Van Hool Making Major Changes

Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

At a special works council recently, bus manufacturer Van Hool announced over 1,100 jobs will be lost at the company between now and 2027. The redundancies and other job losses are part of the ‘Van Hool Recovery Plan’ the company is introducing to get the business back on track.

The largest number of job losses – about 830 – are planned for this year.  Bus production is now being moved to Macedonia, while trailers, industrial vehicles, R&D will remain in Flanders. 

Source:  VRT News.     Read The Article      Read This Article, Too

PSR Analysis:   Van Hool has struggled recently under the pressure of competition from Chinese manufacturers.  Even in the Flanders, home of Van Hool, Chinese bus manufacturer BYD was able to win a public tender for the supply of 300 electric urban busses.  The biggest advantage of Chinese companies is the know how and attractive price they can offer on battery powered busses.   In recent time, Van Hool has invested heavily in Fuel cells busses, but this move has not pay off. 

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AG and CE Segments Poised for Substantial Growth in Brazil

The agricultural and construction equipment sectors in Brazil are poised for significant growth in coming years, according to data compiled by Anfavea (National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers) in conjunction with the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).

A comprehensive survey identified 5.1 million agricultural establishments nationwide, of which 14.5% possessed tractors and 2.4% had harvesters, indicating substantial potential for expansion provided farmers have access to both public and private financing avenues for equipment acquisition.

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PowerTALK™, March 2024

In the March 2024 issue of PowerTALK News you’ll find two articles describing changes at Van Hool, the Belgian bus manufacturer, as it struggles to meet EV competition. Another EV article describes possible EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. You can also read an update on EV battery technology from Michael Aistrup as well as a report on the record sales performance in 2023 by Rolls Royce power systems business unit by Natasa Mulahalilovic, Finance and Admin. Manager – Europe.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT:

  • Germany Drops Subsidies for Electric Semi-trucks and Buses
  • Lithium-Air EV Batteries Tapped For Net Zero Economy of The Future
  • Why Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells So Expensive?
  • Europe May Slap Retroactive Tariffs on Chinese EVs

GLOBAL:

  • Van Hool To End City Bus Production in Belgium
  • E-Battery Technology Increases Application Opportunities

DATAPOINT: North America Trencher Production  

EUROPE:

  • Rolls Royce Posts 16% Revenue Gain
  • Van Hool Making Major Changes      

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • Car OEMs Announce US$ 14.3 Billion Investment in Brazil
  • AG and CE Segments Poised for Substantial Growth in Brazil

JAPAN: Kubota Plans To Produce Batteries for EV AG Equipment
SOUTH KOREA: SK Plans World’s Largest Semiconductor Manufacturing Base
CHINA: Electrification of Construction Machinery Industry Accelerates
INDIA: EV Market Provides Opportunities and Challenges