The first edition of Brussels Auto Show focuses on the spectacle, experience, and numerous exceptional cars and motorcycles on the Catwalk while also emphasizing sustainability. The new concept is more focused on car enthusiasts than buyers and the organization is expecting more than 80,000 visitors between 17 and 21 January 2024. In addition to the originally planned five halls (5, 6, 7, 9, and Patio), Hall 8 is now added, spanning almost 60,000 square meters.
The first edition of the Brussels Auto Show (BAS) is garnering considerable attention thanks to its fresh approach, featuring a mix of entertainment, stunning cars, motorcycles, and even trucks. BAS also highlights sustainability and future mobility. With the introduction of the new series of Brussels Auto Show editions, where the organization commits to four annual editions starting from January, Belgian car enthusiasts are assured of a car fair in the coming years. While Brussels Expo has been characterized over the past decades by a sales fair every two years with the presence of most manufacturers, and the intervening years dedicated to commercial vehicles, the Brussels Auto Show is changing the game. In the realm of cars, motorcycles, and trucks, various new models will be showcased, but this represents only a part of the fair. Most of the exhibition revolves around movie cars, supercars, hypercars, unique classics, fast motorsport vehicles, modified vehicles from private collections, museums, or private owners eager to showcase their pride on two, four, or more wheels to the entire car-loving audience.
The impressive catwalk
A striking eyecatcher never seen before in Belgium is the 90-meter-long and 150 cm high Car Catwalk in the characteristic Palace 5, where these vehicles parade as in a real fashion show. The organization has previously organized this Catwalk at shows in Jaarbeurs (2022 – World of Cars with 50,000 visitors), Amsterdam RAI (2019 – Amsterdam Motor Show with 60,000 visitors), and most recently in Rotterdam Ahoy (2023 – 100% Auto Live with 40,000 visitors). The Car Catwalk will be further refined for BAS to become a spectacular foundation for the Brussels Auto Show, where thousands of car enthusiasts can marvel at the beauty.
Transition
The new setup of BAS aligns perfectly with the transition in which the automotive industry finds itself. While governments and manufacturers strongly promote electric driving, the general public and business drivers in Belgium are often not yet ready. Mobility fairs do not resonate with the public, and it is not timely to pay for a car show where mainly electric vehicles are on display. Auto shows where emotion takes center stage are gaining ground rapidly, and the youth more than ever wants to enjoy cars and the freedom that automobility brings. While the phenomenon of the ‘national car show’ disappears worldwide, and old salons are transformed into mobility events for the more business-oriented visitor, contact with the consumer and car enthusiast is lost.
Over 100 companies and institutions with a diverse range of accessories, used cars, charging stations, and car care products are participating. Various stands, from Circuit Zolder to an exhibition by Chromecars Live (featuring unique movie cars and John Player Special F1 cars), will be present. From the flying car Pal-V to Zero Motorcycles, Tricorp will showcase a real 2022 Haas F1 car, and the Belgian army will present an F35 simulator and a real F16.
Car of the Year on the catwalk
The seven finalists of the Car of The Year election will also be on display. These consumer-favorite cars will be showcased side by side for comparison. A vote will be organized among the visitors to the fare with a competition in collaboration with Autotrends, so that the Brussels Auto Show can get a first indication of the potential winner of the Car of the Year! Some of these will also be visible on the Catwalk. The results will be announced on Monday, February 26, during the Geneva Auto Salon.
A strong focus on sustainability
Ronald van den Broek, the organizer, explains: “Various new models will be presented on the Catwalk, entirely electric. Some brands will be present with a booth, such as Fisker with its new Ocean, and Zero Motorcycles will showcase its complete collection of electric motorcycles. MG will, for the first time, unveil the Cyberster at a Belgian Auto Show, and this on the Catwalk. Various conferences on mobility and sustainability will be organized, in addition to the theatrical program with information for the consumer. As an organization organizing a new auto show at Brussels Expo for the first time, it is crucial to also highlight the sustainable side. Introducing the public to sustainable solutions at an appropriate pace is an important goal. Not only to maintain support for auto shows in the coming years, but simply because it is very important for the future of our automotive passion.”
On Wednesday, January 17, in the afternoon, a real “opening congress” will take place in the form of the Automobility Summit with particular attention to “electromobility and the future.” With leading speakers, future observers, and CEOs from the automotive industry, organized in collaboration with McKinsey, SBD Automotive, and the Free University of Brussels. Additionally, a Charging Infrastructure Congress will take place on January 24 at the fair, with a special focus on electric driving and charging. Various information sessions will be held at the BAS Theater on other days, and interesting debates on EVs for consumers, with a focus on hydrogen and other technologies. At the fair, with the arrival of Urban Mobility Systems (UMS), a globally operating company specializing in fully electric innovation and solutions for construction, building, and urban mobility. A true breakthrough in sustainable and efficient solutions for emission-free construction. They will showcase various electric machines and cranes at the Brussels Auto Show, as well as an electric Dakar truck and an electric military vehicle.
Opening hours & tickets
The Brussels Auto Show opens on Wednesday, January 17, with the Automobility Summit and the press and VIP opening. The Automobility Summit is followed by the public opening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Thursday and Friday, the fair is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on the weekend from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Regular tickets are available at the door for €25 but are already available in pre-sale from €17.50 via the online ticket shop. Special rates are available for people with disabilities and students, and schools can request special group discounts.
Get more info via https://www.brusselsautoshow.com/
