The Automotive Industry in Flanders

The Automotive Industry in Flanders

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The automotive industry in Flanders
10 reasons why Flanders is in pole position

This brochure was prepared to show you how rich and diversified the automotive industry is in
Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, and under how many forms it is present here. There
are builders, assembly plants, head offices of multinationals, logistics hubs, suppliers and competence
centers.
Of course, Flanders has much to offer the industry – as will become obvious from looking through
this brochure. And the reasons why companies opted for Flanders are as diverse as the companies
themselves. Some praise Flanders for its perfect location, others for its hardworking labor
force, and yet others for its future-oriented attitude.
We would like to introduce you to some of the companies that have settled here, and the many
reasons why they did.
If you have any questions or want to know more, or if you would like to get in touch with one of
the companies featured here, please do not hesitate to contact us. Flanders Investment & Trade
is always glad to help.

The automotive industry in Flanders
10 reasons why Flanders is in pole position
Flanders’ automotive strengths in a nutshell
Located in the Heart of Europe
• Volvo Cars Gent: bridgehead in and outside Europe
• Audi Brussels: a landmark transition in the capital of Flanders
A highly qualified workforce 8
• Ford Genk: factory and personnel transformed
• Volvo Europa Truck loves the ‘automotive mind’
Rich tradition in quality 12
• Van Hool: quality and flexibility, combined with innovation
• VDL Jonckheere: 125 years of experience
Ideal base of operations for your company’s European headquarter 14
• Toyota Motor Europe: major expansion from its base in Flanders
• Ford EU Affairs office: finger on the pulse of Europe
Superior logistics hub 1
• The Port of Zeebrugge: strong engine
• Honda Europe: services and distribution from its location in Ghent
• Mazda Motor Logistics Europe: expanding out from Antwerp
Abundance of suppliers focused on leading-edge technologies 20
• Transics International: solutions that boost efficiency
• LMS: engineering and testing for faster go-to-market
• Tenneco: innovation in ride control technology
Top players focus on automotive 24
• Bekaert: technologies and products for tomorrow’s car
• Punch International: focus on ‘sustainable mobility’
• Recticel: developing innovative interiors
• The Institute for the Promotion of Innovation through
Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT)
• Support for innovation: of products as well as production
Competence center hotbed 28
• Flanders’ DRIVE: unique competence center
• VITO: research in energy technology
• Telematics Cluster: platform for a growth industry
Forceful voice at all government levels 30
• Agoria Automotive: protecting the interest of the automotive industry
• FEBIAC: building bridges with the government
Flanders Investment & Trade:
support at the start or the expansion of your operations 32
• Identification of optimal location
• Knowledge and contact center
• Subsidies and support measures
• Legal requirements clarified
Flanders’ automotive strengths in a nutshell 34

Flanders’ automotive strengths in a nutshell
N°1 port in the world for new cars
“Today Zeebrugge is the largest port in the world for the shipment
of new cars. Annually almost two million cars pass through the port and this
number is growing every year.”
Vincent De Saedeleer, Vice President Shipping and Business Development, Port of Zeebrugge
Europe’s N°1 logistics location
“Flanders is, in keeping with previous years, in first place as
European logistics location. The region’s ranking is based
on factors such as the cost of warehousing, land and employment,
the quality of transport systems and the accessibility of the region.
Flanders will remain in the top spot until at least 2019.”
Highly productive workforce
“Starting up three new production lines, without extra costs, in record time,
and with a very high-quality output is only possible in Flanders. Our people
have the right mentality and are willing to put their shoulders to the
wheel when extra effort is required.”
Jo Declercq, Manager Public & Governmental affairs, Ford Motor Company
Impressive production volume
“Flanders has one of the highest
motor vehicles productions per
capita in the world. Our export
ratio for assembled vehicles
exceeds 80%.”
Wilson De Pril, Director-General, Agoria Flanders
Cushman & Wakefield’s European Distribution Report 2006
Ecological support
“Volvo Europa Truck NV in
Ghent is in the process of
becoming the first CO -free 2
automotive assembly plant
in the world. The new facility
is to be inaugurated in the fall
of 2007. Volvo Europa Truck
received financial support for
environmental projects from
the Flemish government.”
Patrick Collignon, General Manager,
Volvo Europa Truck

8
Advantage 1:
Located in the heart of Europe
Flanders is the ideal bridgehead for companies wanting to make inroads in Europe. First of all there is its location:
right in the middle of the most prosperous and industrialized region in Europe, with direct access to all the
surrounding markets. And then there is its infrastructure: companies can send workers and goods to customers
and locations across Europe in a minimum of time, thanks to one of the most modern and densest networks of
roads, railroads and waterways in the world.
Volvo Cars Gent: bridgehead
in and outside Europe
Volvo Cars Gent was at one time the first and
only car assembly plant of the group outside
Sweden. Today it is one of Volvo Cars’ two major
plants. More than half of its global production
takes place in Flanders. In 2006, 244,000 cars
rolled off the assembly line here.
Gateways
Major rail freight flows Major road freight flows Major freight flows via
inland waterways
Mark De Mey, Manager PR & Communications,
explains why Volvo Cars Gent is and remains in
Flanders: “Very simply – Flanders is in the heart
of Europe. Two thirds of the cars assembled
here are exported to other European destinations
– Sweden, the UK and Germany, and to a
lesser extent to the Netherlands, Spain and
France. From Flanders it is very easy to reach
all these countries.”
Ideal for export to USA
But also for export outside Europe, Flanders
has proven to be an ideal location. “We export
more than 25% of our production to the United
States,” adds De Mey. “Our assembly plant is
located in the port area of Ghent and the major
European ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and
Zeebrugge are nearby for overseas shipments.”
Volvo Cars Gent experienced the development of
the Flemish automotive industry from close up.
“An incredible amount of know-how has been
accumulated here in the last 40 years – in all
areas of the industry. So it’s no coincidence that
there are so many automotive suppliers in
Flanders,” he continues. “Our main suppliers
are actually located right near our plant.”
High quality
Today Volvo Cars Gent has to
prove itself more than ever.
Since the takeover of Volvo
Corporation by the Ford Group,
the plant has competitors not
only outside but also inside
Ford. “Again and again we have
to prove that we can deliver the
highest quality,” says De Mey.
“In that area we have developed
an enviable reputation. Our
plant has already won a
European Quality Award as well
as three consecutive Japanese
TPM World Class Awards, given
by the Japan Institute of Plant
Maintenance.”
The future looks good for Volvo
Cars Gent. “Our plant scores
high in terms of guaranteed
output,” explains De Mey. We
continue to produce both large volumes and high
quality. Proof of this is that the assembly of the
latest Volvo model has been assigned to us. In
2008 we start building the XC60, the new Volvo
crossover. It is the ultimate reward for the hard
work of our personnel.”
Automated production, highly qualified
workers
Volvo Cars Gent also has to prove its efficiency.
Automation plays an important role in this, of
course. The welding and spraying facilities are
respectively 70% and 60% automated. The
workers are increasingly becoming operators of
complex installations. Flanders gets an excellent
score here, too. “The educational level of
our personnel is quite high,” says De Mey, “in
terms of both technical and language skills.

Volvo Cars Gent also appreciates that the government
creates the proper legal framework for its operations
and for reducing the wage cost. In this regard, Volvo
Cars Gent is indebted to the Automotive Task Force
that was established and which recommended the tax
advantages for temporary unemployment and the
reduced employment costs for shift work.
We also notice that they acquire new skills
quickly and easily. Flemish people show a definite
willingness to improve themselves. Add to
this a typical can-do mentality and the conviction
that ‘if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’
and you can’t imagine a better location than
Flanders.”
Audi Brussels: a landmark
transition in the capital of
Flanders
Since 1970, Brussels has been the preferred location
for the production of some 6 million
Volkswagen cars. Now, 37 years later, the plant
is being transformed into an ultra-modern assembly
plant for Audi, of the same Volkswagen
Group. The new plant will continue to be in a
transitional phase for little over a year. Currently
some 2,200 people produce both the Volkswagen
Polo and the Audi A3 models there. The plans
for the future are ambitious.
Today, some 500 cars per day roll off the assembly
line at the plant in Brussels. Some 200 of
those are Audi A3s. In the near future, Audi’s
latest model, the Audi A1 will be produced exclusively
in Brussels. The company has invested
a great deal of time and money in converting the
assembly lines to meet Audi’s high standards of
production quality. Further investments in the
plants infrastructure will follow over the next
few years.
Lofty ambitions
“We have big ambitions for the Audi plant here in
Brussels”, explains Paul Lenaerts, Secretary-
General, Audi Brussels. “With each passing
year, we are making more and more cars worldwide.
In 1997 we rolled out 376,000 cars, 10
years later we are close on one million. The
global target for Audi for 2015 is to produce 1.5
million cars. And we need the Brussels plant, as
part of our network, to achieve this goal.”
Moreover, Audi Brussels is being upgraded to
rank among the top tier of Audi plants. Lenaerts:
“The plant is to become the ‘Best of Benchmark’
for the assembly of Audi cars. This means that
every aspect of our plant is being scrutinized to
comply with the highest possible standards.”
Located close to key markets
Why did Audi choose to make these extensive investments
to transform the Volkswagen plant?
Lenaerts: “In Brussels, we are at the heart of
Europe and this means a lot of added benefits
for an automotive plant. Logistics is one of these.
Flanders is at the top of the tree when it comes
to logistics. It has built up decades of know-how
and has a superb infrastructure. Goods can be
moved around easily through its dense network
of motorways, railroads and inland waterways.
We produce cars here for the European and
global markets. The lion’s share of the output,
though, is destined for the German market.
Transporting cars over great distances means
big volumes so, ideally, you want to be near to
your main markets. And the longer the shipping
distance, the more likely our cars will be
damaged en route to the retailers.”
Lenaerts cites other reasons too to be located in
the heart of Europe: “We are very satisfied with
the workforce here. The Flemish people have
the right qualifications and they are flexible
when it comes to making that extra effort.
Furthermore, Flanders is one enormous automotive
hub with a wide range of quality suppliers
close at hand. We are also in close contact with
the European institutions just around the corner.
And let’s not forget our close proximity to our
headquarters, our R&D and other divisions of
the group in Germany. We also believe that
Brussels puts Audi in the automotive mindset of
people all over the world. The city is well known
the world over and symbolizes our world-class
car assembly activities here in Europe.”
Flanders – at the top in export
Throughout its rich economic history, Flanders has proven
itself to be a region that thrives on the export of goods and
services. Today exports in Flanders are still growing.
According to the World Trade Organization, Flanders was
the region with the largest increase in exports for the
1993-2005 period (after China, which experienced enormous
export growth during that time).
The share of the automotive industry in this is more than
impressive. In 2007, Flanders was good for 13% of the
world trade in cars and buses.

