Netherlands-based finished and semi-finished goods manufacturer VDL has signed a deal to take over Mitsubishi's western European plant, NedCar, and start production of MINI vehicles.
VDL said the takeover will enable the company to further strengthen its position in the international automotive market.
According to the company, the production of MINI vehicles is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2014 when the new MINI will be launched.
In February 2012, the Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi said it was planning to stop its automobile production in Europe by the end of 2012 due to difficult operating environment.
The Dutch company said all of the 1,500 workers at the NedCar facility will continue to be employed but may be detached to other VDL facilities.
VDL will become an independent car manufacturer for third parties under the name VDL Nedcar from 1 January 2013.
The first customer for VDL Nedcar will be the BMW Group, the company said.
