VDL Nedcar will continue to build BMWs! At least parts of it…

Three years ago, BMW announced that it would stop building Minis at VDL Nedcar in Born. The Limburg factory had to look for a new customer. And he found it: BMW.

When BMW announced in 2020 that it would not continue with VDL Nedcar, concerns in Born were great. It wouldn’t be easy to find a new customer.

VDL Nedcar produces batteries

Fortunately, another deal has now been concluded with BMW. Not for the production of cars, but of battery modules. At least by 2035, VDL will create around 125,000.

New customers

However, this does not mean that the search for new customers is over. The battery deal only fills 10 percent of the production capacity in Born.

It’s not like thousands of employees are needed. Ultimately, only a few dozen will be involved in battery assembly. VDL is still in discussions with other parties.

Loss of many jobs

So far with little success, around 1,300 employees (permanent and temporary workers) will lose their jobs from November. That’s about a third of the entire workforce.

Nedcar employees have walked off work several times in recent months to enforce better dismissal regulations. 1,800 people would initially lose their jobs.

Last Mini in March 2024

Nedcar says it is negotiating with a number of other car and bus manufacturers to also make batteries for them. The last new Mini will roll off the production line in Born in March next year.