10
Advantage 2:
A highly qualified workforce
Flemish colleges and universities have been graduating highly qualified and specialized young people for decades.
Furthermore, the Flemish automotive workforce is renowned for its hands-on attitude, its customer and quality
focus, its versatility and overall ‘automotive mind’.
And because Flanders lies at the intersection between the Germanic and Latin language regions, they also usually
speak several languages like French, English, German and even Spanish. This benefits more than your company’s
business, it’s also good for your corporate culture.
Ford Genk: factory and
personnel transformed
Ford’s assembly activities in Europe go back to
1922, when it began producing its famous Ford
Model T in Antwerp. The Genk assembly plant
was officially started up in 1964. Now a cluster of
suppliers have set up plants in the neighborhood.
Together with Ford they ensure that some
270,000 cars a year roll off the assembly line,
destined mainly for the German and English
market. Flanders is located right in between.
Investment support
In 2004, the Ford Genk plant started undergoing
a transformation: by becoming a “flexible assembly
plant”, it would be able to produce three
models instead of one. The results have been
astounding. In 2005, it produced 180,000 cars,
all Mondeos. In 2006, the number of cars climbed
to 235,000, and included the Mondeo, S-MAX
and Galaxy models. A year later, in 2007, it is
producing the new generation Mondeo, as well
as the S-MAX and Galaxy models – a total volume
of 270,000 cars. The large-scale expansion is a
success story that required an investment of €
715 million, of which the Flemish government
provided € 30 million.
...as well as support for training
The government offered help to attract the necessary
personnel. Jobseekers wanting to work
at Ford Genk were given IBO status (apprenticeship
status in a company), which provided them
with six months of subsidized on-the-job training:theycontinuedtoreceivetheirunemployment
benefits but these were topped up with an apprenticeship
allowance. During the
apprenticeship period, Ford paid neither their
salaries nor their social security contributions.
Once the workers had finished their training,
they were given an employment contract from
Ford good for at least five months. Thanks to
this system, Ford was able to find and train
enough personnel to boost production to the
high levels mentioned.
Built in Flanders: Car of the year 2007
“The Ford S-MAX, car of the year 2007,
is being built at the Ford plant in Genk.
The ultimate recognition for the
hardworking personnel
who have made the plant into
the European epicenter of production
of larger Ford family cars.”
Jo Declercq, Manager Public & Governmental affairs,
Ford Motor Company
Multilingual workforce
Flanders is centrally located at the crossroads of
the Anglo-Saxon, Latin and Germanic cultures and
languages. Historically, the Flemish people have
shown considerable eagerness when it comes to
learning the languages of neighboring countries
and even those further away in Europe.

Highly productive workforce
“Starting up three new production
lines, without extra costs, in record
time, and with a very high-quality
output is only possible in Flanders. Our
people have the right mentality and
are willing to put their shoulders to the
wheel when extra effort
is required”
Jo Declercq, Manager Public & Governmental affairs,
Ford Motor Company
“Starting up three new production lines, without
extra costs, in record time, and with a very highquality
output is only possible in Flanders,” says
Jo Declercq, Manager Public & Governmental
affairs for Ford Motor Company. “Our people
have the right mentality and are willing to put
their shoulders to the wheel when extra effort is
required. The Flemish are very versatile – it’s
easy for us to train and retrain them and they
can be put to work at peak times in different
areas without any trouble.”
Belgium
USA
France
UK
Netherlands
Germany
Japan
High productivity
Belgium, and Flanders as a region, can
boast some excellent figures when it
comes to productivity. In the IMD World
Competitiveness yearbook 2007 Belgium
is ranked second, ahead of its neighboring
countries and the US.
Productivity index
Germany = 100,2006
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2007
92
100
113
111
125
123
121
Honda appreciates the
Flemish work ethic
For decades now, Honda Europe has been hiring
motivated employees in Flanders to turn its logistics
nerve center here into a European success.
“Already at the end of the seventies, the Japanese
appreciated the work ethic of the Flemish,” says
Noë Denecker, Director, Honda Europe. “Flemish
people are totally committed, well educated, loyal
and focused on customer satisfaction. These are
important qualities for us – qualities that are, in fact,
indispensable for achieving our European objectives.
And we are more than satisfied: last year
Honda Europe’s gross sales grew by about 8%.”
And the car industry recognizes the accomplishment.
“Who do you think is building the “Car of
the Year 2007”, the Ford S-MAX?” asks Declercq.
“Exactly, Ford Genk. Our hardworking personnel
– almost 6,000 people – has made our plant
into the European epicenter of production of
larger Ford family cars.”
Globally renowned test circuit
The town of Lommel, near Genk, has been home
to the Ford Lommel Proving Ground since 1965.
This is a unique test track for European Ford
models. Continuous investment has made it into
one of the best equipped and most important
test tracks in the world. It has 80 km of test
lanes distributed over an area of 330 ha. The
choice of its location is strategic – the test track
is midway between the two technical centers in
Germany and the UK and within driving distance
from most of the European assembly plants.
Flanders’ DRIVE, the Flemish automotive industry’s
innovation knowledge center, is also located
in the town.
Fifty engineers, 75 car technicians and 125 test
pilots work at the test center. They subject Ford
cars for the European market to an array of tests
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The technicians
and test pilots have college degrees in automotive
technology while many of the engineers have
Master degrees in automotive technology.
11

12
Volvo Europa Truck loves
the ‘automotive mind’
Annually more than 35,000 trucks roll off the assembly
line in Oostakker – 30% of Volvo’s global
truck production. This makes Volvo Europa
Truck the largest Volvo truck assembly plant in
the world. Besides building the entire Volvo
truck series, it is the sole producer of medium
heavy trucks worldwide. Ninety percent of the
total production at Oostakker is destined for the
European market.
The ultimate workforce
“Flemish people show a definite
willingness to improve themselves.
Add to this a typical can-do
mentality and the conviction that
‘if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’
and you can’t imagine a better location
than Flanders.”
Mark De Mey, Manager PR & Communications, Volvo Cars Gent
Flanders offers a number of obvious benefits for
Volvo Europa Truck. Located dead-center in
Volvo Europa Truck’s European markets, the
production plant is in the ideal location to ensure
the cost-effective and environment-friendly
transport of these voluminous products.
According to Patrick Collignon, General
Manager, Volvo Europa Truck, “In Flanders everything
an assembly plant needs is within arm’s
reach. Assembly is 95% logistics. Flanders has
a large automotive cluster, with all the suppliers
and logistics facilities close by. We are in the
right place here.”
Automotive mind of personnel and
government
In Flanders people speak with pride of car assembly
work. Everyone around here knows
someone in the family or among his friends who
works in the automobile sector. Flemish people
have ‘an automotive mind’. “But they are first
and foremost hard workers,” says Collignon.
“Volvo realized that as soon as the company
started here in Oostakker. Employees at Volvo
Europa Truck are always willing to make that
extra effort to meet the targets.”
Where its workforce is concerned, the company
strives for the best possible relationship with
the unions. “There is every opportunity to
develop an excellent relationship with the social
partners,” says Collignon. “It is up to both partners
to use those opportunities. Volvo Europa
Truck is very satisfied with the collaboration and
has nothing but praise for the understanding
these people show for the automotive industry.”
The same ‘automotive mind’ is also present at
the government level. Not only because the 37.5hour
week has been maintained here, unlike in
countries as Germany or Italy. Shift work is also
less taxed. Flanders also offers – and this is as
good as unique in the world – a flexible legal
framework for ‘economic unemployment’. “Good
management of the economic unemployment
system keeps qualified personnel in the
company,” explains Collignon. “This avoids a
hire-and-fire policy, which is harmful to the
social environment. We have a long-term relationship
with our employees.”
Workfore into quality improvement
“Volvo Europa Truck is always looking for
ways to improve. You notice that Flemish
people flourish in this improvement culture.
They want to learn more and on average
they already have a high
degree of education.”
Patrick Collignon, General Manager, Volvo Europa Truck

High qualifications of workforce
Coordinating, producing and supporting
economic growth are activities that require
degree-educated personnel. International
studies have demonstrated that Flemish
students are ahead, especially in mathematics
and science.
The Program for International Student
Assessment (PISA) of the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) conducts frequent studies about the
knowledge and skills of the students
(average age: 15 years) of its member countries.
The recent study shows some excellent
results for Flemish students: they have the
highestassessmentscoresforMathematics,
as well as for Science of all OECD member
countries.
The will to keep learning
Volvo Europa Truck is always looking for ways to
improve. The company relies on all its employees
to achieve this – every worker is engaged in
thinking about quality improvement. This is the
key to success, because the input from Flemish
employees is substantial. “You notice that
Flemish people flourish in this improvement
culture. They want to learn more and on average
they already have a high degree of education.
Our assembly personnel usually have a higher
than average qualification in electromechanics,”
explains Collignon. “We also employ around 200
engineers. Flanders has an outstanding reputation
when it comes to training engineers.”
But more than the diplomas, it is the attitude
that counts at Volvo. “We pay great attention to
developing our personnel. We have training programs
for those who aspire to a particular
position. This creates the proper framework for
preparing people for a job. When a position
opens up, we can respond quickly.”
Mathematics achievemant score - 2003
Pisa assessment score
Flanders 553
Netherlands
Japan
Belgium
France
Sweden
Germany
USA
Flanders
Sweden
Netherlands
Belgium
Japan
France
USA
Germany
Source: OECD, Education At A Glance, 2006
Science achievement score - 2003
Pisa assessment score
Source: OECD, Education At A Glance, 2006
483
538
534
529
511
509
503
514
513
507
498
496
495
Future prospects
Collignon has a positive view of the future of
Volvo Europa Truck in Flanders. It is based on a
vision in which the environment plays an increasingly
important role. “We will have to find
smart logistics solutions,” he says, “that maximize
added value and minimize waste. I don’t
mean waste within the company only, but along
its entire value chain. Clusters will spring up
around the different sectors. The companies
that take the initiative to collaborate within these
clusters will be the future winners. And Flanders,
as a European automotive cluster, is excellently
positioned to play a major role.”
Looking…?
… to benefit from Flanders’ productive, loyal
and multilingual workforce and from the
Flanders ‘automotive mindset’? If so, contact
us today at Flanders Investment & Trade.
It will be our pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 87 11
invest@flanders.be
491
530
13

