Mini will continue to build cars in the UK thanks to BMW
Words: Harrison Wade | Photos: Mini
Good news Mini fans, your favourite compact carmaker will continue to build cars in its homeland of the United Kingdom after recently receiving a big investment from BMW and the British Government.
More than £600 million ($1.27 billion) will go towards its Oxford and Swindon factories where two new models will be made, the new Cooper and Aceman crossover.
The Oxford plant is of particular interest as it’s considered to be the “manufacturing home” of Mini and recently celebrated its 110th anniversary this year.
It will begin producing internal combustion engine-powered variants of the new Mini Cooper three- and five-door from next year before the fully electric model begins production in 2026.
The factory is expected to build 200,000 cars per year in the medium term, including both ICE and electric models. From 2030, it will only produce EVs.
Until production begins in the UK, Mini will manufacture the three-door Cooper in China from later this year as part of a joint deal with Great Wall Motor.
As for the new Countryman, it will start being built at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, Germany, and will be offered with both electric and combustion engine options.
