Dutch companies develop and produce systems, components and materials for all the major makes worldwide. Their clients range from major car manufacturers such as BMW, Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, PSA and the Volkswagen Group to special makes like Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley and Ferrari.
“The UK-Dutch steel giant Corus produces 6.5 million tonnes of refined and clad rolled steel a year for the car industry,” explains Remmelink, the industry manager of Holland Automotive Federation. “Its steel is used in many car bodies and its aluminium in the Audi A2 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, for example. Corus Research, Development & Technology conducts research trials and adds to our knowledge of the properties of aluminium and steel. That allows it to advise customers and designers about the various metals, their specific properties, and how they should be used,” Remmelink adds.
Koni supplies its products to every segment of the automotive industry and is also involved in Formula 1 as an official supplier of race shock absorbers and technology for race car suspensions.
“The industry not only encompasses manufacturers of body parts, roof systems, transmissions, tyres, electronics and hydraulic systems for convertibles, for example, but also paint and composite producers,” says Remmelink. ”Many of these companies belong to major international corporations such as DSM and AKZO. The products and underlying technologies are often world-class, and most of the companies operate on the international market.” Measured in terms of production figures and employment, the Netherlands plays a relatively minor role in the automotive industry compared to most other European countries. However, in terms of added value, it is much more prominent than its small size would suggest.
