German automaker BMW Group is set to commence the production of its new MINI Hatch in the Netherlands starting summer 2014.
The move follows its recent start of the production at the company's MINI plant in Oxford, England in November 2013. The company will manufacture its new MINI Hatch through a contract production at a contract manufacturer VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands.
BMW purchasing and supplier network board member Klaus Draeger said that splitting production of the new MINI Hatch between Oxford and Born will give their global production network additional leeway.
"We appreciate the reliable, open and trustful cooperation with our Dutch partner, VDL Nedcar," Draeger added.
BMW is also expanding its overall production capacity as part of its global growth strategy to reach over two million vehicle sales by 2016.
BMW Group production head Harald Krüger said: "The MINI brand is showing substantial growth. This is why we need additional, external production capacity on top of the capacity of the MINI plant in Oxford which stands at about 260,000 units per year in the medium term."
The luxury carmaker plans to introduce the new MINI hatch at VDL Nedcar. Production of the MINI Hatch at this plant is expected to reach a five-digit range in 2014.
Image: BMW Group will start MINI Hatch production in the Netherlands. Photo courtesy of BMW Group.
