The Motor Show is back: only two brands drop out, Brussels gets a scoop
The biennial pilgrimage of car enthusiasts to Heysel had been seriously jeopardized as several constructors threatened to drop out for the first salon after corona. But four months before the opening it appears that, except for two, the entire top 20 of the applied brands are still present in our country. In addition, Brussels is allowed to award the prize of ‘European car of the year’ for the first time.
The 100th Motor Show, from 14 January 22, 2023, would not be a future edition but rather in a minor key. The lockdown had taught manufacturers that there are other, cheaper ways to sell cars. Like selling directly online, which is what Tesla does. Or set up large events of your own where you don’t have to share your attention with other brands.
But four months before the opening of the festive edition of the Heysel Motor Show, the organizer Febiac proudly announces that 18 of the 20 best-selling car brands in our country will already have a booth. “The official list of manufacturers will not be announced until the end of October,” says Febiac’s Christophe Dubon.
D’Ieteren, importer of Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda, among others, was one of the major players on the Belgian market who doubted whether they would still take a stand. But they have since confirmed. Just like Renault, BMW, Hyundai and all other popular brands in our country.
Volvo pulls out. “Just like the years, Volvo Car Belgium invites the consumer to discover the range and services at the Volvo retailers in all serenity – without traffic jams and/or parking problems”, says René Aerts Jr. in a short response.
European car of the year
On the occasion of the 100th Salon, Brussels is getting an extra bonus. It may award the ‘European Car of the Year’ award. A prestigious competition that has been organized since 1964. Last year, the Kia EV6 won.
The fact that Brussels is now getting that honor is thanks to the Geneva motor show that was cancelled. Also because of the interest.
The Geneva Motor Show was considered the most important in the automotive industry, as it has had the most firsts of new models in the past.