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Autosalon, what to expect in 2024?

The centenary edition of the Autosalon, orchestrated by Febiac, sadly didn't live up to expectations, garnering a lacklustre public response. This disappointment was primarily fuelled by the conspicuous absence of numerous brands that chose to discontinue their yearly participation in the Autosalon. The core issue revolved around the diminished Return on Investment (ROI) that the show offered to brands. Unlike yesteryears, where the unveiling of new models was meticulously timed to coincide with major motor shows like Frankfurt or Geneva, the modern approach has veered towards online releases.

With the advent of digital platforms, brands now prefer to launch their models online accompanied by extensive marketing campaigns. This shift not only saves substantial funds but also empowers brands with a broader reach through a nationwide online marketing strategy, as opposed to the limited audience a physical show caters to.

Given this evolving landscape, what does the future hold for the "Autosalon" as we step into 2024?

Regrettably, the name Autosalon has reached the end of its road. Spanning a glorious century since its inception in 1902, the ethos of congregating all automotive brands under one roof has lost its sheen. As the curtain falls on the Autosalon, the stage is set for the Brussels Motor Show to take over the mantle, heralded by a fresh entity bearing a novel vision.

This article aims to provide a glimpse into what the new Brussels Motor Show has in store, and how the spirit of Autosalon continues to thrive through mycarena.

Overview of this article:

  1. The Closure of Autosalon: An In-depth Look
  2. The Emergence of the 2024 Brussels Auto Show: A New Horizon
  3. Where can I find Autosalon discounts & promotions?

As we bid adieu to the Autosalon, the automotive industry is poised for new avenues of engagement and discovery. The forthcoming sections will delve deeper into these transitions, shedding light on the promising prospects that the Brussels Motor Show brings to the table, and how mycarena emerges as a digital torchbearer in keeping the Autosalon’s legacy alive.

1. The Closure of Autosalon: An In-depth Look

The curtain came down on the Autosalon show, an event that had once been the centrepiece of the Belgian automotive calendar, with the Febiac organisation deciding to halt its operations. The decision was triggered by a steady decline in visitor numbers, a trend that began to surface significantly post the millennium year. The year 2000 was a hallmark year for Autosalon, attracting nearly 800,000 enthusiasts, a figure that slumped to 500,000 by 2020, further dwindling to a mere 270,000 in 2023, marking its final show.

The Unanticipated Halt

The last edition before the global health crisis was held in January 2020. It was an event that epitomised the very essence of Autosalon, featuring a plethora of automobiles from regular cars to dreamy luxury models and motorcycles. Just a few months later, the world plunged into a pandemic. The timing was such that Febiac could heave a sigh of relief as they managed to conduct the 2020 event just before the onset of the health crisis.

As the pandemic continued its rampage into 2021, the Autosalon organisers took a prudent step by cancelling the event well in advance. This proactive measure necessitated a paradigm shift for brands, compelling them to devise alternative strategies to sustain sales. The Autosalon period, historically known for soaring sales, suddenly became a phase of uncertainty.

The significance of Autosalon in the Belgian automotive market cannot be overstated. It was a period highly anticipated by both consumers and dealers. Prospective car buyers would hold off their purchase decisions until the Autosalon, keen on exploring the promotions and clinching a bargain, while dealers relied on this period to unveil promotions, drawing customers into making purchases.

The void created by the cancellation of the 2021 Autosalon was somewhat filled by a virtual Autosalon, orchestrated by all automotive brands. This digital venture saw brands investing robustly online to drive consumers to their nearest dealers. The showrooms were spruced up to display major models, ensuring a compelling visual appeal to the visitors.

The initiative bore fruit. Despite a dip in sales due to chip shortages, brands acknowledged the potency of online marketing coupled with the local dealer network. The realisation dawned that the hefty sum, ranging from 5 to 10 million euros, once splurged on physical displays at Autosalon, could be channelled into digital marketing for possibly better returns.

The Shift in Brand Investment

The lessons gleaned from the cancelled 2021 Autosalon steered brands towards a more cost-effective avenue - diverting the hefty Autosalon budget towards digital marketing and bolstering larger dealerships. The debut of the Virtual Autosalon laid bare the potential of digital marketing and the readiness of dealerships to engage new customers, offering them a comfortable and smooth showroom experience.

Now, brands are employing digital marketing throughout the year, leveraging events like the Brussels Auto Show to generate buzz around their offerings. This shift, we believe, could render physical exhibitions redundant as brands pivot towards exclusively digital advertising strategies, simultaneously phasing out smaller dealerships.

The smaller dealerships, lacking the space or budget to recreate the Autosalon experience, are being edged out. In contrast, larger dealerships continue to thrive, endeavouring to provide a localised physical Autosalon experience as envisioned by the brands themselves.

