From September 16 to 22, Mobility Week invites Brussels residents to rethink the way they get around. It is also an opportunity to highlight D’Ieteren Automotive, a historic player in mobility and a long-standing partner of Beci.
Imagine Brussels without the hum of engines, without endless lines at traffic lights. Mobility Week (September 16–22, 2025) is the perfect time to rethink our habits, with the highlight being Car-Free Sunday. The capital then becomes the largest car-free urban area in Europe, giving residents the chance to (re)discover their neighborhoods on foot, by bike, or via a variety of shared mobility services.
For Denis Gorteman, CEO of D’Ieteren Automotive, Mobility Week is a chance to promote multimodality: “Our primary goal is to showcase solutions that make life easier for our customers, allowing them to switch seamlessly from one mode of transport to another,” he explains, adding: “We also want to encourage people to explore alternatives to the private car: cycling, public transport, walking, or even using taxis. We encourage companies to adopt multimodal approaches as well.”
A Brussels Legacy
D’Ieteren has been part of Brussels’ landscape for more than a century. The family business, founded in 1805, started by building carriages and later importing Volkswagen group cars. But reducing D’Ieteren to just cars would be a mistake. Today, the company has developed an ecosystem of solutions including shared cars, bikes, taxis, and tools that facilitate multimodal transport.
“We have been Brussels-based since the early 1900s. It’s only natural for us to stand alongside Beci, because the development of the Brussels-Capital Region is essential for us,” says Denis Gorteman. The company’s story is intertwined with that of the capital, combining tradition with constant adaptation.
Mobility as a Choice
At the core of D’Ieteren’s strategy is one word: multimodality. In other words, not relying on a single mode of transport but choosing the one that fits best. A meeting in the city center? Cycling or taking the metro saves time. A longer trip or rainy weather? The car is still useful. “Multimodality is about using the most suitable transport depending on the circumstances. Sometimes the bike is more practical than the car, sometimes it’s the other way around. The key is to have a choice,” emphasizes the CEO. This pragmatic approach avoids a sterile car-versus-soft-mobility debate, focusing instead on complementarity. During Car-Free Sunday, Denis Gorteman encourages everyone to try walking, cycling, or public transport.
The company actively promotes its solutions to individuals while also encouraging people to try other options. For example, Poppy, its shared car service, allows users to access a vehicle only when necessary, without the constraints of ownership. Meanwhile, the bike is increasingly becoming a daily companion. Brussels Mobility notes that the number of cyclists in the capital doubled between 2010 and 2022, reflecting changing habits.
Businesses on the Move
Mobility Week isn’t just for citizens; companies can also gain insight. How can they reduce travel costs? How can employees’ daily routines be made smoother?
“We support them in their daily mobility while also innovating to help implement broader mobility plans,” explains Denis Gorteman. Shared fleets, integrating cycling into commuting, and incentives to diversify transport modes… These initiatives improve quality of life and economic efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint.
Respect and Entrepreneurship
When asked which values link D’Ieteren and Beci, Denis Gorteman responds immediately: “Entrepreneurial spirit and respect.” Two pillars that explain the longevity of a company older than Belgium itself. “Respect for employees, customers, and commitments is what ensures lasting success.”
Ultimately, Mobility Week and Car-Free Sunday serve as a reminder that the city is a shared space. Public space doesn’t belong solely to motorists, but to everyone who lives in, passes through, or shares it.