennel's history with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. If my memory serves me right, in 1993, you won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Christophe Boucher.
- Speaker #4
He was, for many years, an iconic driver for the Kennel team. We even created the Kennel Racing Team internally, which allows us, on one hand, to fulfill our passions, but also, and especially, to test all the products we create. at the heart of this team, on single-seaters, on GTs, on car engines, or to wheels, before a real industrialization of the technical solutions that we have in all our lubricants, technical fluids, liquids, etc.
- Speaker #2
How long have you been attending the Aqib Auto Show?
- Speaker #4
That's an excellent question. I'm not sure about the regularity of our presence, but we've been subscribers since the early days.
- Speaker #2
What makes you want to come back every edition?
- Speaker #4
A human dimension. The pleasure of meeting many distributor friends, and also friendly brands. We have succeeded in building an extensive and dense network of cooperations with other industries, allowing us to welcome our own distributors abroad or French distributors under these conditions.
- Speaker #2
So since 1983 it's true that, well, your group has never left Cholet, you've also established yourselves internationally. How do you manage this balance between local roots and a presence that is almost global?
- Speaker #4
It's a form, I think, of authenticity and it's authenticity for a product like lubricant. is really rewarding. The consumer never sees this product when they leave their vehicle with their mechanic for an oil change. They might see a can on the shelf without seeing the product inside. Possibly, they might be able to see the extremely black used oil and so on. We have the advantage of being a manufacturer. So we know what we put in it, we know what ingredients we choose for our recipes. This authenticity is profitable. A significant part of our international influence comes from promoting the Made in France label for around 15 years. We have also long focused on aspects of consumption savings as our main focus. Fuel related to the use of high quality oil suitable for the vehicle. Up to more than 4% savings. to two litres less fuel on a single tank.
- Speaker #2
Do you have concerns about what happens next with the advent of electric vehicles?
- Speaker #4
Fuel may not be the right term. Many questions that are motivating, many innovations, whether in products, in surrounding services, like our oil vending machine, the Barista Oil. For several years now, we have been working with international development programs on coolant solutions, since we have been manufacturing them for about 20 years already. And we know that the coolant has a huge impact on the quality and speed of charging and discharging for an electric vehicle. We are also involved with a Dutch program called InMotion, holder of the world record for recharging an electric prototype race vehicle in the LMP3 category. We have been able to recharge the vehicle completely in 3 minutes and 56 seconds using these coolant solutions for two years. So that's part of the future. Electrified, another part of the future, and this will continue for decades, is thermal. We realise this at events like Retromobile, like the Kennel Historic Grand Prix of France in a few days, the enthusiasm for retro, for vintage. There will be an enormous surge because everyone will want to experience the vibrations, the purr of the engine, the fabulous sounds of a V10, a V12. It promises very, very good years, very good decades for thermal engines.
- Speaker #2
I'll talk to you.
- Speaker #3
IDLP is already a family business that has... has existed for 80 years. Originally, we were electro-diesel specialists, meaning we repaired diesel injection pumps and alternator starters, and we were also repairers of gasoline vehicles, of course.
- Speaker #2
Brice Godfroy, president of IDLP Group and general manager of Alternative Auto Parts Consortium.
- Speaker #3
The IDLP Group has been part of the circular economy for 80 years, whereas the circular economy seems to be a trend. or an obligation for the past few years now. Whether it's about diesel or electricity, it's something we have known for 80 years with both IDLP and the HDI company, which is literally a reconditioning plant.
- Speaker #2
Does this mean, Fabrice Godefroy, that IDLP was born from the remanufacturing of parts?
- Speaker #3
For almost these 80 years, we've done almost every job in the automotive industry. My grandmother was an Opel dealer. We became a distributor by the continuation. But the origin of the IDLP Group is technique and circular economy. We took old materials, repaired them and resold them. We became a distributor of automotive spare parts. Then we became a distribution platform throughout France. And then we became a group.
- Speaker #2
If we talk numbers...
- Speaker #3
The IDLP Group consists of 770 people spread across the entire French territory. 24 sites in all the major cities of France. often through distribution platforms. This was strengthened with the Alternative Auto Parts Group, where we have platforms in all the major cities to deliver to the distributors who are part of the group.
- Speaker #2
I would like you to tell me a bit more about this group.
- Speaker #3
So the goal of Alternative Auto Parts is to come together to be stronger, especially in terms of purchasing, but also in terms of services, a need that was increasingly felt in a context of profound transformation. in our independent spare parts business.
- Speaker #2
It makes up alternative auto parts.
- Speaker #3
There are distributors today. There are also platforms and technical after-service garages and technical relay points, extremely technical garages that are the very DNA of the group.
- Speaker #2
You are a faithful exhibitor of Equip Auto, Fabrice Godfroy. Do you remember the first time IDLP came to exhibit at the Equip Auto show?
- Speaker #3
In 99, it was an accelerator for us to be exhibitors at Equip Auto. We were a national distributor. without initially having a team sufficiently structured to meet the clients we had been working with for 20, 30 years. And Equip Auto allowed us in a few days to strengthen these meetings we had with our clients in the Territory.
