Can Mini bring the spark back to Birthish’s auto industry? A landmark deal to produce a new generation of electric cars expected to secure thousands of jobs in the UK after 2023
Can Mini bring the spark back to Birthish’s auto industry? A landmark deal to produce a new generation of electric cars expected to secure thousands of jobs in the UK after 2023
The future of Mini manufacturing in Britain will be saved with a groundbreaking agreement to build a new generation of electric cars, securing thousands of jobs beyond 2030.
Parent company BMW is expected to make the announcement within weeks, ending months of uncertainty over the fate of the Oxford factory.
It will be hailed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a vote of confidence in the British car sector. Any renewal of the Cowley plant, which employs 2,000 workers, to produce next-generation electric cars is likely to cost hundreds of millions. It is also likely to receive substantial subsidies from taxpayers.
The electric Cooper hatchback is currently produced in China in a joint venture with automaker Great Wall, while the Countryman is built at parent company BMW’s ‘green’ factory in Leipzig, Germany – making it the first German-made Mini.
BMW makes about 40,000 electric Minis in Oxford every year, but production will end this year. Now the bosses have hinted a deal is close to secure production there beyond 2030.
The future of Mini manufacturing in Britain will be saved with a groundbreaking agreement to build a new generation of electric cars, securing thousands of jobs beyond 2030. Pictured: The new all-electric Mini Cooper, which made its debut on the eve of the German International Motor Show IAA in Munich
Parent company BMW is expected to make the announcement within weeks, ending months of uncertainty over the fate of the Oxford factory. Pictured: The interior of the new all-electric Mini Cooper
The electric Cooper hatchback is currently being produced in China in a joint venture with automaker Great Wall, while the Countryman is being built at parent company BMW’s ‘green’ factory in Leipzig, Germany – making it the first German-made Mini (stock photo)
The matter is so important to BMW that it is clear CEO Oliver Zipse will make the announcement, possibly in Oxford, along with Mr Sunak.
At the launch of two new all-electric Minis in Munich, BMW’s Stefanie Wurst said the cars, like Rolls-Royces, “must be built in Britain”.
Speaking to the Mail, she added: ‘Mini is considered your baby in Britain. Oxford is the heart and soul of our brand.
“It feels like you’ve handed your child over to someone else. We’ll take care of it. Mini is special to Great Britain. It’s precious.’
BMW makes about 40,000 electric Minis in Oxford every year, but production will end this year. Pictured: Alec Issigonis, creator of the Mini Cooper
At the launch of two new all-electric Minis in Munich, BMW’s Stefanie Wurst said the cars, like Rolls-Royces, “must be built in Britain”. Pictured: View of the BMW Mini factory in Oxford
The new all-electric Mini Cooper (pictured) and the new expanded Mini Countryman were unveiled on the eve of the German International Motor Show in Munich
Available in two options, E and SE, the EV Mini Cooper costs from £30,000 and has a range of up to 400 miles
The new all-electric Mini Cooper and the new expanded Mini Countryman were unveiled ahead of the German International Motor Show in Munich.
It is believed that these two vehicles will be built in Oxford.
Available in two options, E and SE, the EV Mini Cooper costs from £30,000 and has a range of up to 400 miles.
The new electric Mini Countryman SUV, priced from £41,500, has a range of 467 miles. It will be on sale from February.