AUTHOR Robert Gillespie

Behold The Dutch Mini

The small and very British economy car known as the MINI is set to expand its production as the iconic car is well sought after. The once Austin Seven and Morris Mini looked to have made its last mark on the world, first starting production in 1959 it eventually looked like its time was running out in 2000 which confusingly it was, the last Mini as we know it left the factor, a red Cooper Sport. Thankfully this wasn’t the end however, BMW took over and brought the Mini to new heights.

The new BMW Mini or Mini Hatch as it’s known kept the same design, a three door hatchback with the same look and features as the original mini, although technically unrelated to the old car some people still regards it as your standard old Mini.

BMW have taken the mini to new heights as its hit the commercial mainstream and to combat that they have needed to increase production. BMW have announced that the new Mini will be built in Holland, the famous British car will now be built in Holland. As we let that sink in BMW have reinsured us that the plant in Oxford will still remain at the heart of Mini production, they claim that the reason for the move was to acquire extra space to meet strong demand.

Behold the Dutch Mini! VDL Nedcar is an automotive manufacturing company previously owned by Mitsubishi and Volvo. They have been at the heart of automobile production in the Netherlands since 1967 but have only ever dealt with Volvos, DAFs, Mitisubishi, Smarts and Citroens.

Not only will it move to Holland the production of the Mini will also be split between BMW and their Dutch partner VDL Nedcar. Let’s just cross our fingers and hope that they don’t change the Mini too much, the British touch is what so many people love about the car, hope BMW realise that!

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.

Robert Gillespie

Traveller