- Speaker #2
That's what you believe adds value to the trade show for a player, like IDLP.
- Speaker #3
Equip Auto is the way to, in just a few days, meet the maximum number of both suppliers and clients as an exhibitor. It has truly become a nerve centre of our independent spare parts business.
- Speaker #2
Let's talk business. Fabrice Godfroy, you who are president of the IDLP Group, do you remember significant years with major contracts signed at Equip Auto?
- Speaker #3
Equip Auto is also a time when we sell a lot of workshop equipment because all the new products arrive at Equip Auto and which are presented at Equip Auto. When there is a launch, for example, of the latest upper scimitar, allowing control of particles on diesel vehicles, it has been an opportunity to accelerate the sales at that moment, and it allowed us to make very significant sales.
- Speaker #0
Garages come specifically to EquipAuto from all over France to make important investments for themselves in their garage.
- Speaker #1
There is a rapid evolution of technologies. What role does the EquipAuto show play in this transition?
- Speaker #0
As a business leader, we need to always work with anticipation, assess the current period, but above all, be able to project ourselves into a very near or long-term future. EquipAuto allows us to meet and see all the equipment suppliers present. And they present us with all the new products and all their long-term strategies, term. And it allows us, in just a few days, to realise what our future will be.
- Speaker #1
I ask you, Fabrice Godfroy, as the president of IDLP, to summarise the Equip Auto Show in three words.
- Speaker #0
For me, it's meetings, innovations and business.
- Speaker #2
We have been a manufacturer of paints for automotive bodywork. utility vehicles, trucks and buses for 90 years.
- Speaker #1
Scal Soviglio, commercial director for France, Palinale company.
- Speaker #2
The history of Palinale is actually the story of a family that was in the wood industry and consumed so much paint that they started to manufacture it. They employed more than 600 people and made strips for Italian schools.
- Speaker #1
Where is the Palinale factory?
- Speaker #2
In Italy, not far from the Riva boat factory on Lake Iseo. not far from Milan.
- Speaker #1
What does the Equip Auto show represent?
- Speaker #2
The Equip Auto show is about bringing our clients together. There is always an exchange that happens during the show. The Equip Auto show is really something very important for the factory and for myself.
- Speaker #1
Why?
- Speaker #2
My whole life depends on Equip Auto.
- Speaker #1
Tell me.
- Speaker #2
I am originally a bodywork painter. One day I decide to become a paint technician in 1997. I put on a suit, a tie, and hand out resumes at all the paint stands.
- Speaker #1
From Equip Auto?
- Speaker #2
From Equip Auto. And there, I meet a person who is at the Dupont de Nemours stand who tells me, with us, it will be difficult, because we have four technicians for all of France. But he actually got me into a paint distributor in the Paris region.
- Speaker #1
What was it called?
- Speaker #2
The company LDI. I worked for them for about ten years, five years as a technician and five years in sales.
- Speaker #1
When do you switch to Paninel?
- Speaker #2
In 2007, I am at the SG. I stand at Equip Auto. I actually see the person again to whom I had given the resume. He says to me, well, you have made a little progress. That was in 2007. In 2009 the same. I actually hang around on Equip Auto. I meet the son of the factory owner from Paninal. We talk and then he offers me the whole of France for development. And that's how it happened.
- Speaker #1
As a commercial director today. That's correct. What are Paninal's products?
- Speaker #2
We are the supplier for the RATP, the automotive world. We have many partnerships with luxury boats, including Princess in England, in Italy, and with Riva.
- Speaker #1
Equip Auto will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October. At Panenol, have you thought about a special booth to accompany this anniversary, activities, events?
- Speaker #2
So, it's the 50th anniversary of Equip Auto, and for us, it's the 80th anniversary of the factory. Since they started in 1945, we're going to have a stand of 120 square metres this year.
- Speaker #1
With events on it.
- Speaker #2
Yes, I can't tell you more for now.
- Speaker #1
An anecdote you experienced at Equip Auto,
- Speaker #2
Pascal. The first time I was at Equip Auto was with the school. I was at Garak and then later I went to Reynolds School.
- Speaker #1
Do you remember the year?
- Speaker #2
No, but honestly, it goes way back.
- Speaker #1
The feelings the first time you went to Equip Auto when you were a young student?
- Speaker #2
For me, Equip Auto is an extraordinary world. I had the soul of a salesperson. One year, I go to Equip Auto and I tell myself, that's the job I want to do. There's something. There was something. And I was talking to someone at a stand. That's when he tells me, well, if you want to do that, you put on a suit and then you come distribute some resumes. And two years later, that's exactly what I did.
- Speaker #1
You discover, you feel at Equipe Auto, you have a commercial spirit.
- Speaker #2
My father had a workshop. And then one day I took some car brochures. At the time, there were brochures to present car descriptions. I take the brochures, put them on the doorstep of the house. I must have been 10 years old. I wanted to sell the brochures to people on the street.
