Photo: PHNX AGENCY (C) Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The economic trade mission runs parallel to the Dutch royal couple's state visit to Belgium. For this mission, the Dutch government has selected seven sustainable projects, which may present themselves to the royal couple. The selection of the projects was done based on the success rate and whether it fits within the theme of sustainability. "I am extremely proud that we were allowed to present Light Vehicle 2025, a tremendous honor," said Jean Pierre Heijster, Program Manager Materials & Manufacturing of RAI Automotive Industry NL. "Light Vehicle 2025 is a smart, sustainable, and cost-efficient solution, which can definitely take sustainable mobility further."
Light Vehicle 2025
The goal of the Light Vehicle 2025 project is already in the name, which is to further reduce the overall weight of passenger cars. This will be done by applying lightweight and circular materials. "With lightweight materials, we are creating a sustainable future for the automotive industry. Safer, lighter, and environmentally friendly through material savings, lower fuel consumption, and the most important goal of reducing CO2 emissions." The cooperation project consists of Dutch and Belgian, both Flemish and Walloon companies: Flanders Make (Leader), RAI Automotive Industry NL, AMAC GmbH, Technifutur, and the University of Liège.
Lightweight components
Up to 70% of a passenger car can already be produced with lightweight technologies today. The prototype developments in the Light Vehicle 2025 demonstrate that this percentage can increase even further. Within this project, four prototype lightweight components have been developed: a hydrogen tank (-17% weight), part of the Power Train gearbox (-30% weight), part of wheel suspension (-5% weight), and a Truck cab door (-5% weight). These lightweight components can already be used in vehicles. "With this project, we want to demonstrate that lightweight designs and lightweight materials can also be cost-effective," says Mr. K.
Climate technology economic mission
The ‘Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland’ (RVO) is organizing this mission together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch embassy in Brussels, and the Dutch consulate general in Antwerp. The aim of this mission is to strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange between Belgium and the Netherlands for a sustainable future.
Find more information about the Light Vehicle 2025 project here.
