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Van Hool

Van Hool is a Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches, trolleybuses, and minibuses, renowned for its innovations in sustainable mobility solutions such as low-floor designs, hydrogen-powered buses, and the world's first battery-electric double-decker coach. Founded in 1947 by Bernard Van Hool in Koningshooikt, the company began as a with 22 employees and has grown into a global player, producing self-supporting vehicles under brands like Van Hool-Fiat and later focusing on advanced electric and emissions-reducing technologies. The company's early milestones include its first coach, "De Trekvogel," in 1947, followed by exports to the in 1954 and a with in 1957 that enabled the Van Hool-Fiat brand. By the , Van Hool entered the British market and earned multiple "Coach of the Year" awards, while the 1980s saw expansions into airport buses, a with Companies in 1983 that facilitated U.S. market entry, and the revolutionary A500 low-floor city bus in 1985. Further innovations included the first bus in 2005, the Exqui.City hybrid tram-bus, and in 2018, Europe's largest order for 40 buses, underscoring its commitment to greener transport. Production facilities expanded with a new plant in in 2012, employing around 1,350 people across 78,000 m², complementing the Belgian headquarters with approximately 250 staff focused on development, parts, and after-sales. Van Hool's product lineup features premium coaches like the T and TDX ranges, including models such as the TDX27 Astromega and TDX21 Altano, emphasizing quality, reliability, and flexibility in sustainable . The company operates within an extensive global sales and service network, serving markets in , , , and . Facing financial challenges, Van Hool filed for in 2024 but was acquired by the family-owned VDL Groep, a move that preserved about 1,600 jobs and integrated it into VDL's mobility division, which employs over 15,000 people across 20 countries. In October 2025, VDL launched the VDL Bus Group to integrate Van Hool with its Bus & Coach division. Under VDL ownership, Van Hool continues to prioritize and emissions reduction, aligning with broader goals for future-oriented public and transport solutions.

History

Founding and early development

Van Hool was founded in 1947 by Bernard Van Hool in Koningshooikt, Belgium, as a small coachbuilding workshop amid post-World War II reconstruction efforts. Starting with just 22 employees, including six family members, the company initially focused on repairing and modifying vehicles, drawing inspiration from American coach designs to meet growing demand for reliable transport. By 1956, Van Hool had delivered its 1,000th coach body, establishing a reputation for solid craftsmanship in a modest facility that expanded to include specialized divisions for off-season work. In its early years, the company concentrated on bodying trucks and buses using third-party , prioritizing customization and durability for local operators. A pivotal innovation came in 1957 with the development of the first bus design, featuring self-supporting structures in collaboration with , which marked Van Hool's transition from coachbuilder to full vehicle manufacturer under the Van Hool-Fiat brand. These early models emphasized lightweight aluminum construction to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort, setting the stage for customized city buses tailored to Belgian needs in the 1960s. Family involvement deepened the company's growth, with Bernard Van Hool leading operations until 1969, when he entrusted day-to-day management to his eight sons, transitioning to second-generation leadership while remaining chairman until his death in 1974. This period saw the workforce expand rapidly from a handful of employees to over 800 by the mid-1960s, reflecting increased production of high-quality, handcrafted vehicles. Initially, Van Hool concentrated its market on , particularly , the , and , where its emphasis on superior craftsmanship over won favor among regional operators.

