The MINI factory in Oxford celebrates the launch of the new MINI Cooper

Η 11^η March marked the start of production of the new fifth-generation MINI Cooper at the home of MINI in Oxford. MINI's Oxford plant partners met with brand boss Stefanie Wurst at a special event at which the first three-door model rolled off the production line with Charlie Cooper in the driver's seat. He is the grandson of the legendary John Cooper, whose legacy inspired the adoption of the Cooper name.

Commenting on the production launch, Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand, said: "This milestone underlines our commitment to our roots while pushing us towards a dynamic future of driving. The Oxford plant is the heart of the MINI brand and today, as we witness the start of this new chapter, we renew our commitment to excellence and the thrill of motoring."

Dr Markus Grüneisl, head of the Oxford and Swindon plants, said: "We are delighted to welcome the new MINI Cooper to our lines in both Oxford and Swindon. The new MINI Cooper is a tremendously important car for our team and the manufacturing industry in the UK. We are proud to produce this iconic car, which is loved around the world."

The new MINI Cooper is the latest generation of the model to be built in the UK, with the BMW Group's three UK production plants contributing to production: The BMW Group plant in Swindon produces the pressed body parts and individual systems, while the latest highly efficient three- and four-cylinder petrol engines are manufactured at BMW Group Hams Hall in North Warwickshire. Finally, these are assembled at the MINI plant in Oxford, where the exterior body parts are produced, painted and finally assembled.

Since the launch of the first modern MINI in 2001, over 4.4 million units have been produced in the UK - including 150,000 units of the MINI Electric built between 2019 and 2023.

With its high level of flexibility, competitiveness and expertise, the MINI plant in Oxford plays an important role in the BMW Group's production network. It is currently preparing to build two new all-electric MINI models from 2026. By then, the BMW Group will have invested a total of over £3 billion in the Swindon, Hams Hall and Oxford plants.

The new MINI Cooper, announced last month, comes as the third member of the new MINI family, following the MINI Cooper Electric and the new MINI Countryman. Available in two variants: the MINI Cooper C and the performance-enhanced MINI Cooper S. The latest three-door MINI model combines the brand's traditional values with innovative, future-oriented technology.

The exterior silhouette of the model features clean surfaces, small headlamps and a short bonnet, which, combined with the long wheelbase, ensures the typical MINI proportions. Inside, a minimalist aesthetic dominates, with the entire cockpit focusing on just three elements: the revolutionary round OLED display, the new Vescin steering wheel and the switch bar. The MINI Cooper will be priced from £22,300 (suggested retail price) with first deliveries to customers taking place in spring 2024.