Benteler launches Holon brand, rebranding its autonomous electric shuttle division (with production planned for 2025)

Benteler is establishing a new brand identity under the name of Holon. The Benteler EV Systems business unit, which was spun off at the end of 2021, will change its name consequently. As Holon, the company will in future focus on the business with fully electric, autonomous movers.

At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, in January, Holon will present “the world’s first autonomous mover that meets automotive standards”, they claim. The shuttles are scheduled to go into production in the United States starting in 2025. Electrive notes that the German company has already presented a specialized platform concept for so-called ‘people movers’ last year.

Benteler becomes Holon: focus on autonomous shuttles

In the development and deployment of the autonomous mover, Holon states it has worked closely with various partners, including the renowned Italian design company Pininfarina, the mobility provider Beep, and Mobileye, an Intel company. While Mobileye is developing the self-driving system for the autonomous mover, Beep is adding technologies and services for the deployment and operating systems of a mobility service. Pininfarina designed the autonomous mover. Holon is responsible for the development and production of the mover within the cooperation.

Areas of application and thus customers are not only public transport companies, but also municipalities and private institutions such as campuses, airports, national parks, and others. Another field is last-mile delivery – a growing transport sector that has hitherto clashed with the goal of reducing traffic and local emissions in urban areas. To this end, Holon announces it is also aiming for special autonomous transport variants in the future.

To further increase the growth potential, Benteler and Holon say they “are also examining the possibility of working with other strategic partners and investors for the new company. The first pilot applications, also outside of North America, are to be announced in the coming months and will be developed from 2023 onwards“.

Holon autonomous shuttle with automotive standards

Ralf Göttel, Benteler Group CEO explains: “Mobility around the world is undergoing rapid change. Benteler is optimally prepared for this – 85% of our products are independent of the type of drive. In parallel with the traditional automotive business, innovative, digitally connected, and autonomous mobility services promise high growth in the coming years. With our engineering and manufacturing expertise, we are predestined to fill a gap in this hitherto strongly software-dominated field. By founding Holon, an independent legal entity, we can react flexibly to changing customer requirements in this dynamic market. In this way, we will make the best possible use of growth opportunities.”

Marco Kollmeier, Managing Director of Holon, emphasizes: “Autonomous movers are an essential part of tomorrow’s mobility – emission-free, comfortable, reliable and, above all, inclusive. Holon will be the first OEM for autonomous movers with the standards and scaling potential we know from the automotive industry. With our platform technology, our vehicle expertise, and our strong partner network, it’s our goal to redefine passenger transport – in both the public and private sectors.”

He adds: “To achieve this, Holon combines the best of two worlds: we combine the speed, passion and entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up with the strength, resources and expertise of an established automotive company. This is how we support our customers in implementing safe and environmentally friendly mobility solutions that accelerate their businesses.”

The term holon comes from the Greek and means “something that is both a whole and a part of a whole”. The future orientation of the brand is also reflected in the new brand’s slogan: Holon – Established Tomorrow.