Global expansion and partnerships

Van Hool began its international expansion in the 1970s and 1980s by exporting coaches to markets in the , , and , building on its early Belgian operations to establish a presence beyond . A pivotal step came in 1983 when the company shipped its first 10 integral T8 coaches to the , marking the entry into the North American market through an exclusive distribution partnership with ABC Bus Companies, Inc. This collaboration facilitated the growth of dealer networks across the U.S. and , enabling Van Hool to capture a significant share of the motorcoach sector by adapting designs to local specifications. The company's global reach expanded further through strategic joint ventures and production scaling. In 1957, Van Hool formed a commercial agreement with to incorporate Italian engines, gearboxes, axles, and steering components, evolving into the Van Hool-Fiat brand for integral coaches; this partnership continued into the 1980s, supporting the development and launch of the T8 series. To enhance cost-efficiency and target Eastern European and export markets, Van Hool initiated construction of a new manufacturing facility in , , in 2012, which became operational by 2014 and employed around 450 workers initially, producing over 100 vehicles annually for the North American market. By the mid-2010s, the plant had grown to support broader exports, contributing to the company's diversification. In 2018, Van Hool announced plans for its first U.S. assembly plant in , a $47 million aimed at localizing to mitigate tariffs and serve North operators more effectively, with an on motorcoaches and an expected output of approximately 400 vehicles per year; however, the project was delayed and ultimately did not materialize following the 2024 financial crisis. This move was intended to complement ongoing partnerships, including a 1998 minority in to strengthen distribution. In the , Van Hool advanced through collaboration with Proterra, integrating the U.S. firm's E2 battery technology into its first all-electric motorcoach, the CX45E, unveiled in 2017 and shipped to the U.S. in 2020 for ranges up to 500 km. These efforts underscored Van Hool's milestones, such as surpassing 1,700 annual bus and coach s by the and pioneering and electric prototypes from the late onward, including a 1997 bus and 2005 hydrogen bus.

Financial crisis and acquisition by VDL Groep

From 2020 onward, Van Hool faced escalating financial pressures due to the pandemic's severe impact on demand, particularly for touring coaches, with European registrations plummeting to 287 units in 2020 and 128 in 2021. disruptions and surging costs further eroded margins, resulting in delays and an accumulated debt of approximately €400 million by early 2024. These challenges prompted significant layoffs, including an announcement in March 2024 to cut 1,100 jobs by 2027, with 834 positions eliminated that year alone, amid efforts to restructure operations. On April 5, 2024, Van Hool filed for protection, and the Commercial Court of officially declared the company bankrupt on April 8, 2024, impacting its approximately 4,500 employees across global sites. A board of curators was appointed to manage the proceedings, prioritizing the sale of core assets while divesting non-essential divisions; in April 2024, the industrial vehicles unit was sold to GRW, a South African manufacturer affiliated with , to preserve specialized expertise outside bus and coach production. The curators accepted a binding offer from VDL Groep, a family-owned , on April 12, 2024, with the acquisition finalized in June 2024 after regulatory approval; this included the bus and coach divisions, , the Koningshooikt headquarters in , the Skopje plant in , and brand rights, safeguarding around 1,600 jobs (250 in and 1,350 in ). As part of the deal, VDL secured a 10-year exclusive North distribution agreement with ABC Companies to maintain for Van Hool products. By November 2025, Van Hool's integration into VDL's portfolio had stabilized operations, with a renewed emphasis on , exemplified by the showcase of the 2025 Van Hool CX45 touring coach for the North American market at UMA Expo 2025. In September 2025, VDL launched the VDL Bus Group to unify its bus and coach brands, including Van Hool, and debuted the third-generation coach at Busworld Europe 2025. VDL Bus Group's combined output exceeded 1,000 units in 2025, with plans for further growth. The Koningshooikt facility was preserved as the for , parts, and after-sales, though with a reduced workforce, while Macedonia operations were streamlined for cost efficiency in assembly.

Operations

Manufacturing facilities

Under VDL Groep ownership following the 2024 acquisition, Van Hool's manufacturing operations are centered in , with primary facilities in and dedicated to coach and bus production, parts supply, and support functions. The company maintains a focus on high-quality assembly and integration of advanced technologies, while a planned U.S. facility supports North American market needs through a . The headquarters and primary plant in Koningshooikt, , serves as the core for development, procurement, finance, after-sales services, and parts production for Van Hool vehicles. This site employs approximately 250 people and plays a key role in R&D and customization for European markets. In contrast, the Skopje facility in , operational since 2013 and spanning 78,000 m², specializes in high-volume coach for export to and beyond, employing around 1,350 workers. Together, these sites support a of about 1,600 dedicated to Van Hool operations. In , Van Hool's planned manufacturing facility in , is expected to open in 2025 under the VDL-ABC Companies partnership, focusing on motorcoach assembly and customization to comply with local regulations and sourcing requirements. The 500,000 ft² plant is designed for an annual output of approximately 400 units, employing up to 600 workers. Production across these facilities incorporates advanced processes, including automated , specialized painting lines, and integration of components such as battery systems for and zero-emission models. Post-acquisition streamlining by VDL has optimized workflows, enabling an estimated annual capacity of over 1,000 coaches and buses from the site alone. As of mid-2025, VDL Bus & Coach reported doubled turnover for Van Hool operations but ongoing losses, with a focus on recovery and . Sustainability efforts emphasize electrification and emissions reduction, with the Skopje plant adapting assembly lines for battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of VDL's broader green technology initiatives. These measures align with the company's mission to deliver cleaner solutions.

