VDL Enabling Transport Solutions
Automotive Campus 59 5708 JZ Helmond The Netherlands
© VDL Groep 2026
Automotive Campus 59 5708 JZ Helmond The Netherlands
For the development of a new towbar-mounted cargo box, Hapro partnered with VDL ETS to gain deeper insight into product performance under realistic operating conditions and identify opportunities for further optimization. Through advanced testing and engineering expertise, VDL ETS helped translate real-world loads into valuable insights for product development. VDL ETS designed and built a dedicated test setup and executed the complete shaker test programme, helping translate real-life loads into a representative durability test.
Throughout the project, communication was clear, professional and transparent. Interim results were shared in an understandable way, allowing Hapro to closely follow the progress and gain confidence in the outcome. According to Hapro, VDL ETS was not only a testing partner but also actively contributed ideas and solutions during the project.
"Working with VDL ETS was a positive experience. Communication was always clear, professional and transparent. The team was easy to reach and pleasant to work with throughout the project."
- Manager R&D | VDL Hapro
The testing provided Hapro with valuable insights into the stiffness, strength and failure behaviour of the product. By identifying potential weak points early in the development process, the company gained a better understanding of how the product performs under realistic operating conditions.
These findings have already led to new optimization initiatives, including investigating whether material thickness can be reduced to lower costs while maintaining product performance and reliability.
Hapro describes the project as a successful collaboration in which testing, engineering expertise and open communication provided valuable insights for future product improvements.
"The testing taught us a great deal about the stiffness and strength of the product and where failures occur. The results are helping us take the next steps in optimizing the design and exploring potential cost savings."
- Manager R&D | VDL Hapro
