Driving disruption in circular transition; How can Dutch automotive SMEs navigate risks and opportunities with the impact of Chinese EVs?

Dossier	RAAK.MKB23.009
Status	Initieel
Subsidie	€ 268.255
Startdatum	1 mei 2026
Einddatum	30 april 2028
Regeling	RAAK-mkb
Thema's	Duurzaam transport en intelligente logistiek Energietransitie en duurzaamheid Sleuteltechnologieën en duurzame materialen Economie

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive aftermarket are under increasing pressure to remain competitive while transitioning to circular business models, in line with Dutch sustainability goals.
These SMEs, operating in areas such as auto parts, battery systems, maintenance, and damage repair, are directly affected by this shift. They face dual challenges: adapting their operations to meet sustainability directives and responding to intensified competition from low-cost, imported Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
Our research addresses the specific needs of these SMEs. While Dutch circular policies encourage innovation in recycling, product lifecycle management, and resource efficiency, the SMEs often lack the strategic frameworks, tools, and knowledge needed to implement circularity effectively and competitively.
Therefore, this project explores how Dutch SMEs can use supply chain strategies to improve efficiency and resilience in the automotive aftermarket on a macro-level, adapt to the influx of Chinese EVs and related market dynamics on a meso-level, and integrate circular principles into their existing business models on a micro-level.
Together with the consortium partners, we co-develop and test strategies tailored to the domain of auto parts, maintenance, and repair. The goal is to help Dutch SMEs in the automotive aftermarket with:

1. Market forecasting focused on Chinese EV imports and geopolitical dynamics,
2. Risk mitigation and demand planning based on supply chain scenarios,
3. Enhancing access to technological know-how,
4. Strategic development in circular business modelling.

The primary beneficiaries are Dutch SMEs in the automotive aftermarket who face the challenge of staying competitive amidst sustainability pressures and intensified competition. This project equips them with concrete strategies to navigate these intertwined market and environmental demands.
More broadly, the project contributes to a more adaptive and competitive automotive aftermarket by bringing together SMEs, industry associations, and public stakeholders to share the responsibility to create a resilient supply chain.