The i8 Roadster will be seen on the forthcoming Brussels Show, and was also to be admired amidst a fashion show at BMW’s Brussels Brand Store… 

At the posh suite 101 of its stylish BMW Brand Store in Brussels, we saw smiling faces. And with good reason:  BMW consolidates further its no1 position in the Belgian premium market, while Mini confirms its strong stance in the compact luxury car segment. BMW Motorrad has become this year absolute overall Belgian market leader. On the forthcoming Brussels Motor Show, world and European premieres are to be seen…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

BMW occupies 37 % of the Belgian E-car market…

In the stylish surroundings of SUITE 101 in BMW’s Brussels Brand Store, Dr. Peter Henrich, President & CEO spoke first about the good results of BMW in Belgium, where 2017 proves again to be a record year, with a 5 pct increase in sales chalked up already end November, which boils down to 40.000 units. This means that probably, BMW will end up as the third best sold brand in Belgium overall. Electric BMW’s prove popular too, with a 37 pct market share in the Belgian premium E-car market.

Mini launched its first hybrid, and with this Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 alone, it already occupies 2 pct of the market. (see also our road test). The new 5 series, now also available in Touring and plug-in hybrid version, remains one of the main pillars of the Belgian market success.

Bold E-plans for the future…

BMW focuses further on the E-market, and will launch 25 models between now and 2025, of which 12 will be E-powered. In 2017, the group has sold not less than 100.000 E-cars in 2017, which is the same number as chalked up between the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013 and 2016. BMW has also an axe to grind in mobility services like DriveNow, ChargeNow, ParkNow and ReachNow. Mini will in 2019 launch an all-electric version.

BMW Motorrad will probably have sold 3000 bikes at the end of the year, the success is made by the new range of maxiscooters and further developed R 1200 GS and GS/A models. A 100 pct electric version is also offered.

On the Brussels Show, not less than five world premieres will be introduced. The new BMW 2 series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, and also the new MINI hatch 3 and 5 doors and the MINI Cabrio are being refreshed with extra functions and new transmissions. The BMW i8 Roadster and the BMW M3 CS celebrate their European premieres, as well as – from 15 january onwards – the BMW X2 Sport Activity Coupé.

Two concept cars will also be in Brussels, the BMW Z4 Concept and the MINI Concept Electric, a preview of what we can expect in the nearby future from the BMW stable…

Elegance at the rendez-vous

The “Elektra” hat, presented in Brussels in Suite 101…

We are always very fond of hats, and indeed, your servant invariably wears one on the street(s). We personally find that they also suit ladies very well, we think they enhance their personality and underline their feminine elegance. It was therefore a true joy to see mannequins showing the latest creations of Fabienne Delvigne. She was also present at the show, wearing with panache one of her own creations, and presented two new hats to accompany the launch of the BMW i8 Roadster.

The two hats, according to the designer, wanted to bring a touch glamour into this automotive world of men, reminiscent also to the fact that Belgium has several internationally renowned female drivers. So the hats exude craftsmanship, elegance, luxury and femininity, but also have a zest of sportiness.

The creations…

The “Vanina” hat…

The “Electra” hat, which is a brown straw hat encrusted with bronze and transparent coloured fibres that bring it an electric dimension. It is aerodynamic and reminiscent of the helmets worn by race car drivers.

The “Vanina” hat, created for active, young and dynamic women, this hat, adorned with a leather band, refers to the interior of the car. It has simple and elegant lines made with refined and high quality materials.

Fabienne Delvigne has earned a solid reputation as a designer. Her creations have always an elegant style, never ostentatious, sometimes offbeat but not impertinent, and she is always looking for a subtle balance and lightness. This know-how, developed since the end of the 80s, has allowed her to obtain, over time, the support of members of several European royal families. A talent rewarded by obtaining the title of Certified Royal Warrant Holder of Belgium granted by King Albert in 2001 and by King Philippe in 2013. We just let you enjoy the images here!

Hans Knol ten Bensel