VDL and DAF Trucks have worked closely together since 1953. DAF initially purchased stamping, spot welding and regular welding services from VDL, but the portfolio of products and services has grown over the years. Today, VDL supplies parts including engine mounts, cable guides, axle supports and exhaust pipe guides. In turn, DAF supplies VDL with 11-litre and 13-litre engines for buses and coaches, to be used all around the world. The new contract—the value of which has not been disclosed—is a result of DAF's increasing production figures and the expansion of VDL Bus.

Alternative power trains

One aspect of the contract is, of course, the mutual agreements in relation to the production of trucks with an electric power train. Last year, DAF and VDL jointly presented the DAF CF Electric in response to the increasing demand for "zero emissions" vehicles for deliveries within urban areas. The fully electric DAF CF will enter production as soon as the market is ready, and following extensive field tests — the first of which began recently. The new contract also provides for VDL to modernise the assembly line in DAF's Cab factory in the Belgian city of Westerlo over the next few years.

Excel

"Our jointly developed e-truck that we presented in May last year is the culmination of a collaboration stretching back some 65 years", says Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep. "DAF and VDL are both customers and suppliers of each other. Both companies are built on strong and stable foundations and both excel at developing innovations designed to improve the future. One such innovation is our e-truck, which will make heavy goods transport more sustainable. This background has seen DAF and VDL develop a strong mutual commitment, and the new agreement is yet another way in which we are establishing a solid basis for our partnership, both now and in the future."

Harry Wolters, President DAF Trucks: "VDL Groep and DAF are leading technology companies, both of which are driven by a desire for continuous improvement and innovation, with the interests of the customer always foremost in our minds. This is what makes the collaboration between VDL and DAF so unique and valuable."