Reuters is reporting that BMW is discussing a possible arrangement with the soon-to-be dormant NedCar plant that once built the Volvo S40 and various Mitsubishi cars.
A BMW spokesman is quoted by Reuters as saying “We’re in talks with NedCar over a third-party manufacturing contract”, though no further details were revealed. Reports in April suggested that the BMW X5, X1 and Mini Countryman were candidates for production at NedCar. The reports also seem to corroborate the idea of a third-party manufacturing contract, with VDL, a Dutch company, taking over the plant, and the government paying the salaries of workers.
VDL’s takeover is contingent on both the government paying for worker salaries, as well as a major OEM like BMW using the plant under contract. If the conditions aren’t met, then NedCar may join the long list of auto plants that are shuttered for good.