14
Advantage 3:
Rich tradition in quality
The motor vehicle industry in Flanders can look back on a rich tradition founded on three pillars: quality, craftsmanship
and innovation. Thanks to these, the region has built a reputation that extends far beyond its borders.
Flemish builders of buses and transport vehicles are a case in point. Both Van Hool and VDL Jonckheere have
profiled themselves over several decades as companies that supply only the highest quality, underpinned by
a rich tradition.
Van Hool: quality and
flexibility, combined with
innovation
Van Hool is one of the largest independent
European manufacturers of buses, coaches and
commercial vehicles. This family owned
company has managed to hitch its rich experience,
tradition and know-how to the unrestrained
pursuit of innovation.
Annually Van Hool builds 1,700 buses and
coaches and 4,000 trailers, road tankers and
tank containers. More than 80% of these are
destined for export. Van Hool’s vehicles are
known the world over for their durability, reliability
and timeless design. The company is ISO
9001:2000 certified. Van Hool has nearly 4,600
people in its employ.
Innovation and versatility in transport
solutions
Innovation is at the centre for Van Hool and one
of the reasons for the company’s success on the
global market. The tank container segment is a
case in point. Yves Goffin, Public Relations
Manager, points out that “Van Hool is an important
manufacturer who builds, within the same
industrial complex, tank containers in stainless
steel (for chemicals) and aluminium (for
powders), and gas tanks in stainless and carbon
steel.” The company is good for 50% of the world
market in gas tank containers.
“Versatility is one of our greatest assets,” he
continues. “In addition to our large series we are
also very good at producing custom-tailored
transport solutions, including the installation on
trucks and trailers of fuel and gas tanks, tilttrailers
and curtainsiders, plywood trailers and
flatbeds, and building special vehicles such as
trailers with one or more steered axles, container
chassis for use in intermodal transport,
extendable low-loaders and huge tanker
trailers.
It is thanks to the extensive know-how and experience
we have built up over the past decades
that we are able to deliver such high-quality
custom work. It enables us to translate the
needs of the client into a high-value product and
build it in an efficient manner.”
Quality also a question of taxation
Quality is not just the product of a mindset. The government
has also created a high-quality business climate for
the companies that settle here. And they can count on intensive
support, advice and measures geared to their
business objectives and needs. Some highlights:
- The notional interest deduction: companies using their
own capital to finance their activities are eligible for a
notional interest deduction of 3.781%. This brings the effective
taxation rate below 26%. The notional interest
deduction is unique in its kind and excels in its relative
simplicity. It has an important impact, however, on the
investment decisions of the large players.
- 0% registration duties on contributions: proportional
registration duties on contributions, whether in money
or kind, have been abolished.
- Application of parent-subsidiary directive expanded to
treaty countries: the exemption from withholding taxes
on payments of dividends - as long as the conditions of
the European parent–subsidiary directive are met – has
been expanded to parent companies domiciled in almost
all the treaty countries. This benefits American,
Japanese, Chinese, Brazilian, Canadian and Australian
groups, among others.
- Appreciated policy with respect to double-taxation treaties:
Belgium was the very first country that concluded a
double-taxation treaty with Hong Kong. The new treaty
with the United States also provides for an exemption
from withholding taxes on payments of dividends and interests.
- Upgrade of ruling practice: the Belgian practice of fiscal
rulings on previous agreements has undergone an
upgrade: the nature of the cases that may be submitted
to the ruling commission have been considerably expanded.
While the Commission must commit itself to
deliver a ruling within three months.

Buses and coaches: another chapter in
a success story
Van Hool also has a very strong position on the
international coach market: “Within Europe, our
most important markets are Belgium, the
Netherlands, France and Germany. One third is
exported to for the US, where we are the biggest
importer of coaches.” Here, too, the expansion
of the company rests on tradition, experience
and know-how. What makes us unique, is our
ability to build buses of witch the design does
not depend on one mark of engine or mechanical
components but can be adapted to the needs
of the client or the market.”
Dedicated Workforce
“Flemish people are totally committed,
well educated, loyal and focused on
customer satisfaction. These are
important qualities for us – qualities that
are, in fact, indispensable for achieving
our European objectives.”
Noë Denecker, Director, Honda Europe
Trendsetter in environment-friendly
public transport
Van Hool is a pioneer in environment-friendly
solutions for public transport: “Our motto is
‘Public transport driven by ”E”motion’, with the
‘e’ of emotion standing for enhanced, environmental
and efficient. We offer a complete range
of modern, environment-friendly buses, from
the Euro IV diesel-powered buses to CNGpowered
(compressed natural gas) ones, trolley
buses and fuel cell buses.”
In the United States they are pushing the use of
zero-emission fuel cell buses since several
years. Van Hool recently premiered the first full
capacity hybrid fuel cell bus in the world running
on hydrogen. A prime sample of know-how and
technological innovation.
Read all about this unique project, which is a
revolution in the world of eco-friendly transportation,
in section 7: Companies outside the
industry focus on automotive.
VDL Jonckheere:
125 years’ experience
It 1881 Henri Jonckheere started building horse
carts and coaches in a town near Roeselaere, in
the province of West-Flanders. Early in the 20th
century, Jonckheere switched to the production
of buses and luxury coaches, and in 1998 it
merged with the VDL Group. This multinational
is a trendsetter in the production, development
and marketing of coaches, public transport
buses, chassis and mini and mid-sized buses.
At VDL Jonckheere, nearly 500 vehicles leave
the factory every year. The company realized
gross sales of € 80 million in 2006 with 500 employees.
Luxury coaches and public transport
buses were each good for 40% of total sales.
VDL Jonckheere exports globally. For the African
market – which represents 20% of the company’s
gross sales – VDL Jonckheere produces
buses geared to specific needs, with durability
and a long life as their prime assets.
Craftsmanship major asset
“VDL Jonckheere is a major producer of highquality
buses,” says Tony Buyck, Managing
Director. “We can look back on more than 125
years of experience and a rich tradition. Within
the VDL Group we make optimal use of the
synergy with the other four bus builders.” The
VDL Group has a European sales organization
and associated network.
Innovation is at the top of the Group’s priorities.
“One of the companies in the Group, APTS
(Advanced Public Transport Systems), develops
high-quality solutions for passenger transport,”
says Buyck. An important achievement is the
Phileas, a high-tech tram on pneumatic tires
guided by magnetic sensors on the ground. It is
some 20 meters long and runs on electricity and
diesel (hybrid). Several of them are already in
use in the Netherlands and France.
According to Buyck, VDL Jonckheere’s strength
lies in the fact that “for over a century, we have
been training our workers to use the latest technologies,
whether in design, production,
assembly, painting or finishing. Our workers
stand out because of their craftsmanship and
their passion for building buses. This allows us
to capitalize on the latest trends and still guarantee
a high-quality product, whether as part of
a series or as a custom vehicle.”
1

1
Advantage 4:
Ideal base of operations for your company’s
European headquarters
Flanders is the ideal launching pad for companies interested in capturing the European market. For numerous
reasons: its central location, of course, but also its highly educated, multilingual workforce, which is able to
support your activities. Furthermore, Flanders is located close to the nerve center of the European institutions,
while rents for office space and other facilities remain low compared with those of surrounding regions.
Toyota Motor Europe:
major expansion from its
base in Flanders
Toyota began selling cars in Europe in 1963.
Seven years later the Japanese carmaker
established its first location on the European
continent – in Brussels. Since then, Toyota has
steadily expanded its share of the European
market. Today, the Japanese manufacturer has
nine production plants and 55,000 workers in
Europe – impressive figures. And Flanders is its
bridgehead for sales, marketing, R&D and
logistics.
Etienne Plas, spokesperson for Toyota Motor
Europe, says that, “the Japanese parent company’s
decision to set up its European headquarters
in Brussels was future-oriented, given that they
are now located right in the center of our
European activities. Most locations in Europe
are only a couple of hours away.”
Strong presence in Europe as
well as Flanders
Toyota has invested over €6 billion to expand its
European activities since 1990. Annually, the company
spends €5 billion at European suppliers – impressive
figures that match its impressive presence in
Flanders and Europe.
Zeebrugge
European Logistics Center - Vehicles
Investment: €11.5 million
Area: 420,000 m 2
Vehicles handled in 2007: 430,000
Brussels
European Headquarters
Investment: €211 million
Brussels
European accessories and service center
Investment €48 million
Zeebrugge
Brussels
Diest
European Logistics Center - Parts
Investment: €73 million
Area: 100,000 m 2
Diest
Zaventem
Zaventem
1 of 4 R&D centers worldwide
Investment: €137.5 million
A stimulating environment
“Right now over 1,200 people work at the
European headquarters in Brussels,” Plas
continues. “All European activities are coordinated
from here
-R&D, production,
marketing, sales, network
development,
brand management,
PR, strategic and
product planning,
logistics, customer
service and all
aspects of after-sales
service, human resources
and business
administration.” And
all of these departments
are only a
stone’s throw away
from the most
important European
d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g
centers.
Plas has nothing but
praise for the multilingualism
of the local
staff. “Our headquarters
employ people
from 50 different nationalities.
The ability
to speak several languages
is crucial in a
place like this.” Plas
They know...
World players in other sectors have
also discovered the advantages of
Flanders as the location for their
European headquarters. Here is a
small sample from a long list:
• Canon
• Casio Computer
• Caterpillar Group Services
• Chrysler Jeep
• Daihatsu Motor
• Daikin Industries
• Donaldson Europe
• Fleetguard
• Goodyear Dunlop Tires
• Hitachi
• Johnson Controls
• Kenwood
• Matsushita
• Nissan Motor
• NEC
• Pioneer Electronic Corporation
• Sumitomo Chemical Corporation
• Tenneco Automotive Europe
• Toshiba
• Yamaha Music Corporation
also notes that the international staff feels at
home here, including outside working hours.
“Our expats and their families quickly adjust.
And it’s important to us that our workers are
happy.”