The Evolving Car Buying Landscape

While Autosalon was an ideal venue for car enthusiasts to feast their eyes on the latest models, the actual car buying process has evolved. In 2024, a potential car buyer is likely to rely more on online research, followed by a visit to a dealership to get a closer look at the desired model. The Autosalon, with its massive showrooms and overwhelming crowd, fails to provide a conducive environment for serious buyers. The lack of personal attention from sales personnel due to the sheer volume of attendees further detracts from the buying experience.

The event gradually morphed into a brand competition, where the focus shifted to crafting elaborate stands and showcasing brand prowess rather than facilitating car purchases. Out of the swarm of attendees, only a fraction were serious buyers, with the majority returning home armed with brochures, which, ironically, could have been perused more comprehensively online.

2. The Emergence of the 2024 Brussels Auto Show: A New Horizon

Febiac has made it clear that the Brussels Auto Show (BAS), as termed by the organisors 402 Automotive, should not be associated with their trademarked names: "Autosalon", "Dream Cars", "Brussels International Motor Shows", "European Motor Show Brussels Auto", "Salon", and "Salon de l’Auto". They maintain a firm stance in adhering to the standards set by the OICA (The International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers), aiming to eliminate any confusion between the two shows.

The Febiac press release, albeit with a touch of passive aggression towards the new Motor Show, hints at a missed opportunity by Febiac in establishing a robust digital platform akin to what mycarena is orchestrating for all automotive brands.

So, what sets the Brussels Auto Show apart? The BAS is envisioned to be what automotive enthusiasts hoped the Autosalon would evolve into: an event centred around the genuine car aficionado. The days of the "Belgian Première" for a mundane crossover seen multiple times on social media are behind us. Instead, the BAS welcomes a realm where special, awe-inspiring cars take the spotlight.

The exposition is spread across five halls, providing a stage for classic legendary cars, the crème de la crème of contemporary models from various brands, and live shows hosted by automotive social media sensations like Shmee150. The Brussels Auto Show encapsulates:

  • Car Shows (hosted by social media icons)
  • Exhibition of Movie Cars
  • Future Mobility (focusing on electric cars and alternative fuels)
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks & Transport
  • Supercars & Hypercars
  • Premières
  • Classic Cars & Young Timers
  • AutoSport & e-Sports

Shmee150 is set to grace the event with an array of exclusive cars, hosting a show to remember. Astounding models like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Pagani Huayra BC Roadster, and McLaren Senna GTR are just a few that will be showcased in all their glory. The BAS is a haven for car enthusiasts to experience the latest dream cars with numerous brands unveiling their prized creations. There is something in store for every car enthusiast, making it a platform to witness the epitome of automotive innovation in 2024.

The car buying process has transitioned online, with platforms like mycarena leading the charge. Prospective buyers can now sift through a vast array of options using intuitive filters, narrow down their search, and engage with local dealers for a test drive. A YouTube search for reviews and finally, a purchase through mycarena, which assists in availing the highest possible discount, completes the modern car buying journey.

The tradition of visiting the Autosalon has been eclipsed by the digital evolution. See how mycarena facilitates a seamless car buying experience while the Brussels Auto Show satisfies the craving for witnessing the rarest and most exquisite cars on the planet. The BAS coupled with mycarena represents the contemporary approach to indulging and owning automotive marvels.

3. Discover Autosalon Discounts & Promotions

Simply visit mycarena.be

We are committed to offering exclusive deals, providing you with opportunities to save on your new car purchase that you won't find elsewhere. Explore savings through our new stock cars and group purchase offers.

Browse New Stock Cars

With the mycarena car search engine, uncover the latest discounts across various brands. During the Autosalon event, we've curated a dedicated page for each brand, summarizing the available offers through our stock car engine. This way, you can easily grasp the deals each brand has in store.

  • Audi Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • BMW Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Hyundai Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Mercedes-Benz Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Seat Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Skoda Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Volkswagen Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)
  • Volvo Salon Conditions, discounts and promotions - Autosalon 2024 (coming soon)

Opting for stock cars is a smart choice for snagging hefty discounts. If you prefer a personalized touch, explore deals on custom configurations through our group purchase offers.

Group Purchase Offers

At mycarena, we aim to be your go-to platform for scoring new car deals by offering innovative solutions. This year, we're partnering with a network of car dealerships to present group purchase incentives, ensuring you get the lowest prices and highest discounts on new cars.

We strive to furnish exclusive offers year-round, making mycarena your preferred destination for the best new car deals, be it for in-stock cars (via our search engine) or custom configurations.

Once group purchase promotions are live, you’ll find the link right on our homepage.