Flanders offers automotive companies a dynamic, thriving sector with one of the most concentrated production bases in the world. The sector in Flanders covers the full range of activities - from production through to research; from logistics through to telematics.
The region's assembly industry turns out nearly one million cars a year. There are Ford, General Motors, Volvo Cars and Volkswagen plants within a radius of just 40 miles.
Ford's plant in Genk produces the Galaxy and the Mondeo and, from next year, will also produce the company's new 'cross-over' model . In 2007 the "new" Mondeo will start rolling out of the facility, with all three models being constructed on the Mondeo platform. A recent 715 million euro investment was aimed at fully converting Genk to a "flexible plant".
General Motors' plant at Antwerp produces the Astra five-door and station wagon models, and in 2005 launched production of the first Astra GTC (Gran Turismo Compact). In 2006, the Astra Coupé Cabrio will be added to the range.
Volvo Cars in Ghent produces more than half of the Volvo cars manufactured around the world. Production rose more than 50% in 2004 following a considerable investment to pave the way for new models. Some 270,000 cars are expected to roll off the line in 2005. Volvo Ghent currently produces the S40, S60, V50 and V70, with the C30, a compact sports coupé, joining the range in the near future. Production of the V70 will then move to Sweden.
At Vorst, Volkswagen has recently invested in making its plant more flexible for the introduction of new models between now and 2010. Construction of a new seven-hectare suppliers' park for the plant began early in 2005. Suppliers moving in will include dashboard and bumper manufacturers. The Vorst plant currently produces the Golf.
