On July 10, 2024, the historic Belgian brand in the production of industrial vehicle and bus fittings, Van Hool Industrial Vehicles, announced the return to full operation with the delivery of the hundredth vehicle since resuming activities on April 29, 2024. This achievement was made possible by the acquisition of the Trailer division by Grw, confirmed after some appeals. The company also anticipates presenting some innovations at the IAA in Hannover, scheduled for September 2024.
After declaring a state of crisis, exacerbated by the conflict between the heirs of founder Bernard Van Hool, and the subsequent bankruptcy, several candidates showed interest in acquiring either the Bus or Trailer division. In April 2024, the South African semi-trailer manufacturer Grw prevailed over other candidates and acquired Van Hool Industrial Vehicles, creating Grw Industrial Vehicles, thereby reviving production in Belgium. Founded in 1996 in South Africa, Grw quickly expanded beyond its home country, establishing a strong presence in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. In 2018, the German company Schmitz Cargobull acquired a 39% stake in Grw.
