Frits van Bruggen (far left) also participated in the Automotive Week talk show
At the moment, the Netherlands is still a leader in this field, but in order to maintain this position and the associated business model for the future, investments and efforts are badly needed. Van Bruggen gave this message to Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management during the opening of the Automotive Week 2023, at the Automotive Campus in Helmond.
"In recent years, our industry has invested enormously in the energy transition, and with results! For example, by 2022, 26% of all new sales in the Netherlands already consisted of electric cars. Also, with 37.5 charging stations per 100 km, the Netherlands is number 2 in the world with the rollout and set-up of electric charging infrastructure," said Van Bruggen. "With political support, we can accelerate these developments even further. That requires decisiveness and quick decision-making. And it is necessary, given all the mobility challenges we face."
RAI Automotive Industry NL, part of RAI Association, together with Brainport Development and consortia of a total of 120 companies from its constituency, has submitted three innovation-promoting proposals to the National Growth Fund #3. Through this fund, the cabinet is investing €20 billion between 2021 and 2025 in projects that will ensure long-term economic growth. "This also provides many top jobs in our sector," says Van Bruggen. "It is therefore important that this cooperation and investment be continued structurally, also after 2025."
Van Bruggen came to Helmond because of Automotive Week 2023, a European Mobility Congress to be held from April 16 to 19. During that congress, various discussions, presentations, symposiums and demonstrations are scheduled over four days under the motto "Smart. Sustainable. Safe.'
RAI Automotive Industry NL is a partner and one of the initiators of this event. Part of the opening ceremony is the official unveiling of the RAI Automotive Industry NL logo on the facade of the Automotive Campus building.
