Mini has recently commenced the production of the new fifth-generation Mini Cooper.
Associates at the Mini Plant Oxford recently celebrated this milestone alongside Head of Mini, Stefanie Wurst, in a special on-site event.
The first three-door model rolled off the production line, driven by none other than Charlie Cooper, grandson of the legendary John Cooper, whose legacy inspired the iconic Cooper moniker.
Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini, stated, “This milestone underscores our commitment to our roots while propelling us into a dynamic future of driving. Plant Oxford is the heart of the Mini brand, and today, as we witness the birth of this new chapter, we renew our pledge to craftsmanship and the thrill of motoring.”
Dr Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon, added, “We are delighted to welcome the new Mini Cooper to our lines in both Oxford and Swindon. The new Mini Cooper is an incredibly important car for our team and UK manufacturing. We are proud to produce this iconic car, loved all over the world.”
The new Mini Cooper represents the latest generation to be proudly built in the UK, with all three BMW Group UK manufacturing sites contributing to its production.
BMW Group Plant Swindon manufactures body pressings and sub-assemblies, while the latest highly-efficient three and four-cylinder petrol engines are built at BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire.
Finally, these components come together at Mini Plant Oxford where body shell production, paint, and final assembly take place.
Since the debut of the first modern Mini in 2001, over 4.4 million Minis have been produced in Britain, including 150,000 Mini Electric models manufactured between 2019 and 2023.
The Mini Oxford plant plays a crucial role in the BMW Group’s production network and is known for its high level of flexibility, competitiveness, and expertise.
The plant is currently gearing up to manufacture two new all-electric Mini models starting in 2026. By then, the BMW Group will have invested a total of more than 3 billion GBP in the Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford plants.
Announced last month, the new Mini Cooper joins the Mini Cooper Electric and the new Mini Countryman as the third member of the new Mini family.
Available in two model variants: the Mini Cooper C and the performance-enhanced Mini Cooper S, the latest three-door model merges traditional brand values with innovative, future-oriented technology.
Featuring a silhouette with clear surfaces, short overhangs, and a short bonnet, combined with a contrasting long wheelbase, the new Mini Cooper embodies the typical Mini proportions.
Inside, the interior is characterized by Minimalism, with the entire cockpit focused on just three elements: a revolutionary circular OLED display, the new Vescin steering wheel, and the toggle bar.
First United Kingdom customer deliveries are scheduled for spring 2024, with international orders soon to follow.
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