Affordable rents
Compared to other top locations in the
world, Brussels, the capital, offers particularly
affordable rental rates for
industrial real estate. Of the 45 world
cities with top rental rates, Brussels is in
37th place, with € 59.7/m 2 (source
Cushman & Wakefield, 2007).
Rental rates in Flanders are traditionally
lower than in the capital. Flanders also
has an ampler supply of such properties.
In Cushman & Wakefield’s survey ‘Office
Space Across the World – 2007’, Brussels
tops the list when it comes to industrial
occupancy cost.
From European headquarters to
continental nerve center
Toyota has four R&D centers worldwide. One of
these is in Zaventem, a few kilometers from its
European headquarters. “In Zaventem our R&D
is geared to the European car market,” says
Plas. “Close on € 130 million has been invested
in it. Here 750 college and university-trained researchers,
engineers and technicians are
designing the Toyotas of the future. We anticipate
that another 100 people will be added over
the next years.”
Toyota also opted for Flanders when it came to
managing its European distribution. It runs a logistics
site at the Port of Zeebrugge that covers
an area of 420,000 m 2 and can handle 430,000
vehicles a year. It also has a European distribution
center in Diest, on which it just spent € 20
million (2007). “It is of critical importance that
Toyota can deliver its vehicles to almost 50
European countries easily and promptly,” according
to Plas.
Strategically strong choice
Flanders represents much more to Toyota than
a central location for directing activities. Toyota
Motor Europe has located all the departments
here that are needed to support its European
activities. By doing so, the Japanese car maker
has been able to achieve its strategic objectives
and grow its market share in Europe year
over year.
Brussels
Frankfurt
Madrid
Zurich
Paris
London
Real estate, global office rents
€ / m² / year
339.7
408.0
465.9
591.7
Looking…?
858.8
Source: Cushman and Wakefield, Office Space Across the World, 2007
957.1
Ford EU Affairs office: finger
on the pulse of Europe
Ford has monitored developments in the
European Union from Brussels since 1968. It is
here that the carmaker, active in all countries of
the EU, tries to assess correctly how the
European regulations, directives and technical
specifications will affect the development, production
and sale of new cars and how they are to
be applied. According to Jo Declercq, Director
Public & Governmental Affairs for Ford Motor
Company (Belgium), “Ford EU Affairs represents
the interests of all the Ford Group models
at all European levels and maintains contacts
with the governments and government agencies
of the European member states. It’s Ford’s way
of keeping its finger on the pulse of the European
institutions and becoming quickly aware of
changes and trends that could have a serious
impact on the corporation’s development costs
and profitability.”
…for support in your in your European
market objective? Together we can make
your head office in Flanders the driving force
behind your success in Europe.
Contact Flanders Investment & Trade.
It will be our pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 88 71
invest@fitagency.be
1

18
Advantage 5:
Superior logistics hub
Home to the largest transshipment port for new cars on the continent, Flanders also has three other seaports, a
national airport and several regional airports. These relay points are connected by the densest network of roads
and highways in Europe, as well as by an extensive network of railways and waterways that provides optimal
access to the rest of Europe. With decades of experience under its belt, Flanders has become an expert in
logistics.
The Port of
Zeebrugge: strong
engine
Today Zeebrugge is the largest
port in the world for the shipment
of new cars. Annually almost two
million cars pass through the
port and this number is growing
every year. Toyota, Renault, Volvo,
Rover, Jaguar, General Motors,
Ford, Citroen, Suzuki, Mercedes,
Mazda and Mitsubishi – all of
them make use of the logistics facilities
of the Port of Zeebrugge.
Great
Britain
London
Chunnel
The geographical location of the
port is unique in Europe. Built on
the North Sea, the busiest waterway
in the world, it is poised at the intersection
between the flow of goods between the European
continent and the UK and between Scandinavia
and Southern Europe. Nearby lies the delta of
the three most important access routes to the
European interior – the rivers Scheldt, Meuse
and Rhine – while the metropolises and industrial
centers of Europe are only a stone throw’s
away.
Its ambition: being the world leader in
car parts
“That is not all,” continues Vincent De Saedeleer,
Vice President Shipping and Business
Development, Port of Zeebrugge. “Our port has
managed to specialize in added value for the car
industry. Today approximately a thousand people
are employed here in post-assembly, that is the
installation of options and the final inspection of
the cars.”
The port has ambitious plans for the future.
It wants to become the number 1 logistics hub
for car components in the world. “With the trend
towards worldwide sourcing of car components,”
says De Saedeleer, “we are perfectly
positioned to offer added value. Not only do we
offer dedication to the sector from a to z, we also
Calais
Lille
Bruges
Ghent
Brussels
Tournai
Paris
Mons
France
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Antwerp
Namur
Hasselt
Arlon
Germany
Bonn
Frankfurt
Liège
Provincial Capital Main Roads Motorways
High Speed trains Airports Ports
have an excellent reputation when it comes to
container handling. Zeebrugge processes 1.8
million TEUs of cargo a year.” Today the Port of
Zeebrugge is focusing specifically on repackaging,
storing and shipping car components for the
European market. To help it achieve its ambitious
objectives, it has set aside a distribution
zone of 120 ha for the further expansion of its
activities.
Benefits incoming and outgoing traffic
The port has a modern, well-developed infrastructure
for transshipping cars and car parts
within Europe. Zeebrugge is directly linked to an
extensive railway and inland shipping network
that provides fast transport to the rest of Europe.
Its connections to the highways and freeways of
the continent are also among the best. The car
markets of, for instance, Spain, Portugal,
France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Finland
and Sweden can be served very quickly from
Zeebrugge.
The port is the central shipping point for cars
and car components produced in Europe. For
the global car industry, Zeebrugge services
North and South America, the Middle East,
Russia, Japan and the Far East.

Honda Europe: services
and distribution from its
location in Ghent
Honda’s positive experience with Flanders
started in the sixties, when Honda Belgium was
established in Aalst. That is one of the reasons
why Honda chose the Port of Ghent for its
European distribution center in 1978. Today
Honda Europe has become the major European
logistics center, with 650 employees and an
annual turnover of ca. € 700 million.
“In Flanders, new carmakers are
welcomed with open arms and the
government is willing to listen to
your business concerns.”
Noë Denecker, Director, Honda Europe
Honda’s European network consists of seven logistics
centers: Flanders, Spain, Italy, Austria,
Germany, the UK and Sweden. According to Noë
Denecker, Director, Honda Europe, “The Flemish
hub in the Port of Ghent is the largest. Thirtyfive
percent of European product logistics
activities involve the Port of Ghent. This is also
the control center for all the European logistics
centers. Besides this, Honda has a European
Engine Center in Ghent, which sells and distributes
industrial engines for the European market.
And we also have the European operational IT
center for sales and logistics applications.”
Added value
Annually Honda Europe brings approximately
100,000 vehicles into Europe via the Port of
Ghent, and almost just as many motorbikes. The
majority is shipped by road to other countries.
Almost sixty percent of the cars handled at
Honda Europe go to Germany and the other 40%
to France, Austria, the Benelux, the Czech
Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
But Honda Europe does more than distribute vehicles
and spare parts. “Where Honda Europe
truly excels is in its services,” explains Denecker,
“from inspection to the installation of options
such as navigation systems. Honda also runs a
40,000 m 2 warehouse for body parts in Aalst,
close to Ghent. In Ghent 350 employees handle
some 35 million parts, shipping them quickly
and efficiently to dealers in Western and Central
Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Starting in
March 2008, we will be centralizing the storage
and distribution of auto body parts for the
European market. Honda Belgium Factory is
building 29,500 m 2 of new warehouse space for
this – an investment of €14.5 million. This site
currently houses a body paint shop and a bumper
warehouse.”
Ideal market
“For car makers, Flanders is an ideal region for
deploying logistics activities,” he continues.
“Flanders does not have its own car builders so
that it doesn’t have an own market to protect, as
is the case in France, Germany and the UK. In
Flanders, new carmakers are welcomed with
open arms and the government is willing to
listen to your business concerns.” Honda feels
at home in Flanders and sees a bright future for
itself in the region.
1

20
Mazda Motor Logistics
Europe: expanding out of
Antwerp
The Japanese car maker Mazda located its
European car parts distribution center in
Flanders in 1995. Today Mazda Motor Logistics
Europe has become a European operational hub
with a warehouse area of approximately 51,000
m 2 . From its location in Willebroek, near
Antwerp, Mazda coordinates its logistic operations
and takes care of several back office
operations including its European accounting &
treasury operations. In 2007, Mazda also located
its sales office for Belgium and Luxembourg
here, in an effort to strengthen and grow its operations
in these countries.
Forty percent of the Mazdas produced in Asia for
the European market arrive in the Port of
Antwerp. From there they are shipped to the
Dutch, German, Swiss, Austrian, Czech and
Slovakian markets.
Perfect location for European
distribution
Alex Janssens, Director European Accounting &
Treasury, Finance and Administration, explains
that “the proximity and modern infrastructure of
the Port of Antwerp was an important factor in
our decision to locate here. It is fast and cost-effective
to ship our cars and parts by road from
here to our smaller logistics hubs and dealers in
Europe.”
Culturally sensitive workforce
Mazda Motor Logistics Europe has 390 employees
generating an annual turnover of €4.2
million. “Customer orientation plays an important
role in this,” Janssens points out. “We
deliver services to a large network with many
branches and our accuracy and reliability have
to be above reproach. We also have to be able to
react quickly to changing situations. Flemish
people are by nature flexible. In the course of
history they have learned to take a flexible and
customer-oriented approach.”
Their knowledge of
several languages
is another asset
that contributes to
the ability to offer
optimal services in
a European context.
“Here again we
notice that Flemish
people are flexible,”
continues Janssens.
“They feel at
home in the different
languages of
the surrounding
countries.Speaking
Dutch, French,
English, German
and even Spanish
and Italian is not
exceptional for
Flemish employees.
They
demonstrate an
exceptional cultural
sensitivity when
it comes to offering
services to people
who speak another language.”
They know ...
Numerous companies already enjoy
the benefits Flanders has to offer in
the field of logistics, including:
• Atlas Copco
• Bombardier
• Bose
• Bridgestone
• Daf
• Daikin
• Estée Lauder
• Harley-Davidson
• Hyundai
• Isuzu
• Komatsu
• Mazda
• Nike
• Schering-Plough
• Subaru
• Tenneco
• Toyota
Government support
Mazda Motor Logistics Europe has an excellent
relationship with the local and
national governments. Mazda finds a ready ear
for its concerns at the municipal government of
Willebroek but can also count on a helping hand
from the federal government. “We were very
happy with the federal government’s initiative to
introduce the notional interest deduction and favorable
taxation measures for expat employees,”
says Janssens. “We also appreciate that we can
complete our import declarations for the activities
of two of our three other European import
ports from within Flanders. We have a single
point of contact at the federal government who
keeps us in mind and actively supports us.”

