Success Story: Ventje - a Dutch camper with a lot of charm from Hannover
Ventje builds campervans based on the Volkswagen T6, T6.1 (Bulli) and ID.Buzz buses, both used and new. Founded six years ago in the Netherlands, Ventje has its finger on the pulse of the times: maximum benefit from a vehicle that is potentially already available or can be purchased relatively cheaply. The award-winning design is very simple, modular and logical, with surprising details - and at the same time smart and practical. Since last year, the campers with flair have also been conquering the German market from Hannover. A move that hannoverimpuls has accompanied.
The Ventje campervans are equipped for self-sufficiency anywhere in the world, the battery charges while driving - and they are even available with an optional solar panel. From color to seats and heating to awnings, interested parties can have their converted Volkswagen bus individually designed. Ventje's first trade fair appearance in Germany was so successful that the company founded Ventje GmbH in Hannover in 2023. After an initial pop-up location, the company is now looking for new premises with its own exhibition space.
Jessica Schneehagen, Business Development & Marketing at Ventje GmbH, what makes Ventje special?
Our campers are innovative, highly functional and unique in their interior design. The interior is designed to offer the comfort of a large motorhome, but in a compact van! The kitchen at the back of the vehicle, for example, gives the user the option of cooking inside or outside. The design concept of converting the seats from a lounge setting to a four-seater with table and then to a bed has earned us the Red Dot Design Award 2021. Interested parties can order their new or used campervan from us, the vehicles are produced on demand. A Ventje has a delivery time of nine months.
Why did your company choose Hannover as its location in Germany?
After our presence at the ABF in Hannover, we were really impressed by the high demand in the market, which is why we made the decision for Germany just a few days after the trade fair. Hannover is in a great location in terms of transportation, in the middle of Germany, has a good infrastructure - and of course the proximity to Volkswagen was also an important argument, as we produce campervans based on the VW T5, T6, T6.1 and Idbuzz vehicles. We actively sought contact with the business development agency because we needed help with the exact choice of location. Finding a suitable hall for us is difficult. It has to be heatable, representative and sufficiently large. It has to offer enough space to show three Ventje in the exhibition area.
How did hannoverimpuls help Ventje with the relocation?
hannoverimpuls helped us from day one with the establishment of the German company and with finding a location. The business development agency also supports companies like Ventje that are willing to set up here through the Plug & Work competition by providing prize money for renting business premises or marketing activities. That worked for us and we opened our first pop-up store. Now, however, we are already one step further and will hopefully soon be moving into our first own premises.
What are your experiences, what tips do you have for other companies that want to set up shop?
We found it incredibly helpful to have hannoverimpuls at our side. The team gave us a lot of support with all the processes. Our countries are neighboring countries - and yet things work differently here. hannoverimpuls is our point of contact in all directions, including for networking. Because of course, we want to become much better known! We recommend everyone to find out about the processes and organizational matters in advance in order to get a feel for the timing.
What are your next goals?
In the long term, we want to expand further and become the largest manufacturer in Europe. We are now by far the largest in the Netherlands, and we are also making good progress in Germany. Then the rest of Europe will follow. Events like the upcoming outdoor trade fair on August 17 at our Dutch location in Culemborg are very important for this. With live music and good food, we will be showing the E-Ventje and variations of our extensions. A great opportunity to exchange ideas with other Ventje fans. Admission is free. The next event in Germany: The "Caravan Salon" trade fair from August 30 to September 8, 2024 in Düsseldorf
Anna Klose, Project Director International Affairs at hannoverimpuls, about Ventje
We are delighted to be able to accompany Ventje as it settles in Hannover. The fact that Ventje has chosen Hannover as the location for its expansion on the German market shows the great potential and attractiveness of our region. Ventje's innovative and flexible campervans are a perfect fit for modern adventurers who value comfort and independence. We are proud to be able to support them on their successful journey.
Discover more about Ventje GmbHhttps://ventje.com/en/
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