Dutch Trade Associations Prepared To Merge

BUNNIK, Netherlands (November 13) - Dutch two-wheeler trade associations Bovag and NCBRM have finally reached an agreement to merge per January 1, 2003. The existence of NCBRM had become a relict of the traditional social structure in the Netherlands which was split up in confessional and non-religious groups who had their own schools, hospitals, economic blocks, radio and TV stations, shops and even two-wheeler associations. NCBRM, the protestant-christian two-wheeler association was no longer viable as a complete organization with its 650 members left. (Once it has been the biggest of five similar organizations). Its partner-to-be Bovag is much bigger (stemming from the non-confessional car dealers’ association) and has absorbed all other two-wheeler associations, the last of which joined Bovag more than 20 years ago. NCBRM has existed for more than 50 years, and has stipulated that ‘the outspoken Christian identity of its members’ will be guaranteed within Bovag.’(OB)