The experts’ opinion
fDi magazine: “Flanders is
Northern European region
of the future”
fDi magazine, the foreign direct investment
magazine of The Financial Times Group, selected
Flanders as the Northern European Region
of the Future 2006-2007, in the Transport category.
Editor-in-Chief, Courtney Fingar, praised
Flanders for its “strong service delivery via air,
sea, road and railway, which provides investors
with excellent connections.”
Distribution hubs matrix
European regions, indicators of strengths and weaknesses
Rents (€)
Land price
Labor cost
Road Density
Road Congestion
Rail Density
Road Freight
Rail Freight
Air Freight
Costs Transport System Accessibility Supply Labor Know-how
Weight 3 3 2 4 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total
Weight % 38% 38% 25 27 7 7 20 13 7 20 25 58 17 50 50 50 50 50 50
Flanders (B) 2.8 7.7 12.2 1.0 3.5 1.5 1.7 1.8 3.2 2.1 3.4 0.8 3.5 1.9 2.2 3.4 2.8 2.2 0.9 5.1 1 1
Wallonia (B) 1.8 7.1 12.0 1.2 2.4 1.3 2.4 2.3 3.3 4.0 3.0 0.9 3.4 2.2 2.2 1.0 4.7 3.2 3.4 5.2 2 7
Nord - Pas-De-Calais (F) 3.5 6.0 6.5 2.5 4.0 1.0 2.4 1.8 4.5 2.5 4.6 1.6 3.8 3.0 2.0 0.6 6.3 2.5 5.0 5.3 3 3
Saarland (G) 3.5 5.0 7.0 1.5 3.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 6.0 7.2 1.0 2.8 1.5 1.5 2.8 2.5 3.0 3.5 5.6 4 4
Ile De France (F) 5.0 8.0 7.0 0.5 10.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 3.0 7.0 2.0 4.5 2.0 4.5 2.2 0.4 1.5 4.0 5.8 5 2
Est (F) 2.8 6.2 6.5 3.0 2.8 2.0 3.0 2.5 5.0 4.0 7.8 0.5 2.9 4.0 2.0 2.8 4.4 2.5 5.0 5.8 6 6
Brussels Cap. Region (B) 5.0 11.0 13.0 0.5 7.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.8 0.5 3.5 3.0 3.5 1.0 0.6 1.5 3.0 5.8 7 5
Nordrhein-Westfalen (G) 7.3 9.6 9.5 1.9 3.8 3.0 2.3 2.5 3.3 3.5 2.1 0.4 2.7 2.6 2.3 4.2 1.8 2.3 3.5 6.3 8 8
South-Netherlands (NL) 7.5 8.5 11.5 2.8 2.8 2.3 1.5 1.5 3.0 2.8 0.8 0.6 3.5 1.8 3.0 6.5 8.8 1.5 2.5 6.5 9 9
Rheinland-Pfalz (G) 6.0 .0 8.6 2.8 2.7 3.3 3.7 4.3 4.0 4.0 5.3 0.5 2.8 2.2 2.5 5.6 2.4 2.8 3.5 6.7 10 10
East-Netherlands (NL) 4.3 7.8 11.3 5.0 2.5 3.3 2.0 2.7 4.0 3.0 3.3 1.5 3.3 2.3 2.0 7.0 7.9 3.0 2.5 6.8 11 11
Bassin Parisien (F) 3.5 5.9 6.7 5.5 2.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 5.0 6.5 2.5 3.9 3.0 2.5 1.2 6.1 3.0 5.0 6.9 12 14
West-Netherlands (NL) 8.0 10.6 12.0 2.6 5.3 2.3 1.5 1.8 1.9 2.0 3.8 1.6 3.6 2.4 3.8 6.8 6.3 1.6 2.5 7.4 13 12
North-Netherlands (NL) 1.5 7.0 11.0 5.7 2.3 4.7 4.0 4.3 5.7 3.7 7.7 2.7 3.3 3.3 1.0 3.9 9.5 2.8 2.5 7.4 14 13
Luxembourg (Gr. Duche) 12.0 14.0 15.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 7.6 0.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.2 0.1 3.0 2.0 9.0 15 15
Sea Freight
Population Density
EDR 2006, Cushman &
Wakefield: “Flanders is
Europe’s N°1 logistics
location”
Cushman & Wakefield’s European Distribution
Report 2006 puts Flanders, in keeping with previous
years, in first place as logistics location.
The ranking was based on factors such as the
cost of warehousing, land and employment, the
quality of transport systems and the accessibility
of the region. According to the study, Flanders
will remain in the top spot until at least 2019.
Access to the EU core
Access to the East
Built new units > 10.000 m²
Land Supply
Available labor force
Labor productivity
Logistics Education
Language knowledge
Looking…?
SCORE
Ranking 2006
Ranking 2004
... for an ideal location for your activities in
the logistics heart of Europe? If so, contact
Flanders Investment & Trade. It will be our
pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 88 71
invest@fitagency.be
21

22
Advantage 6:
Abundance of suppliers focused on
leading-edge technologies
The diversity of builders and assembly plants has over the years produced a rich network of suppliers in Flanders.
Today approximately 300 companies create added value for the automotive industry. They are engaged in a large
range of activities: from research and design to production, testing and certification.
Many of the suppliers are SMEs that work frequently together. They form a strong network, whether clustered or
not, around the assembly plants. They also collaborate closely on innovations, often but not always on the initiative
of the industry associations. One outcome of this is the birth of an innovative business branch within
telematics.
Transics International:
solutions that boost
efficiency
Transics International develops and commercializes
fleet management systems – on-board
computers, software and services – for the
transport and logistics industry. With 40,000
onboard computers installed for 800 clients,
Transics is one of the leading European players.
Its clients are located primarily in the Benelux,
France and Germany, but the company is also
active in Spain, Scandinavia and Central
Europe.
“Where else in Europe is there a
logistics and transport sector that
is as developed and diversified
as in Flanders?”
Walter Mastelinck, Managing Director at Transics
Transics offers innovative solutions to dispatchers,
drivers and managers of transport and
logistics companies. These not only improve
customer service and efficiency, but also cut
costs and increase the comfort and safety of the
drivers. Walter Mastelinck, Managing Director
at Transics, explains: “Our solutions make it
possible, for instance, for drivers to be in realtime
contact with dispatching. The dispatcher
can see the location of the driver and what he is
doing – resting, driving, filling up, unloading…
This is an easy way for companies to boost efficiency.”
Focused on added value
About the success of the company, Mastelinck
has this to say: “Because our focus is on fleet
management systems, we know the transport
industry through and through. Of course, this
allows us to respond quickly to new trends.”
Where else in Europe is there a logistics and
transport sector that is as developed and diversified
as in Flanders?
“Flanders is a major
logistics hub in Europe
with a very high concentrationoftransport
companies,” answers
Mastelinck. “Our location
is ideal for staying
in close contact with
our target group.”
New applications
integrated quickly
The technology
Transics uses makes
it possible to integrate
new applications at
the request of the
client or the industry.
“We work with a
Windows CE platform,”
says
Mastelinck, “precisely
because it makes it so
easy to integrate new
applications. The
demand for fast and
flexible solutions is
growing steadily.”
They know..
These are just a few of the close
to 300 world-leading automotive
suppliers based in Flanders:
• Bosal Benelux
• Britte
• Composittrailer
• Donaldson Europe
• Fomeco
• Giesen
• Hayes Lemmerz
• Henschel Engineering
• HMZ
• Imcorp Europe
• Inergy Automotive Systems
• Mann+Hummel Hydromation
• Metris
• Omron Electronics
• Précimétal
• Proferro
• Sick
• Stokota
• TI Group Automotive Systems
• Valeo Vision

LMS:
for faster go-to-market
LMS was originally founded in 1980 as a spin-off
of KUL (Catholic University of Louvain). It evolved
from a niche technology company into an engineering
innovation partner for companies in the
automotive, aerospace and other advanced
manufacturing industries. LMS offers a unique
combination of virtual simulation software,
testing systems and engineering services, with
a focus on structural integrity, system dynamics,
handling, safety, reliability, comfort and
sound quality.
The company enables its customers to get better
products faster to market, and to turn superior
process efficiency to their strategic competitive
advantage. “Car manufacturers are pressed to
refresh their product models much faster than
before, and to penetrate new markets with innovative
new designs that support and cultivate
strong brand values.
“LMS has acquired an extensive expertise over
the last quarter century to help car companies
in designing and engineering a vehicle that delivers
this specific brand experience”, says
Bruno Massa, Director Corporate Marketing,
LMS. “LMS supports its customers in optimizing
virtually all automotive systems for key areas
like safety, performance, driving pleasure,
comfort and environment friendliness.”
Combination of virtual and
physical tests
“Our solutions allow engineering teams to simulate
the real-life performance of new designs
very early in the development process. This
allows them to make adjustments earlier in the
process, to avoid major issues and to reduce development
costs. Physical tests remain very
important, however”, continues Massa. “Virtual
simulation requires data from real-world tests
to increase reliability of simulation results. In
addition, there are all kinds of subjective aspects
which are difficult to test using virtual simulation
– how a driver perceives the sound and the
driving experience of a car, for example. Our
strength lies in the combination of the two. Our
tools use the input from physical tests to improve
and validate virtual models.”
“LMS has become the partner of
choice for leading car companies
worldwide while automotive suppliers
rely on our solutions to engineer
components and subsystems.”
Bruno Massa, Director Corporate Marketing, LMS
LMS does more than developing testing systems
and simulation software. “For over 25 years,
LMS Engineering Services has been supporting
car builders and suppliers in the use of new
technologies to improve their development
process. We also support them engineering innovativeproductsandgivethemfulldevelopment
support from the early concept stage up until
the final product validation”
23

