Van Hool history

before 1947: The history

Bernard Van Hool took a great interest in mechanics, construction and electrics. Furthermore, enterprising ran in his blood. Read more...

1947 - 1956: The initial years

Bernard Van Hool began as a coachwork manufacturer. It all started with one-off units, but soon serial production was gaining importance. The first export successes were made. Read more...

1957 - 1966: A family name becomes a brand

Van Hool developed from a coachbuilder to a manufacturer of integral buses and coaches. But remained a coachbuilder as well. An “industrial vehicles” departement was founded. Read more...

1967 - 1974: The industrial leap

Investments in buildings, machines and equipment were rising. Annual production rose to 1,000 coaches and buses and to 1,200 industrial vehicles.
Bernard Van Hool passed away in 1974. Read more...

1974 - 1982: Progress in unfavourable times

Van Hool became a national trend-setter in the sector. By pursuing a policy of international expansion and making its presence in different markets, the company became a serious competitor to established brands. Read more...

1983 - 1990: Growth from recession to recession

The economic recession was having a particularly adverse effect on the bus and coach sector. Export was the only way out. The export share in total bus and industrial vehicle production rose to 80 % or more. Read more...

1991 - 1997: Ready for new challenges

The aftermath of the difficult eighties was a tough period. In the European tourism sector, coaches held a 10% share. In the space of three years, coach registrations in Western Europe dropped from 27000 to below 17000! The only remaining growth centre was the public transport market, to be opened up in 1993 by the European Single Market. Read more...

1998 - 2008: Growth into the new century

Continued investment in manufacturing processes and vehicle technology steered the company through the turn of the century with rapidly evolving challenges in the world globalisation. Read more...