Smart Mobility in Action: The Netherlands' Digitalized Automotive Industry

We are pleased to introduce the latest edition of the RAI Automotive Industry NL report, which provides an in-depth exploration of the Dutch automotive sector's transformative trajectory. This sector, situated at the nexus of rapid technological advancements and pressing global challenges, exemplifies a model of innovation, sustainability, and resilience in a highly competitive international landscape.

This issue covers core themes: smart and green mobility, sustainable manufacturing, human capital development, design and materials, and internationalization. Each of these pillars underscores the industry's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into mobility solutions, driving the future of transportation with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Below you can read an excerpt of one of the featured articles. Or download the full report for free using the form below. 

 

The Dutch automotive industry is one of the frontrunners in today’s smart mobility revolution, driving innovations that are set to redefine transportation on the European and global front. With a strong emphasis on digitalization, electrification, and automation, The Netherlands is rapidly emerging as a leader in developing future-proof mobility solutions.

Anchoring this progress is RAI Automotive Industry NL, which is instrumental in advancing The Netherlands’ smart mobility initiatives. Through strategic projects and collaborations, the organization focuses on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and protocol standardization essential for electric vehicles and autonomous driving. By working with 200 high-tech member companies, RAI Automotive Industry NL ensures that The Netherlands stays at the forefront of smart and sustainable transportation solutions.

Digitalization Advancements in The Netherlands 

Some of the most significant areas of development in the Dutch automotive industry are the advancement of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and connectivity technologies. The Netherlands boasts a highly developed and connected digital ecosystem, making it a leader in smart mobility solutions. With advanced communication networks such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, the country ensures seamless integration of smart mobility systems. Despite the dense population and high labor costs, the Dutch automotive industry’s technological capabilities drive continuous innovation in mobility systems, ensuring high-quality and efficient solutions.

In a discussion with Bram Hendrix, program manager smart mobility at RAI Automotive Industry NL, he notes,

“Protocols are key. We are known globally for our standardization protocols, which prevent the proliferation of incompatible systems that could hinder the user experience.”

Hendrix further explains that one of the critical aspects of digitalization is cybersecurity. “Our digital infrastructure will be a critical component of the future mobility landscape, so ensuring its security is paramount.” This focus on cybersecurity is evident in the ongoing projects that involve stresstesting systems through initiatives like hackathons, ensuring robust protection against potential threats.

Additionally, Hendrix highlights the importance of standardized digital infrastructure in supporting smart mobility. “We are actively working on projects like the Digital Infrastructure for Future-proof Mobility (DITM) to create an integrated and secure environment for smart vehicles,” he says. The DITM project is a comprehensive effort to link vehicles with the digital infrastructure in a seamless manner, incorporating advanced cybersecurity measures and developing protocols that enhance the reliability and efficiency of the network. 

The DITM initiative includes multiple work packages, each addressing different aspects of smart mobility. One notable component focuses on creating a secure and reliable digital link between vehicles and infrastructure, incorporating robust cybersecurity measures to protect this critical ecosystem.

The DITM Project: A Closer Look 

The DITM project exemplifies the Dutch approach to integrating advanced digital technologies into the automotive ecosystem. One of its key participants is TomTom, renowned for its navigation systems. TomTom is developing high-definition maps essential for autonomous driving, leveraging data from car sensors to ensure real-time accuracy and reliability. 

“Human drivers can adapt to changes in the road environment, but autonomous vehicles require constantly updated maps,” Hendrix explains. The integration of real-time data from various sensors, including cameras, radars, and LiDARs, allows for the creation of highly detailed and accurate maps that are crucial for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles. 

Another critical aspect of the DITM project is the collaboration between public and private entities to merge automotive and public maps. This integration ensures that both sectors have access to precise and current geographical data, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the mobility ecosystem. 

By combining efforts, the project aims to create a unified mapping system that can be used for various applications, from traffic management to emergency response, thereby improving overall mobility and safety. 

Moreover, the DITM project focuses on developing a comprehensive digital infrastructure that supports futureproof mobility solutions. This includes implementing advanced communication networks that enable seamless connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure. As Hendrix describes, The Netherlands is working towards a fully connected ecosystem where vehicles can communicate with each other and with the surrounding infrastructure in real time. This level of connectivity is essential for the deployment of autonomous driving technologies and the efficient management of traffic flow.

