The story of Tradekar

Your partner on the road for over 40 years

The story of Tradekar

If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious to find out what Tradekar has been up to over the past few years. We’d love to take you on a brief journey through time. Because behind the innovative leisure products you see on the road or at campsites today lies a rich story of development, entrepreneurship and the culture of us as a family business.

Back to where it all began

1983: the beginnings and founding of the family business

Our journey began in the early 1980s, when Tradekar was founded by Mr Van de Kar Sr. In the early years, the focus was entirely on the trade and sale of automotive aftermarket and caravan-related products. As an ambitious sales organisation, we laid the foundations for the Tradekar DNA: short lines of communication, a strong sense of commitment and a long-term perspective.

Early 1990s: Pro-User Electronics comes to the Netherlands

The history of Pro-User Electronics in the Netherlands dates back to the early 1990s, when the company focused solely on reliable battery chargers. Since then, the market has continued to evolve. These days, campers and travellers increasingly want to be able to go ‘off-grid’ and generate their own electricity wherever they are. To meet this modern need, we officially acquired Pro-User Electronics in 2021. In doing so, we have continued to expand the range from back then to meet today’s needs.

2000: Pro-User bike carriers

Development of the bike carriers under this brand began in this year. The first bike carrier was launched in 2001. It was a huge success! This was followed by a complete range of bike carriers, several of which have been named ‘Best Buy’ for a number of years.

2005: Enduro Technology Europe

We discovered that our passion lies in making leisure time more comfortable. In 2005, the idea emerged that caravan manoeuvring systems should be accessible and affordable to everyone. Tradekar began developing Enduro Technology, which led to the official market launch of Enduro’s first manoeuvring systems in 2007.

2013: Acquisition of Spinder

Following Spinder’s bankruptcy, Tradekar acquired the Dutch brand and its product range in order to strengthen its market position within the leisure sector. This strategic move enabled Tradekar to expand its portfolio significantly, and over the years the brand has established itself as one of the leading brands in the field of bike carriers.

2014: Cover It

A brand that offers protective covers for your roof box, roof bike carriers and bags for storing your tent mat and awning. These bags are made from durable material, are waterproof and UV-resistant, and are easy to use.

2024: Travel Vision under the Tradekar umbrella

Although Travel Vision had been in existence since 2012, it was acquired by Tradekar House of Leisure Brands in 2024. By acquiring this brand, we are further enhancing our commitment to providing carefree and comfortable holidays. Each of our brands has its own target audience, but they also complement one another seamlessly and, together, offer a comprehensive solution for travellers who wish to be independent on the road.

House of Leisure Brands

Today, the second generation of the Van de Kar family is at the helm. From our head office in Culemborg, we manage a fully-fledged House of Leisure Brands, supported by strategic partners to distribute our brands throughout Europe.

Our brands: each with its own DNA

All these brands combine to form a comprehensive and complementary portfolio. Each brand excels in its own leisure category, but they all share the same promise: top quality, good value for money, maximum ease of use, and all thoroughly tested.

Our foundation since 1983

As you travel through our time capsule, you’ll see that our products change, but our core values remain the same. These values are Tradekar’s guiding principles:

Working together as a united team: we are loyal, reliable, open and honest. We enjoy working in harmony with one another to achieve the results needed.
Focused and persevere: we listen to what the market needs and take real action on it. This enables us to produce and supply distinctive and relevant products.
Comprehensive: we offer a wide range of products so that you can enjoy your free time without a care in the world.
Safety: we leave nothing to chance. All our products are tested before they are launched on the market and comply with European safety standards such as CE, E, TÜV and GS.
Nature: enjoy nature worry-free. Step by step, we are making our products more sustainable.

Moving into the future together

Tradekar has been travelling with you for over 40 years. Thanks to our rich history and our sharp focus on the leisure market, we look to the future with great enthusiasm. We continue to innovate, test and develop, so that you can continue to enjoy your leisure time on the road and at the campsite to the full.

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