Markets and distribution networks

Van Hool maintains a strong presence in , where a significant portion of its production is directed toward public transit operators in countries such as , , and the . In 2024, National Express placed an order for 25 Altano TDX21 tri-axle coaches for its UK scheduled network, though it was later cancelled amid Van Hool's financial challenges. Sales in the region are handled centrally through the company's Belgian office, with referrals to local sales points for customized support. In , Van Hool has established a dominant position through its long-standing exclusive distribution partnership with ABC Companies, which has managed sales since 1987 and extended the agreement for 10 years following the 2024 VDL Groep acquisition. This arrangement targets charter and tour operators, including Gray Line, and has resulted in over 8,500 coaches delivered to the U.S. and Canadian markets historically, with approximately 60% of Van Hool's bus turnover directed to the region as of 2025. Exports to emerging markets constitute a smaller but growing segment, with deliveries to —including custom double-decker coaches for operators like the Meitetsu Group and recent Astromega models in —and to and the facilitated through partnerships such as the 2024 acquisition of Van Hool's industrial vehicles division by South African firm GRW. The company's distribution model emphasizes direct sales in via its central Belgian operations, while relying on established dealer like in for broader international reach. Post-acquisition by VDL Groep, Van Hool has prioritized enhanced after-sales support, including service hubs at its facility for European and n markets and through 's maintenance network in the U.S., such as in . As of 2025, Van Hool is experiencing notable growth in electric vehicle sales, driven by EU mandates under the "Fit for 55" package aiming for zero-emission public transport and U.S. infrastructure investments supporting sustainable fleets. This includes the shipment of the first CX45E battery-electric coach to the U.S. market in 2020 and ongoing development of models like the TDX25E double-decker for intercity applications.

Products

Touring coaches in Europe

Van Hool's touring coaches in have evolved to meet stringent emissions standards and customer demands for luxury, efficiency, and , with designs compliant with ECE regulations for long-distance travel. The company's lineup emphasizes modular , allowing for tour operators while prioritizing driver comfort and passenger amenities like spacious interiors and advanced climate systems. The T8 series, introduced in 1979, served as the foundational platform for Van Hool's European touring coaches for over three decades, featuring a streamlined body based on the earlier Alizee design and accommodating various engine options for routes. Production of the T8 phased out in the as stricter emissions norms rendered older models obsolete, prompting a transition to more efficient successors like the T9 to maintain competitiveness in the luxury coach segment. Launched in , the T9 series represented a significant redesign over the T8, with a unified structure that improved durability and weight distribution for better handling on European highways. Available in lengths up to 13.5 meters and configurations including the double-deck TD925 Astromega model seating up to 81 passengers, the T9 incorporated Euro 2-compliant diesel engines from for reliable performance and was adapted for shuttles due to its versatile luggage capacity. Known for its aerodynamic profile that enhanced compared to predecessors, the series remained in production into the before gradual replacement. The series, unveiled at Busworld 2011 as the successor to the T9, became Van Hool's flagship for premium touring in , offering lengths of 12 to 14 meters and seating for 50 to 59 passengers in high-back configurations. Equipped with or engines meeting VI standards, the TX featured low-floor options for easier boarding and luxury elements such as panoramic glazing and optional LED interior lighting to elevate the touring experience. variants emerged around 2015, integrating electric propulsion for reduced emissions on urban-to-rural routes, aligning with sustainability goals. Introduced at the 2014 IAA in , the EX series targeted the 2020s market with a focus on advanced efficiency and , available in 13- to 15-meter lengths for up to 60 seats. Models like the EX16 incorporated fuel-efficient MX engines or systems, with some variants achieving zero-emission capability through battery-electric drivetrains offering approximately 300 km range for shorter tours. Post-acquisition by VDL Groep in 2024, the EX emphasized compliance with tightening urban emission rules, though production ceased later that year in favor of streamlined offerings. The new T series, revealed in 2022 and entering production for 2025 availability, succeeds the T9 and lines with models like the Acron and Astron, spanning 12- to 14-meter lengths and seating 53 to 59 passengers. Powered by Euro VI engines in 11- or 13-liter displacements delivering 270 to 390 kW, it prioritizes for up to 5% better fuel economy and includes modern features such as digital cockpits, antiviral HVAC, and LED lighting. This series builds on prior innovations for timeless luxury touring across . While primarily designed for urban transit, the newA series includes limited adaptations for touring, such as extended-range electric variants for coach-transit operations on regional routes.

