Quantum, Sustainable Mobility. High-tech is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Today we interview Pim Grol. He is the director of RAI Automotive Industry NL, the organization representing the interests of the Dutch automotive sector. He is also a program council member of the Sustainable Mobility innovation domain at Holland High Tech. According to Grol, it is high time that we create test routes for autonomous transport in the Netherlands.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
“If I had to pick one, I’d say connector. That connecting role also strongly defines my professional life. In my daily work, I deal with a wide range of interests within the automotive industry — from chip developers like NXP to truck manufacturers like DAF. Everyone has their own perspective and interests. As a connector, I ensure that everyone is heard.”
Can you tell us a bit about your role as a program council member in the Sustainable Mobility innovation domain?
“As a council member, my work extends beyond just the automotive sector — I’m also involved in aerospace. What I find so exciting about this is how much we can learn from each other and how we can strengthen one another. For example, the aerospace sector has a wealth of knowledge about lightweight and sustainable materials, which we can then apply in the automotive industry.”
What exciting developments are happening in the automotive sector?
“Major advances are currently being made in materials. Where we once mainly used sheet steel, we later saw the rise of aluminum. Now carbon fiber has entered the scene — it’s not only extremely strong but also much lighter, which makes it more efficient and sustainable than steel or aluminum.
There is also a lot of progress being made in autonomous transport. More and more people are already using these technologies in their cars. But it will still take several years before we reach the point where vehicles can drive autonomously on public roads. It’s time to create test routes in the Netherlands. We can’t keep doing everything on closed-off sites or in simulations. Neighboring countries like Germany and France are already taking steps — they have public road test routes, of course under strict conditions. As a trade association, we are in continuous dialogue with the government.
Concrete plans are already being developed. For example, the European Commission’s Action Plan allocates substantial funding for this.”
What are the Netherlands’ strengths in the automotive sector?
“One in three heavy trucks in Europe is produced in the Netherlands. So that sector is of great industrial value to us. The Netherlands also contributes significantly to the electrification of trucks.”
What challenges do we face with electric trucks?
“Manufacturers like DAF can produce excellent electric trucks, but the numbers are still limited: out of the tens of thousands we will need in Europe by 2035, there are currently fewer than 1,500 on the road. Stakeholders are running into challenges. Logistics companies want to make the switch, but they encounter infrastructure problems — think of an overloaded power grid. Still, it’s crucial that more fast-charging hubs are installed along major transport corridors like the A2. Government support is essential for that.”
Do you have a message for the reader?
“I’d like to draw attention to the next generation — particularly the vital role that start-ups play in this sector. There are many new developments on the horizon in the automotive world. Together, we can achieve a great deal.”
Link to the full article: Directeur RAI Automotive: ‘Tijd voor testen autonoom rijden’
