Month: September 2025

Since September 2025, the Jean-Michel Martin Group has officially opened the doors of its new BYD Waterloo-Braine dealership, marking a major milestone in the group’s history and in the evolution of the Belgian automotive landscape. Located between Waterloo and Braine-l’Alleud, this dealership embodies a clear vision: to support the transition to cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable mobility.

A Group Looking to the Future

A long-standing player in the premium automotive world in Belgium, the Jean-Michel Martin Group has always distinguished itself by its ability to anticipate major transformations in the sector. Today, with BYD (Build Your Dreams), the group affirms its deep belief in the future of the electric vehicle.
This strategic choice reflects a conviction: electromobility is no longer a trend, but the new pillar of the automotive industry.

The founder, Jean-Michel Martin, has always upheld this vision of technological progress at the service of the driving experience. Now, his son Romain Martin has taken up the torch and continues this mission with the same passion and a strong desire to firmly establish the brand in the Belgian automotive landscape.

BYD: Technological Excellence Serving Everyday Life

The ideal partner for this transition, BYD has established itself as one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, with unique expertise in battery design and zero-emission mobility solutions.
Thanks to its innovative Blade Battery technology, BYD combines safety, performance, and durability, offering a smooth and modern driving experience—assets that are already attracting a growing audience in Europe.

A New Generation Dealership

The BYD Waterloo-Braine dealership is more than just a point of sale:
– an experience space where customers can discover and test drive the BYD range;
– an advice and expertise center dedicated to the electric transition;
– a certified after-sales workshop, guaranteeing quality service and the availability of genuine parts;
and comprehensive support for individuals and businesses wishing to go electric (financing, charging stations, maintenance).

A New Era for the Jean-Michel Group Martin

With this opening, the Jean-Michel Martin Group is taking a new step forward and laying a strong foundation in its future strategy. The addition of BYD to its portfolio not only marks a smart diversification, but also the birth of a new automotive pillar, alongside the premium brands already represented by the group.

Accelerating development

Building on the success and positive reception of BYD Waterloo-Braine, the Jean-Michel Martin Group is already announcing the opening of its second BYD dealership, scheduled for early 2026 in Ruisbroek–Drogenbos.

This new location will strengthen the brand’s presence in Brabant and Brussels, while providing even broader access to the BYD range and the group’s expertise.

“We firmly believe that the future of mobility is electric. For us, BYD represents a modern, coherent, and ambitious vision of this future,” emphasizes Romain Martin.

Since opening our BYD by JM Martin Group dealership in Waterloo-Braine, we’ve often received the same question: “But why should I switch to electric or hybrid now?” Here’s a clear answer.

BYD: A Unique Manufacturer in the EV World

When it comes to electric mobility, BYD isn’t just a “young manufacturer.” It’s a brand that has already proven itself, particularly in China and various other regions around the world. It currently offers:

• All-electric models: for those who want zero emissions, quiet operation, ease of use, and pure electric charging.
• Plug-in hybrid models (PHEV / mixed): for drivers who want to benefit from a certain range in addition to “conventional” vehicles, all with reduced fuel consumption.

At BYD, we’re working to optimize battery efficiency, sustainability, and a reliable after-sales service network. The goal: to make electric vehicles not just “an option,” but the natural choice.

Financial and operational benefits

Operating costs

Compared to a conventional combustion engine, an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle offers significant savings:

• Fewer wear parts (no exhaust system, fewer moving parts in the engine, etc.).
• Electric energy is often less expensive than fuel, depending on local rates.
• Simpler and often less expensive maintenance in the long term.

Taxation and incentives (pay attention to timing!)

This is where choosing “now” becomes strategic. In Flanders, zero-emission vehicles currently benefit from exemptions from the registration tax (TMC / BIV) and the annual road tax.

As of January 1, 2026, this exemption will be eliminated for new registrations: electric and hydrogen vehicles will have to pay a flat-rate tax (estimated at €61.50) for registration, as well as an annual road tax based on the taxable horsepower.

Important: Those who registered their vehicle before 2026 will retain the exemption under the current conditions. This creates a window of opportunity for those considering making the switch.

In addition, for businesses, 100% electric vehicles continue to offer tax advantages (deductibility, processing of expenses), which will be strengthened in the coming years.

The sustainability (and reputation) argument

Even if it’s not the only driver of choice, the environmental benefit is real:

• Reduction of local CO₂ and pollutant emissions (NOₓ, particulates).
• Contribution to the energy transition (when electricity is produced more cleanly).
• A brand image for companies: investing in an electrified fleet is a way of asserting a modern and responsible vision.

For private drivers too, driving a quiet, pleasant, and smooth car is a quality of life.

Choosing the right BYD model for your needs

To best support our customers, here are some recommendations:

Primary	Use Recommended	Type Key Benefits
Daily urban commutes	100% electric, simplicity	Low running costs
Mixed journeys (city + suburban)	Plug-in hybrid Flexibility	Extended range
Long distance (highways, frequent travel)	Long-range electric/hybrid depending on model	Charging capacity, network
Company vehicle	100% electric (if possible)	Tax benefits, green image

At BYD by JM Martin Group Waterloo Braine, we can help you simulate your usage (mileage, charging profiles) to find the most suitable model. We invite you to call us to schedule an appointment or by filling out our online form.

“Total Cost of Ownership”: The Real Comparison

When comparing an electric or hybrid car to a thermal equivalent, it is not so much the purchase price that counts as the total cost of ownership over 5, 7, 10 years:

• Purchase / Financing
• Depreciation
• Recharge / Fuel
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Taxes
• Resale / Residual Value

Often, over several years, the well-chosen electric or plug-in hybrid comes out on top, especially if we take into account tax incentives and the current favorable tax system.

A (reasoned) call to action — at BYD by JM Martin Group

If you’re considering changing your vehicle in the coming months, here’s what I suggest:

1. Come to BYD Waterloo Braine: we’ll conduct an audit of your vehicle usage, and you’ll be able to test drive our models (electric and hybrid).
2. We’ll help you simulate the costs (investment + usage) for each option.
3. If you register before 2026, you’ll be able to benefit from the current tax exemption in Flanders.
4. Thanks to BYD, you’ll benefit from the network, the service, the tools, and hands-on support.

So? Come to the dealership? 😊

Charging your BYD electric vehicle in Waterloo-Braine: simple, fast, and sustainable

With the opening of BYD Waterloo-Braine, the Jean-Michel Martin Group is helping drivers in Walloon Brabant move towards 100% electric mobility. And the key question arises: where and how to charge your electric vehicle in Waterloo-Braine?

Charging stations all around you

The Braine-le-Château, Waterloo, and Braine-l’Alleud region has a rapidly expanding network of public charging stations: municipal parking lots, supermarkets, gas stations, and even at your BYD Waterloo-Braine dealership.

Fast and ultra-fast charging stations (up to 350 kW) allow you to charge a BYD model, such as the ATTO 3 or the SEAL, from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

How to charge?

Plug in your car, authenticate yourself via an app, RFID badge, or bank card, and let technology do the rest. Popular apps like Chargemap, Electra, and PlugShare make it easy to find and pay for nearby charging stations.

The most convenient solution: the home charging station

More than 80% of charging takes place at home. Our BYD Waterloo–Braine teams can advise and support you in installing a high-performance home charging station, so you can easily charge every night.