Touring coaches in

Van Hool has tailored its touring coach lineup for the North American market to comply with (FMVSS) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, emphasizing highway durability, spacious interiors, and accessibility features like mid-ship lifts and securement areas for wheelchairs. These adaptations distinguish North American models from counterparts by incorporating wider body widths up to 102 inches, higher ground clearance for interstate travel, and robust underfloor baggage compartments often exceeding 400 cubic feet to support long-haul tours and charters. Since the , Van Hool has prioritized and, more recently, electric powertrains from partners like and Proterra, enabling operators to meet emissions regulations while maintaining capacities for 45 to over 80 passengers. The CX series, introduced in the and continuing into production, represents Van Hool's flagship for modern interstate touring in . The CX45 model, a 45-foot coach with a height of 11 feet 6 inches, accommodates up to 56 passengers in ergonomic seats with footrests and three-point belts, powered by a X12 engine delivering 425 to 455 horsepower paired with an Allison B500R transmission. The 2025 update enhances efficiency and comfort, including updated upholstery, integrated climate control, and optional , while retaining high-roof design for standing headroom over 75 inches and baggage capacity of 440 cubic feet without a . Built for reliability in fleet operations, the series shares components across 35- and 45-foot variants, facilitating easier for and services. The T2100 series, launched in the late and refined through the , offers luxury configurations suited for premium charters across the and . Available in 40-foot (T2140) and 45-foot (T2145) lengths up to 13 meters, these coaches seat up to 59 passengers with reclining leatherette seats, onboard restrooms, and amenities like DVD systems and power outlets, often including for connectivity during extended trips. Featuring streamlined based on earlier European platforms but adapted for North American widths and engines, the series remains popular among operators for its balance of elegance and performance, with or options. As an economy-oriented line since the late , the C2000 series provides cost-effective solutions for scheduled and tour services, typically seating to passengers in a -foot body compliant with FMVSS and ADA standards. Introduced exclusively for in 2000, it evolved to include standard features such as BraunAbility lifts and designated positions, alongside efficient powertrains for line-haul duty. The design prioritizes durability with flat floors and ample storage, making it a staple for budget-conscious fleets without sacrificing essential safety and comfort. For high-capacity tours, the double-deck TD925 Astromega, produced since the , offers over 80 seats in a 13.4-meter, 13-foot-high configuration meeting specifications, including two doors and ADA-compliant tie-downs for up to two wheelchairs. Powered by engines, it features panoramic glazing and multi-level lounges for sightseeing. In 2021, Van Hool launched the electric TDX25E variant, the first battery-electric double-decker coach for , integrating a 676 kWh Proterra battery system with a ELFA II drivetrain for a range of approximately 250 miles per charge. This zero-emission model supports up to 69 passengers and has been demonstrated in cross-country trials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable touring options. Earlier models like the T9 and series American highway coaches, along with A3 transit adaptations, have been discontinued, with production shifting to localized series builds to better serve North American customization needs.

