First half year at VDL Groep: revenue stable, the result shows signs of recovery

The first half of 2025 has proceeded in line with VDL Groep's expectations. Revenue is comparable to that of the previous year and the result has recovered. Excluding the Auto Assembly division, there has been revenue growth over the first six months of 2025. Despite uncertain prospects due to geopolitical instability and cost pressures, revenue and results are expected to remain stable in the second half of the year.

After the first six months of 2025, the combined turnover amounts to €2 billion (first half of 2024: €2.1 billion). Excluding the Auto Assembly division, there is a revenue increase of 2.5 percent. The net profit after the first two quarters of 2025 has come to €53 million. Last year, it was €3 million. The order portfolio has decreased since this calendar year, mainly due to delayed deliveries of buses, and stands at €1,727 million in week 35. The total number of employees has remained unchanged since the beginning of 2025 and amounts to over 14,000 colleagues.

'Path to recovery initiated'

Chief Executive Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “A year ago, we faced the convergence of major challenges that had an immediate impact on our results, such as developments at VDL Nedcar and delayed bus deliveries. Now that the organizations are in order, or being brought into order, the path to recovery has begun. However, developments around geopolitical instability and cost pressures have a direct impact on our global competitive position, especially for products and services that are less complex and/or difficult to automate.”

Supplies

The turnover of the Supply division has decreased from 1,393 million euros in mid-last year to 1,303 million euros. This 6 percent decline can be explained by stagnant market conditions mainly related to the semiconductor industry. The operating companies active in this division are well positioned in VDL’s growth markets (Hightech, Mobility, Energy, Infratech, and Foodtech). The Supply division is profitable.

Buses

The turnover of the Bus division has risen sharply: from 132 million euros last year to 270 million euros. This increase can be explained by significant improvements in deliveries. The integration of VDL Van Hool into the Bus division is in full swing. This activity faces uncertainties due to US import duties, as well as the sharply declining US dollar against the euro. The Bus division is unprofitable. To ensure the continuity of this division, losses must be curtailed. Therefore, all public transport activities are being consolidated at the public transport location in Roeselare (Belgium). The location in Valkenswaard will, as has always been the case in the past, once again focus entirely on coaches (touring cars). From next year, the third generation VDL Futura will be produced here. The launch of this new coach is a highlight at Busworld, the largest trade fair for the bus and touring coach industry in Europe, which takes place from 4 to 9 October in Brussels this year. The Futura 3 represents a major leap forward for customers in terms of cost over the entire lifespan of the vehicle, primarily driven by a fuel savings of up to 15 percent.

Final products

The VDL companies that are part of the End Products division achieved a combined turnover of 444 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to 432 million euros in the same period of 2024. The companies in this division are well positioned across the board.
The End Products division is profitable.
At the end of the first half of the year, the Eindhoven-based Crux Agribotics was acquired and renamed VDL Agrobotics. With this acquisition, VDL Groep further strengthens its position in foodtech, one of VDL’s growth markets. Using data and AI (artificial intelligence), the ‘smart robot’ of VDL Agrobotics classifies, sorts, and packages vegetables and fruit. This makes a significant contribution to the automation of the global vegetable and fruit horticulture. With the help of robotics, growers save on labor costs and food waste is reduced. Additionally, the generated data is analyzed to further optimize the cultivation process.

VDL in Born

In consultation with the province of Limburg and other (local) authorities, the various divisions of VDL Groep in Born, VDL Nedcar, VDL Special Vehicles, VDL Mobility Innovation Centre, and VDL Defentec are working on the further development of the location along four strategic development directions: sustainable mobility, battery packs and new energy systems, high-tech manufacturing industry, and defense industry. Currently, approximately 250 employees are involved in these activities. The ambition is to transform the VDL site in Born into a sustainable, autonomous production facility for the national and European high-quality manufacturing industry with a positive impact on employment and the economy.
Before the summer holiday, the Ministry of Defence signed an initial agreement with VDL Groep for renting production space in Born. At the Born location, Defence can directly assign projects as a tenant. An important step towards scaling up the national production capacity for the Dutch and European defence industries. The government calls on VDL Groep to utilize its expertise for this purpose. Given the geopolitical situation, the industrial family business sees the urgency to take responsibility. In doing so, VDL commits to meeting the needs of the Dutch defence forces.

Prospects

Despite uncertain prospects due to geopolitical instability and cost pressures, turnover and results in the second half-year are expected to remain stable. VDL Groep calls on politics, even after next month's House of Commons elections, to ensure stable industry policies focused on the long term and to work towards a good business climate so that the competitive position of the Netherlands and Europe in comparison to the rest of the world is strengthened. After all, a good business climate is the foundation for broad prosperity.