Ambassador's Rally: Quiet Diplomacy

67 countries represented. Over 260 participants including Monceau Automobiles

JUNE 11 - 2025

The 4th edition of The Economic Diplomacy Day took place on Saturday, June 1st in a setting as exceptional as it is iconic: the Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne. Organized by the Consular Corps of the Province of Namur, this unique event in Belgium brings together ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and public and private decision-makers each year in a spirit of dialogue, exchange, and collaboration.

Monceau Automobiles made a striking impression at the Economic Diplomacy Day and Ambassador’s Rally, held on June 1st in the picturesque province of Namur. The event, organized by the Corps Consulaire de la Province de Namur, brought together diplomats, entrepreneurs, and private decision-makers for a day of networking and cultural exchange. Monceau joined this Ambassador Rally with co-driver Jean De Brabander, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta. Again we were the only electric classic to participate: is that the definition of Quiet Diplomacy?

Classic elegance harmonized with zero-emission driving

Monceau Automobiles participated with its innovative Monceau eSL, a fully electric conversion of the iconic Mercedes-Benz R107 SL roadster. This unique vehicle merges timeless automotive design with cutting-edge electric drivetrain technology, symbolizing a new era of sustainable luxury. Its presence in the Ambassador’s Rally — an 120-kilometer scenic drive through the lush Ardennes countryside — was a perfect showcase of how classic elegance can harmonize with the natural environment and zero-emission driving.

The rally itself offered participants a breathtaking route through the rolling hills and deep forests of the Ardennes, with notable stops around Durbuy, often described as the smallest city in the world. The drive weaved through medieval villages, historic castles, and panoramic viewpoints that underscored the beauty of southern Belgium in early summer. Against this verdant backdrop, the quiet hum of the Monceau eSL provided a striking contrast to traditional combustion engines, turning heads and drawing admiration at every stop.

Chinese Ambassador liked the eSL

One of the highlights of the day came when Roel Pollen, founder of Monceau Automobiles, had the opportunity to meet Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao and his wife. During a lively exchange, Pollen introduced the Ambassador to the Monceau eSL and detailed the car’s restoration process, its electric transformation, and the philosophy behind the brand: preserving heritage while embracing a cleaner future.

“The Ambassador and his wife were genuinely intrigued by the eSL’s concept,” Pollen shared. “It sparked a broader conversation about the role of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability and how Monceau cars could be interesting for the Chinese market.”

Garden Party at Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

The day concluded with a Garden Party at Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, where diplomatic guests, business leaders, and vehicle enthusiasts mingled in a relaxed and elegant setting. Conversations flowed as freely as the champagne, centered on future partnerships, international cooperation, and innovations like the eSL that represent both nostalgia and progress.

With its participation in Economic Diplomacy Day, Monceau Automobiles once again demonstrated how the worlds of diplomacy, heritage, and green innovation can converge — not just in theory, but on the open road.

Chauffeur driven Rally cars

In the Ambassador’s Rally quite some Ambassadors are participating, hence the name! But the Monceau team never drove a rally competing against a half field of black chauffeur-driven limousines. Some even with the official country flag waving elegantly on the front fender of the ambassador’s ride. What a view!

📸 Photo credits: Hugo Philippart & Sky4D