24
Worldwide reputation
LMS has ISO 9001:2000 certification and operates
through a network of subsidiaries and
representatives in key locations around the
world. It has more than 30 operational, product
and development, and sales offices worldwide.
The company’s impressive list of clients is a
gauge of its worldwide reputation. “We have
become the partner of choice for leading car
companies worldwide, including Audi, BMW,
Mercedes, VW, Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroën,
Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, General
Motors, Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, Fiat, Land Rover
and Aston Martin,” says Massa, “while automotive
suppliers like Aisin Seiki, Bosch, Delphi,
Denso, Faurecia, Johnson Controls, Lear,
Magna, TRW, Visteon and ZF rely on our solutions
to engineer components and subsystems.”
Tenneco Automotive:
innovation in ride control
technology
Headquartered in Lake Forrest, Illinois (USA),
Tenneco is a leading manufacturing company,
currently employing some 19,000 people worldwide.
It is one of the world’s major producers
and marketers of ride control and exhaust
systems and products, sold under the Monroe®
and Walker® brands.
At its production site in the town of Sint-Truiden,
Tenneco Automotive turns out more than 8
million ride-control systems a year, shock absorbers
destined for both the original equipment
and the aftermarket in Europe. These products
are being developed and tested at the Tenneco
Engineering Center at Sint-Truiden.
Sandro Paparelli, Deputy General Manager and
Vice President of Original Equipment Sales and
Program Management, Europe: “Over 150 engineers
work closely together here with leading
car manufacturers to develop shock absorbers
and struts for the original equipment market in
Europe. Engineers use the latest equipment to
continually design and test ride control products
for new vehicles planned for the future.”
Tenneco delivers added value to its clients, both
OEMs and car and truck assembly plants in the
wide region. Examples are Ford Köln, Renault
and PSA Paris, Daf Eindhoven, Ford in Genk,
Volvo in Ghent, Daf in Westerlo, and Audi in
Brussels. Tenneco is able to develop state-ofthe-art
technology thanks to its excellently
qualified engineering staff and the cooperation
with knowledge centers like universities in the
cities of Leuven and Hasselt.
“Tenneco benefits from the closely
knitted network of automotive suppliers,
the variety of recognized knowledge
centers, and the highly trained
multilingual workforce”
Sandro Paparelli, Deputy General Manager,
Tenecco Automotive Europe
Tenneco is also an active member of Flanders’
DRIVE, the unique competence center for suppliers
and OEMs in the automotive industry in
Flanders. Paparelli: “Tenneco benefits from the
closely knitted network of automotive suppliers,
the variety of recognized knowledge centers,
and the highly trained and multilingual workforce.
As a result, Tenneco’s clients can count
on the most technologically evolved ride and
control systems that fit like a glove in their own
production process.”
Looking…?
... for the right supplier to support your
activities? If so, contact Flanders Investment
& Trade. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 88 71
invest@fitagency.be

They know…
2
Advantage 7:
Top players focus on automotive
Flanders is home to numerous world-leading enterprises operating in widely differing sectors. Because of the
strong presence of automotive suppliers and assembly plants in the region, some of these big corporations have
focused as well on the automotive industry.
They are developing improved solutions that meet the high demands of the automotive suppliers and their clients,
the assembly plants. It is through continuous innovation that they have succeeded in becoming reliable names in
the automotive world around the globe.
Bekaert: technologies and
products for tomorrow’s car
Bekaert is a global producer and marketer of an
extensive range of products, systems and services
based on its core competence of advanced
metal transformation
and advanced
These are just a few of the topplayers
in Flanders that also have a
focus on automotive:
• AIB-Vinçotte International
• Barco Manufactering Services
• Cegelec
• Corus Aluminium
• Egemin
• Honeywell
• IBM
• Imcorp
• Johnson Controls
• Philips Innovative Applications
• Pioneer Technology
• Siemens VDO Automotive
coating technologies.
The company
employs 18,500
people worldwide
and generated sales
of € 3.2 billion in
2006.
Bekaert started out
in 1880 with the production
of barbed
wire in Flanders. It
has now become increasingly
involved
in the automotive industry
all over the
world. Today, 30
percent of its total
sales come from this
industry.
The company offers its customers a wide range
of products intended for automotive suppliers.
Bekaert steel cord is used for the rubber reinforcement
by all major tire manufacturers
around the world. The company produces steel
wire for springs (suspension, clutch, seating,
etc.), for windshield wipers and for all kind of
ropes. The company also applies diamond-like
coatings to engine parts and offers solar control
window films for cars.
Innovation is at the core of Bekaert’s success. It
develops and further improves these products
at its technology center at Deerlijk. Over 260
highly trained researchers and technicians are
employed there.
Punch International: focus
on ‘sustainable mobility’
The Flemish concern, Punch International, is a
diversified industrial group focusing on total solutions.
The group consists of four major
divisions: Graphix, Technix, Telematix and
Motive, and has a sharp focus on ‘sustainable
mobility’. It is well placed to play a key role in
bringing together a variety of industrial disciplines
that conduce to solving environmental
and mobility issues. It concerns the further development
of hybrid powertrains, lightweight
materials and telematics.
Innovation in Telematics
Punch Telematix offers several total solutions or
‘bundled solutions’. These comprise a mobile
device with integrated software including navigation.
The device is installed in vehicles or is
carried by mobile employees. It also includes
wireless communications services (through
GPRS technology), a service platform for the invoicing
and tracking of customer services, and
remotely-managed back office applications.
Since 2006, Punch also offers, besides its
vehicle-mounted solutions, a range of portable
device solutions. Its customers - mainly active
in the European market - are in three different
market segments, truck & transport, field services
and fleet & assets. Big-name customers
include TPG, Esso and Sita Suez.
Wim Maes, Chief Executive Officer, Punch
Telematix: “The dispatching of both vehicles and
people in the field has been highly automated
and our solutions are now fully integrated with
other back office applications like wages administration
and invoicing. This saves our customers
both time and money, relieves them of unnecessary
stress and, last but not least, they get more
satisfied customers into the bargain. What
makes our products and services even more attractive
is the fact that we offer them at a monthly
subscription rate, with a typical contract period
of three years. For our customers this means an
integrated solution with a low entry threshold at
a fixed cost that is known up front. We are not
only innovative in our products, but also in the
way we sell them to our customers.”

Lightweight components for
automotive
In automotive, Punch has built a strong market
presence in recent years. The company develops
and produces lightweight metal and plastics
components for the automotive industry.
Examples of this are cross-beams, dashboard
panels and steering columns, but also smaller
components, such as parts of sunshields, wing
mirrors and glove compartments.
Wim Deblauwe, Chief Financial Officer, Punch:
“In the light of ever more stringent emission
standards, weight reduction is playing an increasingly
important role. We have extensive
expertise in the area of robotic sheet metalworking
processes and we are able to produce
complex plastics parts through our ultramodern
automated injection moulding machines
that utilize gas injection technology.”
Favorable tax environment for
investing in R&D
The laws provide various tax measures that serve as
incentives for innovation activities in Belgium:
• Partial exemption from corporate withholding tax on
researchers’ salaries;
• Increased investment credits for investments related
to R&D;
• Maximum effective tax rate of 6.8% on the gross
patent income.
Introducing the drive line of the future
Punch’s particular forte is the development of a
hybrid powertrain. To support its business strategy,
Punch spent some € 24 million in 2006 on
acquisitions, of which the most important one
was that of the Belgian plant of German ZF
Getriebe. This is a world-leading player that
produces mechanical components and continuously
variable transmissions (CVT) for passenger
cars. Deblauwe: “Punch Powertrain is now the
only player in the market that is not affiliated to
a specific car manufacturer. Our clients include
BMW/Mini in the UK, the South Korean company
Hyundai and the Chinese carmakers Haima and
Chery as well as NAC. For 2008, we have an
overall order for over 40,000 drive lines, and this
is just the beginning.”
The clear focus on ‘sustainable mobility’ continues
with the recent acquisition of BBS, another
German world-leading firm, this time in the development
and production of high-quality
lightweight wheels for sports and passenger
cars. BBS supplies nearly all the major OEMs,
race teams, the replacement market and tuning
companies. Some big-name players that have
been repeat costumers for many years are: Audi,
BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land
Rover, Maserati, Porsche, Saab and
Volkswagen.
“Punch Powertrain is now the only
player on the market that is not
affiliated to a specific
car manufacturer”
Wim Deblauwe, Chief Financial Officer, Punch
Deblauwe: “BBS has an exclusive portfolio of
technology patents which are included in the
takeover. Its latest innovation is its worldwide
patented ‘Air Inside Technology’. This technology
is ideal in combination with the Punch
Powertrain. BBS’s wheels are ideally suited for
in-wheel electric motors which, because they
save weight and space, in turn lend themselves
perfectly to integration in hybrid vehicles.”
2

