EV production in the UK received a boost today (Monday 11 September) following BMW’s announcement that MINI’s manufacturing base in Oxford and body pressing plant in Swindon will receive a £600 million investment to enable the next wave of electric Minis to be built in Britain.

The EV MINI Cooper and the MINI Aceman will be built at Oxford from 2026. Production will be all-EV by 2030. Production on these models will begin in China, with exports set to will begin early next year.

The Oxford plant has been producing the current MINI Electric since 2019, alongside ICE models. Output from MINI Plant Oxford currently includes the MINI 3-door, 5-door the MINI Clubman and the MINI Electric.

Commenting on the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “BMW Group’s investment is another shining example of how the UK is the best place to build cars of the future. By backing our car manufacturing industry, we are securing thousands of jobs and growing our economy right across the country.”

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “This decision is a big vote of confidence in the UK economy and the work of this Government to ensure the continued strength of our world-leading automotive sector. We are proud to be able to support BMW Group’s investment, which will secure high-quality jobs, strengthen our supply chains, and boost Britain’s economic growth”.
Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for production, said: “With this new investment we will develop the Oxford plant for production of the new generation of electric MINIs and set the path for purely electric car manufacturing in the future.”

Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand, observed: “MINI has always been aware of its history – Oxford is and remains the heart of the brand. I am delighted that the two new, fully electric MINI models – the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman – are also being produced in Oxford, thereby confirming our path to a fully electric future. The continuing high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles shows the openness of the global MINI community to electromobility, which we will be able to serve optimally in the future, also thanks to Oxford.”

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes added: “BMW’s landmark announcement is yet another vote of confidence in UK automotive manufacturing. Not only does it secure the long-term future of the home of one of the world’s most iconic brands, it also demonstrates once again our capabilities in electric vehicle production. British automotive manufacturing has clear advantages – a skilled, highly productive workforce, cutting edge plants, a diverse vibrant supply chain and world-class R&D – all of which we must continue to promote in the face of fierce global competition. Investments such as this improve productivity and help deliver jobs, growth and economic benefits for the country.”