Brussels to host a ‘mini’ car show in January at Heysel

Following the cancellation of Brussels Expo’s traditional motor show, a mini car show will take place in January at Heysel, reports RTBF.

The usual event organised by the Febiac federation was dropped in May due to the announced absence of several large car importers in Belgium.

But now a private Dutch organiser has stepped in to stage an alternative event. It’s new name is  Brussels Auto Show and it will run for five days instead of the usual 10 and occupy five exhibition halls at Brussels Expo instead of the nine generally filled by the traditional show.

Half of the new space will be reserved for importers to present their vehicles, offer tests, cars, motorcycles or trucks.

Ronald Vandenbroek is the director of Dutch automotive organiser 402. He says that he has already been in contact with half of the vehicle importers in Belgium, and that most of them have shown interest in participating in the new event.

In addition to the presentation of new cars, motorbikes and vans, the organiser promises visitors a display of historic, racing, future and out-of-the-ordinary cars. On the entertainment front there will also be musical DJ sets.

The traditional Auto Show suffered a drop in the number of visitors to its 100th edition in January 2023. It returned after two years of Covid interruption amid an automobile market in some turmoil due to the internet taking a more important place and uncertainty over the future of electric vehicles.

The new Brussels Auto Show is scheduled for 17 to 21 January at Brussels Expo.