INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT PRIEM, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF A-POINT
THE FUTURE OF DRIVING VINCENT PRIEM ON INNOVATION AND MOBILITY
Growing up, and like many kids his age, Vincent Priem developed a life-long love of cars after multiple visits to the AutoRAI in Amsterdam. Employed in the automotive industry for 25 years and counting, he was recently named managing director of a-point, the official Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership. Vincent lives on the outskirts of Zuidas, plays football with a team of friends at AFC (Amsterdam Football Club) and is well-acquainted with the capital city and Zuidas district. He sat down with us to share his vision on the local hot topic of mobility.
With electric vehicles, shared cars and now autonomous vehicles on the horizon, mobility is rapidly changing. What’s your view on these developments? “Everyone is working on future-focused developments. We’re seeing more and more shared cars, and electric vehicles are popular. That goes for both passenger and company vehicles. There is still a great deal of potential, particularly in urban areas. With zero-emissions vehicles set to become the norm in cities like Amsterdam, what is needed are custom solutions. Such as electric pickups for landscaping companies. There’s tremendous demand for safe, sustainable vehicles – especially in urban areas. Motorists mainly want to be able to get from A to B hassle-free and not get too tied up in rules.”
What mobility technologies or innovations are you personally most interested in, and why?
“There are two technologies that fascinate me in particular. Hybrid vehicles is one. It’s great that you can now drive clean in and around town, while EV ranges are also continuing to grow. Being able to drive electric in urban areas and still have a combustion engine for longer distances really offers the best of both worlds. I’m also fascinated with driverless cars. It’s amazing, for example, to see the autonomous shuttle buses driving around at Schiphol with actual passengers on board. In Germany, driverless cars are already allowed on motorways. It’s both a personal and professional time-saver and that pays off.”
What about shared cars? Do they have a future, or are the margins too small for operators?
“There is certainly a market for shared cars, both for private and professional use. More and more new building developments are including shared mobility in their plans. Car parks are setting aside space for not only shared cars but also shared bicycles and other mobility solutions. People living in these new-build complexes often don’t have any other choice and are nudged to drive or ride electric. The expansion of shared mobility is particularly evident in Zuidas. It is a more robust and sustainable solution for organisations looking to be smarter and more efficient about their mobility.”
How is the automotive industry faring at the moment?
“This is a dynamic time. It’s no longer all about selling cars. These days, we’re being asked to deliver complete solutions, from cars to charging points to flexible, green mobility options. Meanwhile, the market is shrinking and a steady stream of new players are entering, all of which is pushing us to become more competitive and attuned to current and future needs. We’re working to set ourselves apart based on our knowledge, expertise and strong network.”
What are some automotive trends that are not making headlines yet, but that you think in the coming years will be?
“One trend that I think isn’t big yet but will be is digital mobility services. Think mobility-as-a-service, with a single card providing access to a variety of modalities, such as public transportation and bicycles. There is loads of potential for bundling an access card, platform and invoicing. Our partner Shuttle is already offering this, complete with tax solutions.”
What’s your view of the connectivity of Amsterdam and Zuidas? And of the municipality’s urban mobility plans?
“Connectivity will always be a challenge in Amsterdam and especially in Zuidas. The municipality is encouraging the use of public transport and bicycles, and its reduction of parking permits is making it tougher for car owners. But maybe this is what needs to happen to keep the city accessible. I’m taking my bike to places like the football club more often. Guaranteeing access to Zuidas Monday to Friday is paramount, and I understand why most road works are carried out at weekends. It’s essential for the many companies based here.”
What are you driving at the moment?
“Right now, I’ve got a Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. It’s ideal because I can drive fully electric but also make longer journeys when needed. The massage seats are a nice bonus. After twenty years in the industry, I think the last few years have been the most interesting because now we’re really responding to changing mobility needs. We were delighted to introduce our sixth brand, Cupra, at a prime location in the Q-Residence building. I am very proud of this.”