“Radar technology is fundamental in supporting the kind of precise, real-time decision-making required for autonomous driving,” says Kees Gehrels, Senior Director Automotive Business Development at NXP. “Our radar chips are designed to provide the necessary accuracy and reliability, enabling that vehicles can safely navigate complex environments.” 

The project also addresses the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect the digital infrastructure from potential threats. The security of the communication networks and data exchanges between vehicles and infrastructure is a top priority. “Cybersecurity is a critical component of our digital infrastructure strategy. We are implementing advanced security protocols to safeguard the data and ensure the integrity of the system,” Hendrix emphasizes. 

The DITM project’s collaborative nature, involving various public and private stakeholders, underscores the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable and smart mobility goals. By leveraging the expertise and resources of different organizations, the project aims to create a resilient and adaptive mobility ecosystem that can meet the evolving demands of the future. 

Advancing Automation in Freight and Public Transport 

DAF Trucks: Autonomous Freight Solutions 

As part of advancing automation in transport, DAF Trucks is actively developing vehicle safety and automation technologies. Their efforts span various levels of automation, from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to fully autonomous trucks, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics. 

DAF’s journey includes implementing systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance, representing lower automation levels (Level 1 and Level 2) where drivers still play a crucial role. At higher automation levels, DAF is exploring autonomous trucks capable of operating without human intervention in controlled environments. These vehicles are equipped with LiDAR, radar, cameras, high-definition maps, and real-time data processing to navigate complex environments safely. 

“Our goal is to provide solutions that enhance productivity while ensuring safety remains paramount,” says Guus Arts, Senior Project Manager Advanced Technology at DAF Trucks. “By focusing on relevant automation solutions, we aim to address industry challenges like driver shortages and operational efficiency.” 

Next to boosting transport efficiency, the aim of autonomous trucks is to alleviate the driver shortage in the truck industry for those parts of the route that are suitable for automation and typically involve repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Examples include yard operation or hub-to-hub traffic. However, factors like infrastructure, safety, and public acceptance will be crucial in determining their widespread adoption. Extensive testing ensures that these trucks can handle diverse scenarios like varying weather and dynamic traffic patterns. Yet, a robust regulatory framework is critical for advancing this technology. 

As Harald Seidel, CEO of DAF Trucks, noted to Politico, “This is not a problem now, but it will eventually be an obstacle to larger-scale deployment in the future.” Seidel advocates for European testing permits and harmonized digital infrastructure to support automated driving, stressing that commercialization depends on legislation and societal acceptance. He stresses that “taking it a step further and commercializing it structurally on European roads will depend on the legislation we end up with,” highlighting the need for societal acceptance and the development of business cases for different levels of autonomy. 

VDL ETS: Innovating Urban Bus Automation 

VDL Enabling Transport Solutions (ETS) is another key player that focuses on integrating autonomous driving systems into city buses, ensuring they are technically compatible with other systems. VDL ETS also develops user profiles and designs use cases for depots where buses operate autonomously. It aims to create buses that detect and respond to road conditions, obstacles, and pedestrian movements. 

VDL ETS is actively advancing Autonomous Yard Maneuvering, a technology that enables buses to independently move within depots, such as from parking areas to washing stations or charging points. The focus is digital integration, connecting vehicles with real-time maps and data about moving objects outside the driver’s view. 

“Urban environments pose unique challenges for automated buses, from navigating dense traffic to ensuring passenger safety,” says Glenn Haverkort, Managing Director at VDL ETS. “Our technology is designed to address these challenges, allowing for smoother and more reliable public transport in cities.” 

Another initiative involves automatic halting at bus stops, where buses stop precisely at designated points, improving passenger boarding and reducing minor damages. This enhances safety and comfort while maintaining the driver’s role with maximum support. 

Additionally, VDL ETS focuses on platooning technology, where multiple buses autonomously follow a leading, human-driven bus. These buses communicate with traffic lights, using the Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) system to receive timing information on red and green lights. This helps optimize transport capacity without requiring additional drivers. All these technologies are rigorously tested in controlled environments to accurately simulate various urban scenarios and ensure efficiency and safety, aligning with VDL ETS’s strategy to enhance urban mobility. 

