In a significant development today, the UK government has extended its support to BMW, ensuring job security at the company’s Oxford manufacturing plant and Swindon body-pressing facility. BMW Group has already invested over £3 billion in its Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford plants since the year 2000.
The Oxford plant has been in production of the current MINI Electric model since 2019, seamlessly integrated into the production line alongside conventional ICE models.
Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand, stated, “MINI has always revered its history, with Oxford at the core of the brand. I am thrilled to announce that the two new fully electric MINI models, the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman, will also be manufactured in Oxford. This solidifies our commitment to an all-electric future, backed by the sustained global demand for our emissions-free vehicles.”
BMW confirmed that the MINI Plant Oxford currently manufactures MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door, MINI Clubman, and MINI Electric models. Starting in 2024, the plant will begin producing the next-generation MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door with combustion engines, along with the new MINI Convertible. These will soon be joined by the MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman models.
Over the medium term, the factory aims to achieve a production capacity of approximately 200,000 cars annually, with both ICE and battery electric vehicles rolling off the same assembly line. By 2030, the Oxford Plant will exclusively produce all-electric MINI models.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented on the announcement, stating, “BMW’s landmark decision is another vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive manufacturing. It secures the future of one of the world’s most iconic brands’ home while showcasing our electric vehicle production capabilities.”
Dominic Tribe, partner and automotive sector specialist at management consultants Vendigital, expressed optimism about the UK’s automotive sector, emphasizing the importance of this funding in bolstering the country’s supply chain capabilities and responding to the growing demand for electric vehicles in the global market.