As MINI enthusiasts in the UK await the arrival of several new MINI models slated for production over the next 36 months, they can rejoice over the fact that the manufacturing will take place in Great Britain.
Production of the Coupe, Roadster and the all-new 2013 MINI Cooper will come from the Cowley factory in Oxford, thanks to a $500 million pound investment from parent company BMW. The deal is believed to create 5,000 new jobs in Oxford, a welcomed boost to British manufacturing which has been steadily gaining strength since hitting a low point during the recession two years ago.
“We have started preparing our UK plants for production of the next-generation MINI, and this investment underlines that the UK will remain the heart of MINI production,” notes BMW chief executive Norbert Reithofer. “The MINI brand has made a significant contribution to BMW Group’s success in markets around the world and we anticipate that this will grow further in the future.”
The manufacturing ramp up comes at a time of increased global demand for MINI vehicles. Sales in MINI’s largest market – the United States - are expected to rise by 40%. Projected sales amongst Chinese consumers have increased by over 5,000 units, representing MINI’s fastest-growing market.
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