Several automobile brands in the Netherlands have filled an empty market niche after World War II. The most famous automaker is DAF Trucks, which replaced the bankrupt DAF company. It is the pioneer of the Dutch car industry, which produced the first passenger car in the middle of the twentieth century. Now, MINI has taken its place, and only trucks are produced under the DAF brand. Spyker supercars are also widely known. They became popular after a successful debut in “Formula 1”.
What are Dutch car brands?
The Dutch car industry is supported by several domestic manufacturers: Spyker, Vencer, Donkervoort, DAF, Vandenbrink, VDL Nedcar, Waaijenberg, and LandFighter.
Spyker
The modern Spyker company was founded in 2000. It has nothing in common with the old Spyker brand, which started developing the automobile industry in 1898 and went bankrupt at the beginning of the XX century. The only thing they have in common is a common name and identity. However, there are hints of the firm’s aviation past in the new cars. For example, one of the lines sounds like an Aileron, and the details of the cars reflect the experience of producing aircraft engines.
Spyker’s main products are exclusive sports cars of several types. They are assembled by hand in our factories. The industrial sites are concentrated in Seewolde.
Vencer
Vencer was founded in 2010 in the Netherlands but became widely known only in 2013 when it presented its debut car. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco attended the presentation. The powerful and expensive supercar turned Vencer into a niche brand. The first sample was hand-assembled in 2015, making the automaker’s owner, Robert Cobben, famous. True, popularity came to him only in Europe since the model was not exported to other markets.
Donkervoort
More than twenty years have passed since the company Donkervoort moved from a small shed to a building in Lelystad. At that time, it developed and produced many new cars with Audi engines. The automaker’s very first car was released in 1978. It utilized parts from Ford. In the next model, Donkervoort engineers ensured safety by equipping the car with dual brakes.
The company was named after its founder, Joop Donkervoort. The car’s appearance was borrowed from the compact two-seater sports car Lotus Seven. At the same time, the modern concept allows for the absence of power steering, dynamic stabilization systems, and electronic braking systems.
DAF
The founder of the company DAF is a former director of a brewery. He was fond of repairing cars, so 1928 he opened a small workshop to produce trailers. Success came to him in the post-war period when there was a severe shortage of trucks and cars in the automobile market. With his first buses and trucks, the manufacturer filled the empty niche. For a long time, he borrowed imported engines until he developed his engine. Now, DAF produces only trucks since the brands of cars and buses were sold back in the last century. The current owner of the enterprise is the American corporation PACCAR.
Vandenbrink
Vandenbrink specializes in car design and has been working on it since 2006. His first project was an interpretation of a Ferrari. Mihil van den Brink, one of the company’s co-founders, who gave it his name, played a huge role in the creative process. However, in 2010, he left the business and became a “free artist.” The company continued to provide bodybuilding and custom design services under the leadership of co-founder Robert Koemans.
VDL Nedcar
The VDL Nedcar automobile factory has changed many owners – from the van Doorn brothers, who founded it in 1967, to the Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation. It also belonged to the Swedish concern Volvo and was even named in its honor Volvo Car B.V. The Dutch government then bought out the stake in VDL Nedcar. The model range was also constantly changing. Now, the manufacturer is producing BMW X1 and Mini Hatch cars.
Waaijenberg
The Dutch company Waaijenberg produces compact cars that cannot be developed at high speed or driven on highways. The slow microcars are designed for disabled drivers and wheelchair users. The first specialized vehicle appeared in Waaijenberg’s lineup in 1978, 12 years after the automaker was founded.
LandFighter
LandFighter parts are manufactured in the Republic of China and then shipped to the Netherlands for final assembly. The lineup is limited to ATVs that are tested on mud and snow trails before going on sale. The vehicles are authorized for use in EU countries. The main markets for LandFighter ATVs are Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
Ruska
Ruska was founded in 1968 and has existed for 13 years, creating various models of beach buggies. It had to close down after introducing the BVB tax in Holland, which had to be paid to trade its machines. Before the financial difficulties, Ruska was one of the most promising and successful car manufacturers, and its open cars on Volkswagen chassis were in demand both at home and abroad.
FAQ
Which car brand is best in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, some car brands are very popular and reliable:
- Volkswagen: Volkswagen is the leading brand. The Polo is a popular compact car, while the Tiguan is a favored family SUV. The Golf is loved for its performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
- Tesla is popular, especially because it focuses on environmentally friendly transportation. The Model 3 and Model S are common on Dutch roads. Government support for electric vehicles, such as tax breaks and subsidies, boosts Tesla’s popularity.
- Toyota: Toyota is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The hybrid Prius and compact Yaris are favorites.
- Volvo: Volvo, a Swedish brand, is popular for its safety and Scandinavian design. The XC40 and XC60 are popular models.
- Spyker: Spyker is a Dutch brand known for producing luxury sports cars in the niche market. These supercars symbolize luxury and exclusivity.
- DAF: Another Dutch brand, DAF, is known for its high-quality trucks.
- Vencer: Vencer is a niche brand specializing in high-performance sports cars. Its products are exclusive to Europe.
What is the most popular car in the Netherlands?
The most popular car in the Netherlands is the Kia Niro. This hybrid compact crossover became very popular in 2021. People like it for its efficiency, practicality, and modern features. Its hybrid technology helps reduce fuel costs and emissions. The compact size is great for city driving, and its crossover design provides plenty of room for family and cargo.
The Volvo XC40 is very popular. This Swedish brand is known for its safety features, stylish design, and versatility. The XC40 has various powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and all-electric. This variety allows customers to choose a model that suits their needs.
Both vehicles meet the needs and preferences of Dutch drivers, focusing on environmental friendliness, safety, and versatility.
Does the Netherlands use cars?
Yes, people in the Netherlands drive cars. Many Dutch people buy and drive cars, and the number of drivers is increasing.
Cars provide convenience and flexibility. They are necessary for long trips, transporting goods, and traveling to places where public transport is unavailable. In rural areas, cars are very important as public transport options are limited. Car ownership is common among people of different income levels. Low-income families may have fewer cars, but they still use vehicles.
Popular car models include the Kia Niro and Volvo XC40, which are known for their efficiency, safety, and modern design.
