Donkervoort’s EX-CORE carbon-fibre technology wins European Innovation Grant
50 out of 2,300 nominees
20
What Happened
Donkervoort Automobielen B.V., a Dutch manufacturer of high-tech lightweight sports cars, has been awarded a European Innovation Grant for its in-house developed EX-CORE carbon-fibre technology. The single-shot production method creates immensely strong and incredibly lightweight carbon components, and was selected as one of 50 projects from over 2,300 nominees for the Horizon 2020 programme in High-Tech Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.
50 out of 2,300
EX-CORE was one of 50 projects selected from over 2,300 nominees across Europe for the Horizon 2020 innovation grant.
Donkervoort will use the funding to further develop EX-CORE and launch it on the international automotive market. The scale-up has also created demand for 20 new employees, particularly in composites. The company, which has sold approximately 1,700 cars, continues to innovate with its patented technology already proven in the D8 GTO series.
Why this matters
The grant supports Donkervoort’s scale-up and market launch of EX-CORE, a technology that reduces weight—a critical factor for meeting stricter emission standards and improving vehicle performance.
Terms in This Story
- Carbon fibre
- A strong, lightweight material made from carbon atoms bonded in crystals, used in automotive and aerospace for weight reduction.
- EX-CORE
- Donkervoort's patented single-shot carbon-fibre production technology that creates lightweight, strong components.
- Horizon 2020
- EU research and innovation programme that funds high-tech scale-ups and innovative projects.
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