Rivian: European Production in the Netherlands

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has confirmed talks with the US electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian about a specific location. It is said to be the VDL Nedcar production plant. Currently, several model series for the BMW Group, such as the BMW X1 and three Mini derivatives, are being produced there. The contracts for the Mini Countryman and BMW X1 will expire in 2023. The two model series will be produced jointly at the BMW plant in Leipzig in the future. The owner of the plant, the VDL Group - which also includes the bus manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach - would therefore have to find a new customer to continue employing the 4,500 workers at the facility in the province of Limburg.

Rivian delegation expected at the plant in December – Startup Canoo likely to miss out.

The plant in Born is not only expected to produce Rivian vehicles – the US company is also looking to completely take over VDL Nedcar. Originally, the eMobility startup Canoo planned to build its debut model from 2022 at this Dutch plant. Canoo has now informed the US Securities and Exchange Commission that "due to developments at VDL Nedcar, we currently do not expect to finalize a framework agreement or contract manufacturing agreement with VDL Nedcar."

The Canoo vehicles were supposed to be assembled on a completely new production line. If Rivian does not completely take over VDL Nedcar but only the production lines previously used by BMW, manufacturing both startups' vehicles could be conceivable. Where Canoo could alternatively establish its production is still unknown.

Until now, a production facility near Bristol in England was considered the favorite for Rivian's manufacturing site. According to reports from August, negotiations have been ongoing here since summer with the "Gravity" company campus. However, a completely new facility would have to be built there, while in the Netherlands, Rivian could take over an existing plant along with employees.