VDL Special Vehicles in Born has entered into an important cooperation agreement with the Austrian family business Hödlmayr, one of Europe's largest logistics players in the automotive sector.
Under this agreement, VDL will subject approximately 50.000 vehicles to extensive pre-delivery inspections each year. This strategic step not only strengthens VDL's position in the region, but also provides a boost to employment and innovation in the field of sustainable mobility.
During the inspections, which take place at the Born campus, vehicles are meticulously checked before they are transported to car dealers throughout Europe. The checks include a wide range of quality procedures, including paint damage assessment, minor repairs and dent removal. This ensures that every vehicle hits the road in perfect condition.
According to VDL director Robbert Smolders, the collaboration with Hödlmayr offers important advantages for both parties. “With this order from Hödlmayr, we are taking a major step towards creating additional employment and continuity at VDL Special Vehicles in Born. Our modern production facilities and expertise are a perfect match for Hödlmayr’s specialisation in logistics. Together, we are fully realising the VDL Groep’s motto, ‘strength through collaboration’.”
new future for Born
The collaboration with Hödlmayr is an important part of the transition that VDL is going through in Born. Where the focus in the past was mainly on production, the company is now focusing on broader services within the automotive sector, including automated assembly of battery packs and pre-delivery inspections. This expansion is in line with VDL's ambitions to become a leading partner in sustainable mobility.
Hödlmayr, a specialist in the vehicle supply chain, plays a crucial role in this process. The company provides logistics services for major European and Chinese car brands, from receipt at the factory or port to delivery to dealers or end customers. With this cooperation, Hödlmayr is strengthening its position in the Netherlands, emphasizes regional director Ivan Driesen.
“Shared values and goals are the key to a successful partnership that adds value for our customers,” says Driesen. “We are pleased to have found a reliable partner with the same mentality in VDL Special Vehicles. Together we are working towards a strong future in the Netherlands.”
The arrival of this contract also means good news for the Born region, where employment is an important pillar for the local economy. The inspection process requires specific skills that seamlessly match the expertise of the employees in Born. In addition to the focus on quality inspections, VDL also continues to invest in technological innovations, such as automated processes and sustainable production and logistics.
The partnership with Hödlmayr underlines the importance of cooperation in a sector that is rapidly changing. The rise of electric vehicles and stricter environmental requirements are forcing companies to innovate and be more efficient. Thanks to the combined strengths of VDL and Hödlmayr, both parties can respond to these trends and position themselves as leaders in a changing market.
For VDL, the partnership with Hödlmayr is more than a business agreement; it is a confirmation of their strategy to develop into a versatile and future-oriented player in the automotive sector. While the first cars will soon undergo inspections in Born, the focus remains on growth, quality and sustainability.
