The Autosécurité Group

Following the publication of a Royal Decree introducing mandatory technical inspections for buses and coaches in Belgium, Bureau Technique A.J. Halleux-Lemaire is among the first companies officially accredited by the government to take on the public service assignment of conducting technical inspections. In this way, Mr A.J. Halleux, founder of the Bureau, makes a significant contribution to the introduction of vehicle inspections in Belgium. At this time, only buses and coaches are required to be inspected.

Creation of Autosécurité. Since then, the progressive introduction of technical inspections for various categories of vehicle has seen the company constantly evolve.

Organisation of the first driving licence reinstatement tests

Following the introduction of mandatory periodic inspections for private cars more than 4 years old, the number of vehicles to be inspected increases considerably. The construction of new inspection centres enables this unprecedented demand to be met.

Mr A.M. Halleux, son of the founder, takes over the reins of the company. International investments aimed at promoting programmes to align the policies associated with technical inspections and to protect the environment in the context of mobility.

Mr Halleux contributes actively in the creation of CITA, the International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee, of which he remains general secretary until he retires.

Theory and practical tests become obligatory for all would-be drivers. Autosécurité is given the assignment of organising these tests.

Through his strong will and commitment, Mr A.M. Halleux obtains Consultative Status, category II, for CITA with the United Nations and ECE.In Belgium, he continues his objectives with Autosécurité:

• to keep improving the quality of the services provided;
• to defend the third-party model in order to avoid conflicts of interest between the inspection of a vehicle and the potential benefit associated with carrying out repairs, as well as to ensure that driving schools are able to decide themselves what degree of preparation a candidate requires.

ISO 9002 certification for vehicle inspection activities. Since February 2006, this certification has been extended to the sector for driving licences. This certification was confirmed again in 2016 by transition to the ISO 9001-2015 standard.

Formation of a Management Board following the death of Mr A.M. Halleux. His wife, Arlette Lehyme, continues to chair the Board of Directors.

Launch of a far-reaching partnership with Lebanon. Autosécurité provides its expertise enabling the implementation of a comprehensive technical inspection programme. 4 inspection centres are built in the country, including the one at Haddath, in Beirut, which becomes the largest in the world, with 22 inspection lines.

Creation of the Autosécurité Call Centre service. Designed to limit waiting times for customers, Autosécurité offers a totally new appointments service, available online and by telephone. Autosécurité is the first Belgian company to offer this service. Since then, increasing numbers of inspections have become available by appointment. Both private and professional drivers can also manage their appointments online, via a VIP portal.

Acquisition of all of the shares in CTA (Contrôle Technique Automobile). With 30 operating sites (20 inspection centres, 9 examination centres and a head office), Autosécurité extends its coverage to the province of Namur and to the two provinces of Brabant.

Acquisition of the whole of the capital in BIA, another long-established inspection service, operating in the province of Hainaut. Autosécurité Group becomes the leading Belgian technical inspection and driving test operator, with a national market share in excess of 27% (more than 80% market share in Wallonia).

Introduction of state-of-the-art software. Autosécurité modernises its practices and designs its own ‘EVI’ computer application.Transparency and traceability become the watchwords, making it possible to coordinate the various stages of technical inspections and to objectify results with customers, where necessary. A similar application, ‘TED’, is developed for the driving licence side of the business.

Introduction of new services aimed at improving customer satisfaction and keeping them informed of Autosécurité news: sending out inspection notices to inspections by e-mail for companies with their own fleet of vehicles, a presence on social media, with official Autosécurité pages on Facebook and LinkedIn, etc.Acquisition of CTA by the AV/BTC Group.