Belgica (Belgium) - AllCarIndex

Belgica was an early Belgian automobile manufacturer that operated from 1899 to 1909. The company originated from the Ste des Cycles Belgica, which was established in 1885 and initially thrived by supplying folding bicycles to the Belgian Army. Under the leadership of chairman Louis Mettewie, Belgica ventured into the automotive industry, showcasing electric cars alongside bicycles at the Brussels Exposition in 1899.

The first petrol-powered vehicle from Belgica, an 8-horsepower two-cylinder light car, was introduced in 1901, featuring bodywork by De Ruyter Demissine. The company expanded its lineup to include various models, such as single-cylinder and twin-cylinder cars, all designed by French engineer Georges Desson. In 1902, following a significant investment from French capital, the company restructured and changed its name to SA Franco-Beige de Construction Automobiles, establishing offices in both Brussels and Paris.

By 1905, Belgica had adopted shaft drive technology, and in 1907, it introduced its first six-cylinder engine. As production increased, the company relocated to Saventhem in 1906, merging with Usines de Saventhem, which produced vehicles under the name US Brevets MATHIEU. The new organization manufactured a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, fire engines, and marine engines, while retaining the Brussels facility for component production. The president of the merged company was Baron van Zuylen de Nyefelt, a notable figure in the automotive community.

In 1908, Belgica's offerings included several four-cylinder models, such as the Type K (14/16hp), Type H (20/24hp), and Type G (30/40hp), along with the Type G6, a six-cylinder vehicle with a 40/60hp output. Known for their high-quality construction, Belgica cars featured aluminum and bronze components, as well as dual ignition systems on many models. However, the premium pricing of these vehicles led to financial difficulties, and by 1909, the company could no longer compete in the market, resulting in the factory's takeover by Excelsior.