- Speaker #3
Universe VO. It's the need that automobile remarketing players, used vehicle players, had to gather to meet in a format that befits what they represent in the automotive market.
- Speaker #1
Julian Leclerc, founder and president of Universe VO.
- Speaker #3
Universe VO is an annual event, a decision makers club, a business club that meets four to five times a year. It is also a daily sharing platform on the automotive market and retail.
- Speaker #1
How do these three pillars come together to advance your used vehicle sector?
- Speaker #3
The bulk of our work is to allow the stakeholders to regularly reflect on the changes in their market and to provide them with opportunities to gather, to share and also to conduct business.
- Speaker #1
Is the world of used vehicles very promising for you?
- Speaker #3
Yes, when we launched Universe VO we were on Equipe Auto 10 years ago because we are celebrating our 10th anniversary in the year 2025. We already had the vision of the dynamic of this market. We saw the players structuring themselves. And the automobile market, it is very pragmatic. It adapts to consumer usages and needs. In light of this, the used vehicle became obvious. So, the players grew with them and became essential figures. We went from small businesses to today's beautiful mid-sized companies.
- Speaker #1
How do you see your role in the Aqib Auto ecosystem?
- Speaker #3
He has evolved. Initially, I think we were perceived by the organisers of the time as a growth opportunity. We were a way for the exhibition to attract a new audience and create a new dynamic. It was indeed another string to the bow of Equipe Auto. Today the used car is a full-fledged sector of Equipe Auto and we are very proud to support it. And you were saying, unite, there is no better way to introduce us because the parent company that owns Universe VO is called Les Fédérateurs.
- Speaker #1
If I ask you Julian Leclerc, president of Universe VO, about a memorable anecdote, a very strong memory since 2015.
- Speaker #3
I have two that come to mind. The first... is the location we had for the first edition in 2000. 15. When we were allowed to join Aqib Auto, we were placed at a side entrance. At first we thought, darn, but it's normal. We have to prove ourselves. We're a new community. We can't just take everything from... continue on the Champs-Élysées. And it turned out to be a magical location. It was the entrance to the VIP parking. And in reality, everyone with purchasing power entered there. So we were the first stand these attendees saw. It was us. A success. because this location worked in our favor.
- Speaker #4
Last day of the 2015 exhibition. Final stretch on this stage with you, Julien Leclerc.
- Speaker #3
Hello, Emmanuel. Hello.
- Speaker #4
You created Universe VO at the exhibition in Hall 5. You are part of the innovations of this 2015 edition. What does Universe VO consist of?
- Speaker #3
So, Universe VO, to put it simply, is a 500 square meter space that brings together 13 players from the automotive world, mainly from the used vehicle sector. We tried to bring together all the profiles that make up the used vehicle today, and that allow the distribution of used vehicles to determine...
- Speaker #4
At a tour of Universe VO, we have Alpine Electronics, so a manufacturer of car radios and multimedia systems. At first glance, we wouldn't imagine them being involved in the used car world. What do they offer?
- Speaker #3
It's a little gem I found while prospecting, and I stumbled upon Alpine, which offered to technologically update the older used vehicles. It starts at over five years old.
- Speaker #4
So your booth, as you mentioned, Julian, is 500 square meters. How many visitors so far?
- Speaker #3
We counted 4,000 visitors. That's 18,000 movements. The movements refer to passing through the space.
- Speaker #4
It was the first time. I imagine you were delighted.
- Speaker #3
It's a great first. Happy, happy and tired. That's a good sign. And the second date in 2019, it's a garage owner from the Gers who arrives with an accent that reminded me of my grandfather and who tells us, well, I came to Ekip Auto to buy garage equipment. but also to develop my used vehicle business. I reserved a full day for the Universe VO village to visit all the players to launch my car remarketing activity. We took her around to all 50 exhibitors in the village.
- Speaker #1
Have you heard from this mechanic since then?
- Speaker #3
Yes, yes, yes, yes. And today she outputs between 100 and 150 pre-owned vehicles in her area annually.
- Speaker #1
Julian Leclerc, how will Universe VO celebrate the 50th anniversary of Akeep Auto? in October 2025.
- Speaker #3
Absolutely. We are happy to participate in the 50th anniversary of A Keep Auto, but also it's our 10th anniversary, so we're five times younger. So we still have the energy for it to last very late. So we are very happy to celebrate our 10 years and 50 years of A Keep Auto.
- Speaker #1
Thus concludes episode number eight, dedicated to the exhibitors of the show. Behind each booth, as you have observed, there is a story, that of a company, expertise, a team that believes in this industry. Whether they have been here for 50 years or since yesterday, the exhibitors of Equipe Auto each shape the future of the aftermarket in their own way. Thanks to them for the time they have given me, their energy and this ever-present passion. I will see you next on the 16th of June for a new episode that will also give a voice to other exhibitors, all fundamental pillars of the Equipe Auto show. See you very soon for more stories, more encounters, more bursts of automotive passion. Equipe Auto. 50 years of passion.
