VDL Nedcar smells opportunities for ‘leading role’ in EV transition
At VDL Nedcar’s factory in Born, Limburg, more than five million models from DAF, Volvo, Smart, Mitsubishi, BMW and MINI have rolled off the assembly line since the late 1960s. VDL Nedcar is known as modern, high quality and advanced, which helped to bring in BMW Group as a major client.
Since 2014, the MINI 3-door, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman have been built in Born, while between 2017 and 2022, the BMW X1 also rolled out of the factory gates. Production of the 999 units of the electric MINI Cabrio will start in April 2023, further specializing VDL Nedcar in the production of electric passenger cars. Incidentally, it will be the last trick commissioned by BMW Group, as its contract with the German auto group ends in 2024.
Focus on sustainable mobility
Even before series production of the electric MINI Convertible has begun, VDL Nedcar is already letting it know that it is busily preparing for the future in which electric vehicles will play a dominant role. The company is changing to “a broad partner in sustainable mobility” and smells opportunities to become a “leading player” in the EV transition.
VDL Nedcar’s future activities will focus on three pillars, starting with the production of electric vehicles for various clients (simultaneously). Constructive talks are already underway with interested parties, including the German company ElectricBrands, which wants to transfer production of the electric Evetta and XBUS to VDL.
There is also an important role for VDL Nedcar’s Mobility Innovation Centre (MIC). The MIC plans to produce battery packs for various car and bus manufacturers. To this end, work is now underway on a “prototype production line” for the assembly of heavy and complex battery packs, a project involving 28 industry partners.
The third pillar is facilitating the growth of several sister companies, which, like VDL Nedcar, are part of the umbrella VDL Groep and have outgrown their current location. More will be announced by VDL Nedcar at a later date.
Solid future?
To make VDL Nedcar ready for the future and ensure long-term employment, major modifications are necessary for the plant and surrounding infrastructure. It involves investments of hundreds of millions of euros. For all three pillars, the first steps have already been taken. Land has also already been purchased in recent times and permit processes have been completed to accommodate new activities at VDL Nedcar.
The completion of the contract with BMW Group and the start-up of other activities will be accompanied by fluctuations and turmoil in the workforce, as we have seen before with changes of principals at VDL Nedcar. However, the company is convinced that the choices being made now will eventually lead to more jobs. VDL Nedcar ends its press release with a clear message: “VDL Nedcar will continue to exist.”
