Annual report 2012 - VDL

Report
of the Board
of Directors
2012 was a special year for VDL Groep, as it will be remembered as the year we won the King Willem I Prize
- the business owners price of the Netherlands - and acquired the car manufacturer plant NedCar in Born.
Financially, 2012 was a pretty good year. In early 2012 we still hoped we would match our 2011 figures,
but the downturn in the second half - and particularly in the fourth quarter - meant the figures, and
particularly the result, were slightly lower than expected. Nevertheless, we can be satisfied, certainly
considering the economic situation.
The combined turnover rose by 2% from 1.719 billion euro in 2011 to a record level of 1.756 billion euro
in 2012. This includes the 70 million euro in turnover from VDL Nedcar. Excluding this turnover, the total
turnover of VDL Groep would have been 2% lower than in 2011.
Consolidated turnover for 2012 amounted to 1.629 billion euro, a rise of 3% compared to the 1.575
billion euro in 2011. Net result fell from 66 million euro in 2011 to 57 million euro in 2012. The number
of employees rose from 7,135 at year end 2011 to 8,757 at year end 2012, largely due to the acquisition
of VDL Nedcar.
Despite the economic crisis in Europe, VDL Groep continued its usual high level of investment and innovation
in 2012. Looking back, we must conclude that this, together with our strategy of diversity in products and
markets and the flexibility of our employees, were our greatest strengths in 2012.
For us, as an industrial company in the Netherlands, a sound industrial policy with a level playing field
across Europe is absolutely essential. These conditions are necessary if we are to continue manufacturing
here. Lending, credit insurance, labour flexibility - with a structural part-time unemployment scheme - and
technical education are of key importance.
Our pursuit of a level playing field should also extend beyond the borders of Europe to the world at large.
Many countries around the globe impose import duties, while Europe continues to believe in a free trade
zone. We must treat our trading partners in the world the same way they treat us. Only then can
employment opportunity in the European Union be maintained and can we form a strong block to maintain
our position in the world economy.
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