Transit buses in Europe

Van Hool's legacy A-series transit buses, introduced in the 1980s, initially featured high-floor designs suited for urban and intercity routes across , with models like the A120 serving as integral city buses from 1977. These early variants prioritized durability and versatility in drivetrains but were gradually phased out due to evolving accessibility standards that favored low-floor configurations. By the mid-1980s, the series evolved with the A500, launched in 1985 as the first fully low-floor bus over its entire length, reducing entry height to 500 mm and improving passenger flow in dense urban settings. The A300 followed in 1991, further refining low-floor technology, and the A330 variant earned the title of Bus of the Year in 2003 for its enhanced comfort and efficiency. Production of the legacy A-series continued into the 2010s, incorporating electric prototypes such as the A308 E all-electric model premiered in 2013, before being discontinued in favor of more advanced zero-emission platforms. The newA series, introduced in 2022 as Van Hool's modern low-floor city buses succeeding the legacy A-series, offers lengths of 12 m, 13 m, 18 m, and 24 m (for bi-articulated models), accommodating up to 100 passengers in standard configurations and including articulated versions optimized for (BRT) systems. The series features exclusively zero-emission powertrains, including battery-electric options with ZF AxTrax drivetrains and Akasol batteries up to 490 kWh. These buses emphasize lightweight construction using high-strength and composites, supporting urban and regional operations with improved and energy efficiency. A key offering in Van Hool's European transit lineup is the ExquiCity BRT solution, developed in the 2000s as a modular 18 m bi-articulated platform for dedicated lanes, expandable to 24 m variants capable of carrying 125 to 140 passengers. Since 2018, the model has incorporated and electric drives, with versions debuting in , , in 2019 and full-electric 24 m units slated for ' Tzen 4 line in 2026, following a 2022 framework contract for at least 56 vehicles in . Deployments in and additional French routes highlight its role in high-capacity, sustainable BRT networks, with quick refueling or charging enabling ranges of approximately 300 km on or battery systems. Under VDL Groep, Van Hool's transit buses prioritize innovations for and , including kneeling suspension to lower entry height further, integrated ramps via wide low-floor designs, and for real-time fleet monitoring and route optimization. These features enhance passenger experience in environments, complying with standards for inclusive . By 2025, the focus has shifted to battery-electric models like the new A-series variants, offering ranges around 400 km on 490 kWh packs, aligning with VDL's emission-free mobility goals and supporting over 400 units sold in recent years.

Transit buses in North America

Van Hool entered the transit bus market in the early through its partnership with ABC Companies, introducing the A3 series as low-floor vehicles tailored for urban and suburban operations. These buses, such as the 40-foot A300L and A330 models, featured rear-mounted drivetrains with Series 50 or 60 engines, providing reliable performance in capacities of 40 to 50 passengers. The series emphasized with full low-floor configurations, hydraulic systems, and capacities for up to 30 standees in addition to seated passengers. Key adaptations for U.S. and Canadian operators included a 102-inch (2.6-meter) wide body for increased interior , ADA-compliant ramps and securement areas, and robust HVAC systems designed to handle extreme variations from -40°F to 110°F. A shorter 35-foot variant, the A330K, offered similar features for routes with tighter turning radii, while the AG300 articulated model extended options for high-capacity service up to 60 feet. Production incorporated high-strength steel framing for durability and corrosion resistance, meeting Buy America standards for public procurement. Initial deployments began with in , which took delivery of A330 units in 2003 as one of the first North American operators to adopt the series for its urban routes. Subsequent sales included 60 A330 buses to in , , for services starting in 2005, where they provided express connectivity in the . Other agencies, such as in the , integrated A330 models into their fleets for local and commuter lines, demonstrating the series' versatility in diverse operational environments. These vehicles contributed to improved ridership accessibility, with many units remaining in service into the late despite maintenance challenges like tail swing in urban settings. The A3 series was phased out in the early 2020s as Van Hool redirected resources amid competitive pressures from domestic manufacturers. In March 2024, as part of a judicial reorganization to address financial distress, Van Hool announced the complete discontinuation of transit bus production, halting further development of low-floor city and suburban models. Following the company's acquisition by VDL Groep in April 2024, operations consolidated under the VDL Van Hool banner, with emphasis shifting to touring coaches and industrial vehicles; no new transit bus models have been introduced for North America since the transition. The planned Morristown, Tennessee facility, originally slated for 2025 startup to produce up to 400 transit units annually with local adaptations like CNG compatibility, has not advanced to operational status post-acquisition.

