Carice Cars

The power of innovative craftsmanship cannot be denied. According to Rabobank, this power is essential to accelerate the transition to a new economy. When something beautiful is spotted, the bank is happy to support it. A great example of the mission 'Growing a better world together' in its purest form is the story of Carice Cars from Voorhout.

There is cake at the start of this conversation, as a thank you for the generous amount of 25,000 euros from the Rabo Impact Fund that Carice Cars has received. At the table are the owners of Carice Cars, Richard Holleman and Niels van Dril, cooperative Rabobank Bollenstreek director Ferry Huurman, and Rabobank members' council members Hein Lommerse and Henk van Ewijk. The atmosphere is relaxed, the men know each other well by now.

Stimulating innovative entrepreneurship in the region

"As a cooperative bank, we are involved in our living environment," says Ferry. "Together with our members, we stimulate innovative entrepreneurship in the region and in the manufacturing industry. We do this by sharing knowledge, networks, and money. Research shows that the broad prosperity in the Duin- and Bollenstreek is relatively high, but that not many sustainable, innovative initiatives are being developed, which means the economic development of the region lags behind. Carice is a great example of innovative local manufacturing. With the contribution from the Rabo Impact Fund, they can further develop their business.

Richard joins in with an anecdote that summarizes the relationship with the bank: "When I hear 'Rabobank', I always get a grin on my face. We started Carice Cars in 2011 as one of the high-tech startups in YES! Delft. Rabobank was, I would almost say obviously, involved with this incubator. Our car stood out, and we were asked to be in the bank's commercial. When it was broadcast during the halftime of a Dutch national team match, we became instant local heroes. And the bond with the bank was forged forever."

You have to be able to make something beautiful in the Netherlands
Niels continues: "We were convinced that it should be possible to make an elegant, energy-efficient car that would be much less harmful to the environment. If you can make a small contribution to a world that looks a little greener, that gives a super good feeling. If that can be combined with making something you are passionate about, it is a great gift. Not only is the car sustainable, but we also think about sustainability in all aspects of our production process. We worked on the Carice TC2 for a long time, and a year ago we felt it was time to make it public. And then everything came together..."

Instant classic with innovation under the hood
"I have a passion for convertibles myself and have always followed the development of Carice Cars with interest as Richard's neighbor," says entrepreneur Hein enthusiastically. "The Carice TC2 is an instant classic with beautiful innovations under the hood. And 'just' from the Bollenstreek. As a member of the members' council, you use your network or that of Rabobank to strengthen regional sustainable initiatives. That's why we went on a company visit with my fellow members' council members, and everyone was impressed."

"I also immediately felt that the world needed to know this," agrees Henk, an entrepreneur and chairman of the Friends of the Flower Parade Foundation. Inspired by Hein and with a financial contribution from Rabobank, we were able to have the car participate in the 2024 Flower Parade in the Bollenstreek. Then you know, this goes beyond just the Duin- and Bollenstreek, this goes worldwide. I admire those guys; entrepreneurship is about dreaming, thinking, daring, and doing. Despite all the setbacks and frustrations, they have created a beautiful product with courage and energy. I think that's great." Richard, proudly: "We are really guys from here, no-nonsense types who work hard. Our involvement in the region is evident from the little tulip in our logo. That out-of-the-box thinking entrepreneurs like Henk and Hein and a bank like Rabobank show such confidence in us is fantastic."

 

Ferry concludes: "When we visited Carice Cars, everything came together. Members' council members who, with Rabobank's network and financial support, provide a platform for Carice, our SME advisor who pointed Carice to the Rabo Impact Fund for innovations, and members' council members who then approved the application. A great example of how we stimulate sustainable innovation in the region together, or Growing a better world together!"