5-Door MINI Starts Production

Cowley, UK production is underway


The 5-Door mini doesn't go on sale until October 2014, but it is starting to roll down the Cowley production line. It is seen as becoming a bigger seller than the 3-door hatch model. I have always liked the MINI but the lack of rear portals was a put off. Now it has them it is the sort of car that would appeal. The Clubman was stylish but not well packaged

Renault/Nissan Daimler

An existing plant in the same area as the new one

One cooperation deal that has flown under the radar for me is this one. Since 2010, Renault Nissan and Daimler Benz have been working together in various ways, especially with smaller cars. Now they will share a plant in Mexico, building compact vehicles about 500 km above Mexico City at Aguascalientes.

This makes sense as smaller vehicles are