Brussels Motor Show to go ahead without several key exhibitors

Despite rumours to the contrary, the 99th edition of the Brussels Motor Show will go ahead as planned in January 2022, organisers have announced.

However, some big players have decided not to participate in the very popular event, which skipped 2021 but attracted half a million visitors in early 2020, before the coronavirus shutdown.

D’Ieteren - distributor for the Volkswagen Group: VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porche - announced "another strategy", adding: "We are convinced of the interest in the show, which is a good event but we decided instead for a strong online presence and a focus on our dealer network."

Volvo is also withdrawing, as is Mazda which believes that "there is too much uncertainty in the number of visitors to guarantee a good return on investment".

However the Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat, Chrysler, etc), which makes up 20% of the market, denied that it was withdrawing, as did BMW which confirmed its participation.

The show wants to mark its return by placing technological innovation at the heart of the exhibition. The event will devote particular attention to electro mobility, light commercial vehicles as well as motorised two-wheelers.

"Vehicles have evolved significantly over the past two years, especially in the offer of alternative powertrains and connectivity," said Andreas Cremer, chief executive of Febiac, the federation of manufacturers which organises the Brussels Motor Show.

"More than ever, it is essential to inform the general public, as well as the authorities and the media, of the progress made by our sector, particularly in the fight against global warming and the improvement of air quality."