28
Recticel: developing
innovative interiors
Recticel is a world-leading manufacturer of
polyurethane foam products. The group concentrates
on four specialist fields of application:
Flexible Foams, Bedding, Insulation and
Automotive. It produces mainly semi-finished
products (Flexible Foams and Automotive).
Recticel attaches great importance to continual
innovation and technological advance. The
group’s products are therefore used in evergrowing
numbers of new and existing
applications. As market leader in most of its activities,
Recticel currently has over 100 operating
units in 26 countries. With its 11,250 employees,
the group is not only present throughout Europe,
but also pursues a number of activities in the
United States and Japan. In 2006, the group
achieved net sales of around €1.5 billion.
Recticel supplies most of the world’s leading car
manufacturers in the automotive industry. Its
core activities are the production of molded
foam for car seats, and the PU-production of interior
trim for cars.
Jan De Moor, Group HR & Communication
Manager, Recticel: “The company has experienced
strong growth in the automotive sector.
Mainly because the company distinguished itself
in development and marketing of a patented
technique for the production of innovative, highquality
interior trim.”
“Innovation is of prime importance to Recticel”,
De Moor continued, “and the group will continue
to deploy sufficient human and financial resources
for this in the future. We have set up our
own international R&D Center in the town of
Wetteren to meet the different challenges
imposed by the various product markets. Also, it
appeared that centralized research activities
are the best strategy for capitalizing on the
future business needs, both efficiently and
flexibly.”
The Institute for the
Promotion of Innovation
through Science and
Technology in Flanders
(IWT)
Foreign-based entrepreneurs looking to innovate
in Flanders can count on the full support of
the Flemish government through its appointed
body, the IWT. IWT is the only Flemish organization
that actively promotes and funds inward
innovation.
Such companies receive financial support for
conducting industrial research and development
projects. Special attention is given to SMEs
owing to their specific characteristics and needs.
For them, there are attractive, expressly-tailored
formulas called ‘innovation studies and
innovation projects’, with particular attention to
administrative simplification.
Ford Genk innovates with
support of IWT
Ford Genk relied on support from the Flemish government
to develop a new welding technique. The plant
invested over €1.8 million in R&D to find a new method
for welding the car roof to the sidewalls. The Institute
for the Promotion of Innovation through Science and
Technology in Flanders (IWT) financed one third of this
amount with Flanders’ DRIVE becoming a partner in the
research project.
The result is an innovative welding technique that replaces
the old U-shaped profile with a smooth seam
that no longer needs to be rubberized. This revolutionary
technique has now been integrated in the product
line of the three models produced at Genk: the new
Mondeo, the S-MAX and the Galaxy.
On the other hand, IWT promotes innovation by
offering several services. IWT facilitates the
search of enterprises for suitable ‘partners in
technology’, both in Flanders and at the European
level throughout the Innovation Relay Centers
(IRC) network. IWT can also accompany each
applicant to one of the 100-odd innovation
centres in Flanders, and help him choose the
most appropriate ‘funding & advice’ package,
along with details of the funding initiatives and
tax-friendly measures of the European
Commission.

World premiere: Van Hool’s hybrid bus
Van Hool’s hybrid fuel cell bus is a prime example of know-how and high-tech innovation. It only emits
one substance – pure water – and this at inside and outside noise levels that are remarkably low. That
is because there are no moving parts in the PureMotionTM fuel cell. And there is more: the bus has
the same capacity as a modern diesel bus, i.e. 104 passengers and a maximum action radius
of 350 km.
The bus was developed with help from the Flemish government. The fact that the company partnered
with Flanders’ DRIVE, the competence centre for the automotive industry in Flanders, for implementation
of the R&D project, made it eligible for financial support from the Institute for the Promotion of
Innovation through Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT). Van Hool received €380,000 in R&D
support from IWT, plus an additional €945,000 in training subsidies for building the hydrogen bus.
The project is a success – two years after the start of the project, the first hybrid
fuel cell bus is a reality. Yves Goffin, Public Relations Manager, Van Hool:
“It would have been more difficult to get such an ambitious project
off the ground without financial support. We could also count
on a number of strong partners for technical support.
UTC Power supplied the fuel cell and Air Liquide the filling
station and hydrogen. Siemens provided the powertrain
and the Flemish transport company De Lijn gave advice
about the interior design of the bus. The project is a fine
example of what can be accomplished through a privatepublic
partnership.”
Support for innovation:
of products as well as
production
Volvo Europa Truck NV is the first CO2-free automotive
assembly plant in the world. The new
facility was inaugurated in the fall of 2007. This
project is a partnership between Volvo Europa
Truck NV and Electrabel, Flanders largest provider
of electricity and gas services. Between
them, they have invested close on €10 million in
this ambitious project.
The project is highly innovative because all the
available technology is used to attain the zero
CO2-emission target. A number of technical
measures have been taken, of which the installation
of a biomass heating system and wind
turbines are the most noteworthy. To complete
this unique project, Volvo Europa Truck received
financial support for environmental projects
from the Flemish government. The truck maker
could also rely on much help and goodwill in obtaining
the environmental permits.
Looking…?
…for financial support for
your innovation plans?
If so, contact Flanders Investment & Trade.
It will be our pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 88 71
2

30
Advantage 8:
Competence center hotbed
Well-known research centers and universities drive the knowledge-intensive Flemish economy. Together with
the industry, they are on a continuous search for new technologies that can help shape the future.
Several research institutions, each with their own focus, perform far-reaching research for the automotive
industry – from ride and control systems, via new materials and alternative energy sources, to electronics and
ICT for vehicles.
Flanders’ DRIVE: unique
competence center
Flanders’ DRIVE is a unique competence center
for suppliers and OEMs in the automotive industry
in Flanders. The initial impetus came from
some of the major suppliers to the car industry
– Bekaert, Bosal, LMS International, Tenneco
and Agoria Flanders. Flanders’ DRIVE receives
support from the Flemish government, the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
and the Limburgfonds.
Internationally recognized competence
center
Flanders’ DRIVE has evolved very quickly. “Since
its foundation in 2001, the innovation focus
has been widened and Flanders’ DRIVE is developing
into an internationally recognized
competence center in four areas,” notes
Director Renilde Craps. “Manufacturing, lightweight
materials, active safety and clean power
trains. Today not only suppliers but also OEMs
benefit from the expertise and the services
offered by Flanders’ DRIVE. Members can come
to us for expertise in product development as
well as innovative processes.”
Intensive knowledge network
A solid knowledge network has developed
between the members of Flanders’ DRIVE, i.e.
the automotive companies, research centers,
universities and colleges. At the moment
Flanders’ DRIVE has more than 160 members.
Workshops, seminars, information sharing sessions
and similar events are organized to
encourage innovation. The network’s technological
services consist of consulting and
knowledge transfer. Within the network cluster,
projects are set up around specific issues.
Flanders’ DRIVE also offers assistance to the
member companies in defining innovation
projects to qualify for subsidy from the Institute
for the Promotion of Innovation through Science
and Technology in Flanders (IWT).
Vehicle Engineering and Test Center
The members of Flanders’ DRIVE can make use
of the test facilities at the Vehicle Engineering
and Test Center. Located in Lommel, near Ford’s
European Proving Ground, the Center specializes
in hardware and software for integrated
mechanical vehicle design and engineering. It
has developed a reputation for virtual product
development and a wide range of test procedures,
including durability tests, environmental
tests, road track tests, rubber-to-metal characterization,
instrumentation and measurement.
The Flanders’ DRIVE infrastructure is also well
sought after by international clients such as
Wilhelm Karmann GmbH and ZF Lemförder
Fahrwerktechnik AG & Co. KG.
VITO: Research in energy
technology
VITO, the Flemish Institute for Technological
Research, is an independent, leading European
contract research and consulting center. It
translates the latest scientific knowledge and
innovative technologies into practical applications
for the scientific community, governments
and industry. The Hybrid Vehicle Group, which is
part of VITO, supports the automotive industry
by making a significant R&D contribution to the
vehicles of the future.

Dirk Ceuterick, Business Development Manager,
VITO, explains that “the R&D is mainly aimed at
optimizing peripheral equipment for hybrid powertrains.
Optimally performing battery packs
require ultra capacitor cells, or ultracaps for
short. These are capacitors that can store electrical
energy very quickly and efficiently. They
are indispensable in cars. A big name in ultracaps
is Maxwell Technologies. We do research
for them about the integration and operation of
ultracaps in hybrid powertrain systems.”
Great interest in hybrid technology
VITO has a number of successful projects on the
go in the field of hybrid powertrain technologies.
Hevan, for instance – Hevan is a hybrid delivery
van used as an on-the-road vehicle test platform.
There are also test projects with public
transportation buses. The vehicle industry keeps
close track of VITO’s activities. According to Dirk
Ceuterick, “especially heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers
are interested in hybrid powertrains
and in the research on the integration of ultracaps
done here.”
Telematics Cluster:
platform for a growth
industry
Telematics Cluster was set up to provide
telematics companies in Flanders and Belgium
with a strategy built on a solid foundation. By organizing
workshops and networking activities,
the cluster encourages collaboration, innovation
and business development in this sector of
the intelligent transport systems, thereby optimizing
its members’ economic potential.
“Flanders is a gigantic logistics hub,” says Peter
Van der Perre, Managing Director of Telematics
Cluster – ITS Belgium. “So it’s not surprising
that the Flemish telematics market is one of the
most strongly developed in Europe.”
Telematics is a growth industry, and therefore
has a need for such support. “This is a relatively
new market that still faces a lot of challenges,”
explains Van der Perre. “We actively pursue
partnerships within the industry and with the
government. We also help develop successful
business models for our members. And we
function as a gateway for subsidy applications,
for instance, to the Institute for the Promotion of
Innovation through Science and Technology in
Flanders (IWT) for innovative technological research.”
Telematics Cluster thinks in a European context
and is a partner of the European umbrella organization,
ITS Nationals. It also has structural
partners in Flanders, including the IWT, the
Interdisciplinary Institute for Broadband
Technology (IBBT) and the Flemish Institute for
Logistics (VIL).
“Flanders is a gigantic logistics
hub, so it’s not surprising that our
telematics market is one of the
strongest in Europe.”
Peter Van der Perre, Managing Director of Telematics
Cluster – ITS Belgium
Telematics Cluster represents all the sector’s
stakeholders – the users, operators, integrators,
technology suppliers and knowledge
institutes. It has over 50 members. Some bigname
players in the cluster are: Transics, Punch,
Traficon, Fabricom GTI and Barco.
Looking…?
…to assess the services of Flanders’
renowned knowledge clusters, competence
centers and research centers? If so, contact
Flanders Investment & Trade. It will be our
pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 88 71
invest@fitagency.be
31

