Vught entrepreneur pushes for shared electric cars to ease business costs and traffic
A local Vught entrepreneur proposes a shared electric vehicle hub to make sustainable driving affordable for businesses and reduce traffic congestion. The plan could lower costs for SMEs while supporting the municipality’s climate goals.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | Samir Bousetta, owner of Merkservice Vught |
| Business Location | De Schakel 1, Vught |
| Proposal | Shared mobility hub for electric vehicles |
| Target Group | Local businesses and residents |
| Municipal Support | Alderman Mark du Maine, Business Contact Officer John van Gemert |
| Current Charging Points | Vught already has a good supply of public charging infrastructure |
| Future Plans | Potential expansion linked to new industrial estate development |
The municipality of Vught plays a key role in facilitating local business innovation and sustainability initiatives. It supports entrepreneurs by providing infrastructure, such as charging points, and exploring policy measures to reduce traffic and emissions.
Happy with Openrijk?
Then support us with a small contribution
Read the full translated article below
Making electric driving accessible for businesses in the Vught region
How can electric driving become more accessible for more people and businesses in Vught? Entrepreneur Samir Bousetta of Merkservice Vught has clear ideas about this. During a work visit, he enthusiastically shared his plans with Alderman Mark du Maine.
In the workshop of Merkservice Vught, five cars are simultaneously on the lift. Mechanics come and go, phones ring, and keys change hands. On an average day, twenty to twenty-five cars arrive here for maintenance, an MOT test, a tyre change, or a minor repair. This is the daily reality of an auto company that has been a familiar address for many Vught residents for years. But owner Samir Bousetta is already looking beyond the car that needs to leave today.
He welcomes Alderman Mark du Maine and business contact officer John van Gemert with visible pride at his company on De Schakel 1. During the tour, he explains how he started working on cars at the age of seventeen, worked his way up from mechanic to workshop manager, and took over the business in 2020 with his partner René. Over the years, he has seen the profession change significantly. “Nowadays, you just get driving computers coming in,” he says. “Electric vehicles require different knowledge, different tools, and investments in software. As a company, you need to keep up with that.”
Building for the future
Merkservice Vught is doing just that. Samir is strategically investing in training for his employees and is still actively involved in the workshop himself. Not just out of commitment, but also out of necessity. Finding good staff remains difficult. “Because I’m constantly putting out fires myself, it’s hard to move away from ad hoc work. While I also want to build for the long term.”
And that’s exactly where his ambition lies. Samir wants to make electric driving more accessible for Vught and Vught-based businesses. Not just through sales or maintenance, but with a shared mobility concept: a place where electric vehicles can be rented or shared. “Buying an electric car isn’t feasible for everyone,” he says. “Let alone an entire fleet for an SME. While many vehicles are stationary for most of the day. That can be done smarter.”
Making electric driving accessible
According to him, such a concept can deliver benefits on multiple fronts. It makes electric driving more accessible, helps entrepreneurs move forward, and can also reduce pressure on streets and parking spaces. Fewer stationary cars mean less congested streets and lower emissions. However, space, charging points, and the right support are needed for the next step. His current location offers little room for this.
Alderman Mark du Maine calls the plan interesting. “As a municipality, we are also considering how we can reduce traffic pressure on the roads. A shared mobility concept like this can contribute to that goal.” He also points out that Vught already has a good supply of public charging points and that plans for a new industrial estate could offer opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to expand.
Business contact officer John van Gemert also sees the value in this. “During a work visit, you not only hear how a company operates, but also what challenges entrepreneurs face and where opportunities lie. By working together and joining forces, entrepreneurs can achieve more and stand stronger.”
A familiar foundation, new ambition
Today, the workshop is focused on maintenance, service, and repairs. But in Samir’s mind, he’s already thinking about tomorrow. Merkservice Vught will remain the familiar address for individuals and businesses. His plan for a hub with shared electric cars is something he sees as a separate business venture, in a location where there’s enough space to set it up properly. That’s why he values the work visit from the alderman and business contact officer. “We know the technology, we know the practical side, and we see where things are heading,” he says. “Thanks to today’s tips, I have a better idea of how to move my plan forward.”