History

Since the founding in 1968, VDL Nedcar produced close to six million vehicles for several renowned brands such as DAF, Volvo, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and BMW Group. 

Timeline 

1968The history of VDL Nedcar dates back to the 1960s, when the Dutch company DAF started producing passenger cars in Born (Limburg) in the southern Netherlands.

1975Participation by Volvo Car Corporation meant that in 1975, DAF Car BV became Volvo Car BV. Between then and 2004, a series of Volvo models were manufactured in Born.

1992In 1992, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation became joint owner, and the name of the company was changed to NedCar. The result was a unique production facility where multiple car marques and models were built simultaneously, on a single production line.

2001This period was followed by a collaborative venture between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and DaimlerChrysler. In 2001, Volvo sold its interests and Mitsubishi Motors became 100% owner of NedCar. In 2004, this resulted in a new car concept: the new Mitsubishi Colt and DaimlerChrysler’s Smart Forfour were jointly produced on our production line. More than two years after starting production, DaimlerChrysler decided to halt production of the Smart Forfour.

2006From July 2006 onwards, NedCar manufactured the Colt (5-doors) and the Colt (3-doors) on behalf of Mitsubishi, and from August 2008, Nedcar was also responsible for producing the Mitsubishi Outlander. At the start of February 2012, Mitsubishi announced its intention to halt production in Born at the end of 2012. On 16 December of that year, VDL Groep acquired the shares from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

2013On 1 January 2013, the company changed its name to VDL Nedcar. Following the complete redevelopment of our factory, production of the MINI Hatch on behalf of BMW was started in July 2014. This was followed in 2015 by the production of the MINI Convertible, in 2016 the MINI Countryman – of which model we also manufacture the PHEV variant – and since 2017 the BMW X1 has also been manufactured in Born.

201850 years of VDL Nedcar
In 2018 we celebrated 50 years of car production in Born.
Such a goal can only be achieved through close cooperation. We proudly look back on 50 years of successful vehicle manufacturing.