32
Advantage 9:
Forceful voice at all government levels
Precisely because Flanders can look back on a rich history in the automobile industry, this sector is well represented
by organizations that have a forceful voice at all government levels.
These organizations ensure that the sector benefits from a business-friendly environment and sector-specific
advantages. They also drive the innovative capacity of the supply industries upward.
Agoria Automotive:
protecting the interest of
the automotive industry
Agoria Automotive is a division of the technology
industry association Agoria, set up to represent
the Belgian automotive industry. Agoria
Automotive defends the interests of the manufacturers
of cars, buses, trucks, trailers,
supplier industry and container repair.
“Flanders has a lot to offer vehicle builders,”
says Wilson De Pril, Director-General, Agoria
Flanders. “We are located right in the middle of
the European automotive industry, we have
enormous knowledge and know-how, and we
can call on a flexible and productive workforce.”
Agoria is a leading organisation in the Automotive
Taskforce. This is an initiative of the Flemish
Economy Minister in which industry and government
are joined in the aim to continuously
improve conditions for the automotive industry
in the region. The taskforce’s main objective is
to create the ideal business environment, in
terms of both infrastructure and innovation.
A number of measures that
benefit the sector
The advantages the Flemish workforce offers – high
productivity, advanced know-how and experience in
the automotive field, multilingualism and a quality-oriented
attitude – have been augmented over the years
with a number of structural advantages, including:
• economical unemployment;
• reduced taxation for shift and night work;
• measures that increase flexibility in the automotive
industry, such as the possibility to extend employees’
working hours when needed in exchange for reduced
working hours later on (the so-called plus/minus
account).
Support innovation through the
creation of clusters
Innovation is a hot topic for the many companies
that supply the automotive industry. “Agoria
Automotive provides active support to Flanders’
DRIVE, the innovation platform and partner in
innovation for the motor vehicle industry,” De
Pril continues. “Flanders’ DRIVE focuses mainly
on three priorities: light materials, alternative
powertrains and active safety. We want to create
clusters around these in order to share the R&D
efforts and to develop new modules and components.
This will allow us to strengthen the rich
network of suppliers.” Agoria Automotive encourages
suppliers to make optimal use of their
know-how and experience and thus become true
partners with the automotive industry.”
Flanders has a lot to offer: we are located
right in the middle of the European
automotive industry, we have enormous
knowledge and know-how, and we can call on
a flexible and productive workforce.”
Wilson De Pril, Director-General, Agoria
FEBIAC: building bridges
with the government
FEBIAC is the federation of the vehicle industry,
including the builders and importers of private
vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and
bicycles and their suppliers in Belgium. It has
276 members.
According to Joost Kaesemans, Director
Communications, “FEBIAC strives to be the
bridge between the automobile industry and the
government. We pass on information about
mutual concerns and issues. We work hard on
creating a long-term business-supportive
climate for our members that will help them
achieve their commercial targets.

“The influence of Flanders at the
European level should not be
underestimated.”
Joost Kaesemans, Director Communications, FEBIAC
An industry with influence
The automobile industry is very important for Flanders
and Belgium. Every year over 800,000 cars and over
40,000 commercial vehicles, buses and coaches roll off
the assembly lines here. Flanders has one of the highest
motor vehicles production per capita in the world. The
export ratio for assembled vehicles exceeds 80%.
Directly and indirectly nearly 10% of the Belgian workforce
is employed by the automotive industry. The
influence of the organizations that represent the latter’s
interests should therefore not be underestimated.
The European Auto Salon boosts sales
numbers
Part of FEBIAC’s activities is the organization of
a biannual European Auto Salon in Brussels.
Traditionally this is the period that the most cars
are sold – one third of annual sales take place
during and right after the event. In the inbetween
years, FEBIAC organizes a salon for
light commercial vehicles, leisure vehicles and
motorbikes.
European activities
“Regulation of the automobile industry falls
mainly under the jurisdiction of the EU. The industry
is a major target for environmental
regulations, and the standards are set at the
European level,” says Kaesemans. “The uncertainty
that exists today about the technology of
the future is likely to continue for several more
years. This demands large and often very diverse
R&D efforts from the entire automotive industry.
It is up to the industry to be innovative and up
to the governments to support their efforts. In
that regard, we have a clear advantage because
of the proximity of the European institutions.
The influence of Flanders at the European level
should not be underestimated. Of course, we
also collaborate closely with umbrella organizations
such as the European Car Manufacturers
Association and the European Motorcycle
Association.”
Looking…?
...to learn how the interests of Flanders’
automotive industry are represented at all
levels of government? If so, contact us today
at Flanders Investment & Trade.
It will be our pleasure to assist you.
T +32 2 504 87 11
invest@flanders.be
33

34
Advantage 10:
Flanders Investment & Trade: support at the
start or the expansion of your operations
Providing advice and support to foreign companies wanting to start or expand operations in Flanders is one of the
core responsibilities of Flanders Investment & Trade. Thanks to our experienced, multilingual staff we are able to
help companies integrate into one of Europe’s most prosperous economies efficiently and effectively.
Flanders Investment & Trade has 75 offices worldwide: we can assist you wherever you are. And, thanks to our
extensive and active network within Flanders, we can also provide you with region-specific information.
Identification of optimal
location
Flanders Investment & Trade provides confidential
information and support without cost to
companies who want to start or expand operations
within or from within Flanders. Our
experienced staff will help you look for a suitable
location for your activities, taking into account
accessibility by road, water and rail, proximity to
ports and airports, accessibility to markets and
suppliers, availability of qualified personnel,
and support measures from regional, national
and European government agencies. But first
and foremost, they will listen to your needs and
wishes.
Knowledge and contact
center
Flanders Investment & Trade is a knowledge-intensive
organization with access to up-to-date
information about the availability of sites, the
local workforce, recruitment and training, suppliers,
markets and export possibilities.
We can put you in touch with the right regional
and national government agencies, utility companies,
top knowledge centers and academic
institutions. We can introduce you to sectoral
and intersectoral business networks. We can
ensure that your company and your employees
and their families will feel right at home in
Flanders.
Subsidies and support
measures
Flanders Investment & Trade can provide you
with information about the range of subsidies
and support measures offered by the Flemish
and national governments. We know everything
there is to know about investment subsidies and
favorable tax measures, rulings, the notional interest
deduction, exemption from the tax
deduction at source for dividends derived from
domestic securities, VAT grouping and setting
up a pension fund organization. We can explain
to you those measures that produce a financial
advantage for R&D activities, such as the credits
for feasibility studies, basic research and prototype
development. We can clarify the royalty
taxes on patents and the economical social security
system for foreign researchers. And,
finally, we can tell you about the support available
for recruiting, hiring and training your
personnel.
Legal requirements
clarified
Flanders Investment & Trade can support you in
meeting the legal requirements involved in
starting up your business in Flanders.
A handy reference for potential investors is our
comprehensive Investment Guide to Establishing
a Business in Flanders. The guide provides an
overview of the different types of companies, the
steps involved in setting up a company, available
support measures, taxes, staffing, import and
export, competition laws and environmental
regulations. It can be downloaded or ordered via
our website.

For more information:
You can find all the information about investing
in Flanders at our website:
www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com.
The website provides a clear overview of the infrastructure,
R&D activities and different
sectors. It also contains handy information for
expats who want to know more about the social
life in the region.
Its news section keeps investors up-to-date on
the latest economic, financial, social, cultural
and scientific news, giving them a clearer picture
of what is on offer in Flanders today. The website
is available in five languages: English, German,
French, Japanese and Chinese.
In addition, Flanders Investment & Trade offers
brochures about the following industries:
• Automotive
• Life Sciences
• Logistics
• Chemical
• IT
All of the brochures can be ordered or downloaded
from our website. Or ask for them at one
of our offices.
Would you like to know what Flanders could
mean to your company?
Then contact us now at:
Flanders
Investment & Trade
Gaucheretstraat 90
B-1030 Brussels
T +32 2 504 88 71 | F +32 2 504 88 70
invest@fitagency.be
www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
“It is the ambition of Flanders Investment & Trade to continually
strengthen the economic fiber of our region. We provide companies
with a top-class personal service on all aspects of doing
business in and from Flanders. This ensures that they can take full
advantage of the many benefits of Europe’s best business location.”
“Besides its powerhouse location, Flanders provides businesses with
added value at many other levels too. Think, for example, of research
and innovation, a highly educated and productive workforce with a
fluency in languages, and highly developed transport and communication
infrastructures. Foreign businesses receive a warm welcome in
Flanders and are well surrounded here by all the ingredients to
ensure sustainable growth.”
Koen Allaert, General Manager, Flanders Investment & Trade
Pascal Walrave, Director Inward Investment, Flanders Investment & Trade
3

3
Flanders’ automotive strengths in a nutshell
In the center of a large automotive cluster
“In Flanders everything an assembly plant needs is within arm’s
reach. Assembly is 95% logistics. Flanders has a large automotive
cluster, with all the suppliers and logistics facilities close by.
We are in the right place here.”
Patrick Collignon, General Manager, Volvo Europa Truck
Multilingual workforce
“Flemish people feel at home in the
different languages of the surrounding
countries. Speaking Dutch, French,
English, German and even Spanish and
Italian is not exceptional for Flemish
employees. They demonstrate an
exceptional cultural sensitivity
when it comes to offering services to
people who speak another language.”
Alex Janssens, Director European Accounting & Treasury, Finance and
Administration, Mazda Motor Logistics Europe
European activities FEBIAC
“Regulation of the automobile industry falls mainly under the jurisdiction of
the EU. It is up to the industry to be innovative and up to the governments
to support their efforts. In that regard, we have a clear advantage because
of the proximity of the European institutions. The influence of
Flanders at the European level should not be underestimated.”
Joost Kaesemans, Director Communications, FEBIAC
fDi magazine: “Flanders is
Northern European region of
the future”
“Flanders is the Northern
European Region of the Future
2006-2007, in the category
Transport. We praise Flanders
for its strong service delivery via
air, sea, road and railway, which
provides investors with excellent
connections.”
Courtney Fingar, Editor-in-Chief, fDi magazine
(Foreign Direct Investment magazine of
The Financial Times Group)
Close contact with the target group
“Where else in Europe is there a logistics and transport sector that
is as developed and diversified as in Flanders? Flanders is a major
logistics hub in Europe with a very high concentration of
transport companies,” answers Mastelinck. Our location is ideal for
staying in close contact with our target group.”
Walter Mastelinck, Managing Director, Transics

Visit us at www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com or contact our office
Gaucheretstraat 90 | BE-1030 Brussels - Belgium
T +32 2 504 88 71 | F +32 2 504 88 70
invest@fitagency.be | www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com

Join us in Flanders
Flanders...
an ideal base for sustainable European
automotive operations
The right place
The right platform
The right expertise
The right infrastructure
www.fl andersinvestmentandtrade.com

Gaucheretstraat 90 | BE-1030 Brussels - Belgium
T +32 2 504 88 71 | F +32 2 504 88 70
invest@fitagency.be | www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
January 2008 | Responsible publisher: Koen Allaert | Gaucheretstraat 90 | BE-1030 Brussels - Belgium