The advancements by DAF Trucks and VDL ETS exemplify The Netherlands’ commitment to leading the smart mobility revolution. By developing and implementing cutting-edge autonomous technologies, these companies set new standards for safety, efficiency, and sustainability in transportation. Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and technology partners, including robust cybersecurity measures, are crucial in overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of autonomous vehicles.

Simulation Technology and Industry Safety 

Simulation technology plays a crucial role in advancing smart mobility, enabling automotive suppliers and OEMs to accelerate innovation and enhance product safety and performance. Dutch knowledge institution TNO and companies like TASS International (a Siemens company) are leading the charge in virtual simulation and digital validation labs. These advanced simulation environments allow for comprehensive testing and validation of new technologies, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency before being deployed on the roads.

“Virtual simulation and physical testing environments are essential for developing accurate digital twins,” Hendrix explains. “These technologies allow us to transition from passive to active safety systems, which are crucial for future mobility.” By creating digital replicas of physical systems, companies can simulate real-world scenarios and test the performance of various components under different conditions. This approach significantly reduces the time and cost associated with physical prototyping and testing. 

Moreover, simulation technology enables the automotive industry to address complex safety challenges posed by new mobility solutions, such as autonomous driving and vehicleto-everything (V2X) communication. Through virtual simulation, developers can test how autonomous vehicles respond to unpredictable road conditions, pedestrian behavior, and interactions with other vehicles. This level of testing is vital for ensuring that these advanced systems can operate safely and reliably in real-world environments. 

TNO’s work in virtual simulation encompasses a wide range of applications, from testing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to evaluating the safety of new vehicle designs. By leveraging sophisticated simulation tools, TNO can assess the impact of different design choices on vehicle safety and performance, helping manufacturers optimize their products for both safety and efficiency. 

TASS International, now part of Siemens, focuses on integrated solutions combining passive and active safety technologies. Their simulation platforms allow for the detailed analysis of crash scenarios, enabling the development of innovative safety features that protect occupants and reduce the severity of collisions. With their simulation technology, TASS International can predict and improve the safety outcomes of different vehicle designs and configurations. This capability is critical for advancing toward a future where vehicles are smart and exceptionally safe. 

Integrating simulation technology in the development process also facilitates compliance with stringent safety regulations. By thoroughly testing and validating new technologies in a virtual environment, companies can ensure their products meet all regulatory requirements before they reach the market. This proactive approach enhances safety and accelerates the adoption of innovative mobility solutions. 

The continued advancement of simulation technology will be pivotal in addressing emerging safety challenges and enabling the successful deployment of smart mobility solutions. As the Dutch automotive industry continues to innovate, these simulation tools will play a key role in ensuring that new technologies are safe, reliable, and ready for widespread adoption.

Emerging Trends and Future Opportunities 

Looking ahead, Hendrix identifies several emerging trends and opportunities that will shape the future of the Dutch automotive industry. Key among these is the continued evolution of automated and connected vehicles, which promise to revolutionize how we travel. 

“I believe we are well positioned for this transition due to our high-tech heritage,” Hendrix says. “Automation and digitalization will take more than 5-10 years to fully materialize, but the steps we are taking now are crucial.” 

He also highlights the need for stronger government support in promoting safety technologies. While decarbonization efforts are well underway, the adoption of advanced digital systems has significant potential to improve traffic safety. 

“Governments need to push harder for a safer mobility ecosystem,” Hendrix urges. “We have the technologies available, and it’s crucial that they are deployed effectively.” 

The Dutch automotive industry’s journey toward smart mobility is marked by innovative projects, strategic collaborations, and a strong emphasis on digitalization and safety under the guidance of dynamic organizations like RAI Automotive Industry NL. Through continuous technological advancements and a commitment to a collaborative ecosystem The Netherlands is poised to set new standards in the global automotive landscape. By continuing to push the boundaries of technology and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the Dutch automotive industry is not just adapting to the future of mobility but actively shaping it.

Learn more about the work of the RAI Automotive Industry NL's members by downloading the full report below.