Specialized vehicles

Van Hool began developing custom trolleybus models in the 1990s, focusing on articulated designs for urban electric transit systems reliant on overhead wires. A notable example is the AG300T, an 18-meter articulated trolleybus built in collaboration with Kiepe Electric, which entered service in Arnhem, Netherlands, starting in 1993 with additional units added in 1998. These vehicles, operated by Connexxion, support the country's sole remaining trolleybus network, spanning about 12 km with modern hybrid variants enabling off-wire battery operation for short distances to navigate areas without catenary infrastructure. The AG300T's low-floor design and capacity for up to 120 passengers emphasized accessibility and efficiency in dense urban settings like Arnhem's routes connecting the city center to suburbs. In the realm of airport operations, Van Hool specialized in airside transfer buses designed for apron and tarmac use, prioritizing low emissions, high passenger capacity, and durability in harsh environments. The AP2375, introduced around 2012, represents a pinnacle of this expertise as the world's largest-capacity airport shuttle bus at the time, accommodating over 100 passengers with a bi-articulated configuration and low-floor access for efficient passenger flow. These buses feature corrosion-resistant materials and propulsion systems compliant with airport noise and emission standards, serving global hubs including Schiphol in the Netherlands and Heathrow in the UK, where they facilitate rapid passenger transfers between terminals and aircraft stands. Earlier models like the AP1137 Interpista from the 1990s laid the groundwork, powered by Iveco engines for reliable apron navigation. Beyond standard transit, Van Hool's ExquiCity series advanced (BRT) applications with bi-articulated, low-emission vehicles blending bus flexibility and light-rail efficiency, particularly through electric and hybrid upgrades post-2020. The 24-meter ExquiCity 24, for instance, carries up to 140 passengers and has been deployed in guided or semi-guided systems, such as the TZen 4 BRT in , where it integrates fast-charging batteries for zero-emission operation on dedicated lanes. While primarily , these models support high-capacity corridors in diverse global contexts, including Latin American BRT networks emphasizing sustainable urban mobility. variants, like the ExquiCity 18 FC, further extend range for BRT routes. Van Hool also produced niche double-deck variants of its TDx Astromega series tailored for markets, optimizing for travel and sightseeing with enhanced stability and panoramic views. These 13.5-meter coaches, often on chassis, seat up to 70 passengers and have been operated by companies like Hato Bus in since 2016, navigating urban and expressway routes with custom adaptations for local regulations. Additionally, prior to 2024, Van Hool manufactured industrial vehicles such as tankers and trailers at its Koningshooikt facility, focusing on robust, custom-built solutions for ; this division was divested following the company's restructuring and acquired by GRW, enabling independent operation. Following VDL Groep's 2024 acquisition, Van Hool integrated hydrogen technology into its lineup by 2025, with prototypes emphasizing long-range, zero-emission for specialized applications like airside buses. These advancements build on prior models, using Ballard systems for robustness and ranges exceeding 300 km, aligning with VDL's broader push toward sustainable public and transport under the unified VDL Bus Group.

Motorsport involvement

Historical racing projects

In the mid-1970s, Van Hool, primarily known as a coach and bus manufacturer, ventured into by commissioning the development of a Formula 2 racing car, countering persistent rumors that it was intended for Formula 1. The project resulted in the VHM (Van Hool Marcel), named after company principal Marcel van Hool, designed by Alain Siccardi and constructed in . Two prototypes were built at Van Hool's facility in collaboration with the Spanish racing outfit Selex Competition, leveraging the company's established expertise in vehicle bodybuilding from its commercial coach production. This effort represented an attempt to demonstrate Van Hool's engineering capabilities beyond vehicles during a period of economic challenges in the automotive sector. The VHM featured a lightweight monocoque suited for Formula 2 regulations, powered by a M12 engine, and incorporated aerodynamic elements drawn from contemporary racing designs, though specific adaptations from Van Hool's aluminum framing techniques in coach construction remain undocumented in available records. Initial testing occurred in 1975, but the car did not debut until the 1976 European Formula 2 season, entered under the Team Michel Vaillant banner with Belgian driver Bernard de Dryver. Despite some promise, the project faced reliability issues; the car achieved a fourth-place finish at the Eifelrennen round at the in June 1976, completing the race in 1:35'43.14, but suffered a did-not-start (DNS) at the later that season. Contemporary accounts described the VHM as a "disastrous" performer overall, plagued by handling and mechanical shortcomings that limited its competitiveness against established teams like and . By the end of 1976, the project was abandoned, with no further development or entries, marking Van Hool's sole direct involvement in single-seater racing car construction. The initiative, though short-lived, highlighted the company's brief diversification into high-performance vehicle engineering amid the industry shifts.

Sponsorships and modern engagements

The company's visibility serves to promote the reliability and luxury of its coaches, with VDL Groep—Van Hool's owner since 2024—continuing select sponsorships targeted at European markets to reinforce brand presence in high-performance sectors.

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