Dutch Remen – Building Awareness for Automatic Transmissions in Automotive Recycling

Automatic transmissions are a high-value but misunderstood element in automotive recycling. Thierry van Vierssen, Owner of Dutch Remen and Dutch Rebuilt, highlights the technical complexity, frequent misdiagnosis, shrinking pool of specialists, and lack of strategic attention from major dismantlers and investors, urging companies to recognise transmissions as a crucial link between sustainability, profitability, and future overall market resilience.

Automatic transmissions are highly sophisticated products. Correct installation and diagnosis require specialist knowledge. In practice, however, incorrect diagnoses or improper installation often occur. This means a technically sound transmission may be perceived as defective and returned under warranty. The result is unnecessary costs, higher risks, and rising prices, despite the product’s underlying reliability.

In recent years, I have engaged with decision-makers at larger companies and investment firms. Yet, the topic of automatic transmissions is often treated as secondary. Inquiries are referred to sales directors, who frequently lack the technical expertise or strategic perspective to strengthen the position of transmissions in the market. This absence of vision continues to limit growth and scalability.

Meanwhile, the number of specialist rebuilders is declining. The shortage of qualified personnel is structural, and those who are well-trained often start their own workshops, creating new competition for the very companies that invested in their training. At the same time, rising work pressure, demanding customers, and the risk of legal claims push companies toward quick fixes, even when the customer is not justified.

Dutch Remen specializes in the trade of used automatic transmissions throughout Europe. It is a growing market, yet complex and challenging. The primary challenge lies in raising awareness and acceptance among larger dismantling companies and investment groups.

Dutch Remen & Dutch Rebuilt

Dutch Remen is the purchasing cooperative of Dutch Rebuilt, a sales organization that unites specialists in automatic transmissions. This network continues to grow. Where skepticism once dominated, used transmissions are now increasingly recognized as a reliable and cost-effective alternative, especially for vehicles of lower economic value.

Regional differences highlight the opportunity. In Southern Europe, the shortage of qualified repair shops results in long waiting times. In Western Europe, high-performing companies are stretched thin, while others lacking the required expertise struggle to service modern vehicles. Investment in knowledge remains crucial to meet demand.

A Call for Strategic Engagement

I seek to engage investment firms and the leadership of large dismantling companies across Europe. The challenges surrounding automatic transmissions must be addressed in a structural way. Early action will secure a strategic advantage; delayed engagement risks falling behind. The expertise and experience to manage this process already exist; what is lacking is vision at the top level.

I therefore call on companies and investors: connect with me to explore how automatic transmissions can be better positioned within the market. This is a valuable product which, when managed by the right specialists with the right knowledge, carries minimal risk and offers significant opportunity for growth.

Visit dutchrebuilt.com to get in touch.