This study provides an overview of the Dutch 'automotive' activity for the different relevant technologies that provide a potential for energy saving. This study shows that the transport industry in the Netherlands is relatively small in size. The limited presence of both final producers and supply industries hampers extensive clustering. Bodyworks and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) are relatively strong clusters in the Netherlands. Bodyworks has a close tie with the relatively strong road transport sector. Technological pretexts to realize energy saving are mainly weight and transport efficiency (optimizing the loading degree, loading capacity). The LPG cluster has close ties with both the oil industry and with final producers. Compared to other countries, the LPG use is high and consumers are demanding in the Netherlands. The authorities set a heavy stamp on the demand for LPG by means of fiscal legislation. Technology pretexts to realize energy saving are mainly engine efficiency and emissions. Traffic control systems and alternative fuels can make an important contribution to energy saving. However, these technologies are still at the beginning of their product life style. Therefore, no clustering has taken place yet.
Abstract