Partner of Autoworld, BEHVA, the unmissable ally of Clubs and owners of historic vehicles

Autoworld and the BEHVA have been partners since numerous years. To find out more about the Federation and the importance 

Having come into being in 2020, the five letters of the BEHVA might still be a bit of a mystery to the uninitiated. It is quite simply the new denomination of the Belgian Federation of historic vehicles, formerly named FBVA (BFOV in Dutch).  

BEHVA for BElgian Historic Vehicle Association. In English, to bring all Belgians on board and “historic vehicles” to clearly define the patrimonial aspects as opposed to the terms classic and vintage.

We met Peeter Henning, the current CEO of the BEHVA and active as a director since 1992.

Autoworld: Peeter, can you tell us about the birth of the Federation? 

Peeter Henning: It’s Yvan Mahy (well-known at Autoworld) who was its instigator back in 1988, and its first president.  At that time 38 clubs joined. The aim was mainly focussed on a calendar of activities and to keep abreast of the legislation.   

When I was nominated Secretary General in 2006, the Federation became far more proactive. And with that we were especially helped by Thierry Van Kan. We started to have regular contacts with the political authorities with a view to participating in the decisions, which once taken, are difficult to amend. Moreover, since 2012, we are systematically invited to their meetings. 

Very quickly, in addition of the clubs, we opened the membership to individual owners of historic vehicles. Today, 525 Clubs of all categories (cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, agricultural vehicles …) are members of our Federation and our database holds near on 90,000 addresses. 

Autoworld: Why do clubs and owners have an interest in joining the BEHVA?

Peeter Henning: There are numerous reasons for that. In the first instance, being a member of the BEHVA, is to be properly informed about the regulations and legislation in force. And God knows, with three regions in addition of the federal government, matters are pretty complex in our country. We keep our members informed via a quarterly magazine and regular emails. In addition, we organise our own events to which we invite our members, and pass on those organised by our members and our partners. We also offer numerous free services – such as the helpdesk to answer all sorts of questions resulting in receiving some 350 mails per day! – or paying – such as for people who acquire vehicles without documents and for which we work with the DIV (Belgian DVLA). We also offer our own insurance products at advantageous rates. The proof: 57,000 vehicles are presently insured with us.   

Autoworld: What are these Ambassadors?

Peeter Henning: It’s a fabulous idea we actualised in 2015.  Up until that time members thought we were in an ivory tower, and somewhat inaccessible. With our current 36 Ambassadors, the Federation goes out into the field. Our Ambassadors know us well and are our representatives (voluntary) at numerous historic vehicle events: shows, fairs, swap meetings etc…  It works extremely well! 

Autoworld: Who are the BEHVA’s partners? 

Peeter Henning: We have four main partners. Touring, when it comes to breakdown services, Febiac and Traxio with whom we have a great deal of information exchange regarding legislation and completed studies, such as on the environment. And, of course, we are a partner of Autoworld.

Autoworld: Let’s talk about your partnership with Autoworld.

Peeter Henning: It’s a long story and it was only a matter of course that the Federation of Historic Vehicles should work hand in hand with the Automobile Museum. However, it was only this year that we formalised our partnership with an agreement defining the various commitments of both parties. As such, among others, the BEHVA will support all Autoworld’s actions and exhibitions via its various channels of communication.  For its part, Autoworld is offering an advantageous admission charge to all BEHVA members (10€ instead of 13€) and the Federation will have a visual presence in the museum.

Other actions are foreseen throughout the year. More talk about that later. We can already reveal that there will be a stand bearing the Federation’s colours, where member’s cars will be regularly exhibited, starting off this summer with Alfa Romeo models…the “Alfa Romeo Storico” exhibition no less …