BMW Group Unveils Ambitious £600 Million Investment in MINI Production Facilities
In a groundbreaking move, BMW Group has recently disclosed a substantial investment exceeding £600 million, destined to bolster the manufacturing capabilities of the MINI factories located in Oxford and Swindon. This strategic financial infusion marks a significant stride towards the company’s aspiration to foster the creation of the forthcoming generation of electric MINIs and facilitate a pioneering trajectory towards the exclusive production of electric vehicles.
Milan Nedeljković, a distinguished member of BMW AG’s Board of Management with oversight of production, articulated, “With this new investment, we will usher in an era of transformation at the Oxford plant, enabling it to orchestrate the assembly of the forthcoming electric MINI models, ultimately setting the stage for a future marked by the exclusive manufacturing of electric automobiles.”
The Oxford facility is poised to commence production of two all-new all-electric MINI models commencing in 2026, namely the compact 3-door MINI Cooper and the versatile crossover, the MINI Aceman. The visionary plan encompasses a complete transition to exclusive electric vehicle production by 2030, marking a culmination of over £3 billion in investments made across the Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford plants since the dawn of the new millennium.
This substantial development initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of the UK Government, actively working in collaboration with BMW Group to sustain employment opportunities at the Oxford manufacturing plant and fortify the body-pressing facility in Swindon.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, enthusiastically remarked, “BMW Group’s remarkable investment exemplifies the UK’s position as the preeminent hub for crafting the vehicles of tomorrow. By firmly backing our automotive manufacturing industry, we are not only safeguarding numerous employment opportunities but also fostering widespread economic growth across our nation.”
Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, echoed these sentiments, affirming, “This monumental decision underscores the unwavering faith in the UK’s economy and is a testament to the diligent work undertaken by this Government to ensure the enduring supremacy of our world-class automotive sector. We take immense pride in our ability to support BMW Group’s investment, which, in turn, will bolster the workforce, invigorate our supply chains, and fortify the foundation of Britain’s economic prosperity.”
MINI’s journey towards full electrification is further accentuated with an innovative model lineup and an enhanced production network. Presently, the MINI Plant Oxford dutifully crafts the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door, the MINI Clubman, and the MINI Electric. From the year 2024 onward, the plant will commence production of the next generation MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door models powered by combustion engines, alongside the introduction of the new MINI Convertible.
In the imminent weeks, production of the new MINI Countryman will commence at the BMW Group plant located in Leipzig. This larger crossover model, an integral part of the MINI lineup, will be made available with both pure electric propulsion and conventional combustion engines. The manufacturing of the two next-generation all-electric models, the MINI Cooper 3-door and the Aceman, is scheduled to kick off in China. This monumental endeavor is slated to transpire at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant situated in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province—a collaborative effort between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. Exportation of these vehicles is set to commence in early 2024.
The far-reaching implications of today’s investment announcement reverberate across all principal production sectors in Oxford. As part of this transformative expansion, existing production lines will undergo further refinements. Key enhancements include an expansion of the current body shop and the establishment of a dedicated area for battery installation. Furthermore, comprehensive logistics facilities are slated for development on both the Oxford and Swindon premises.
Swindon’s plant, inaugurated in 1955 as an extension of the Oxford site, currently hosts approximately 600 associates, actively involved in three Blanking and 12 Press lines.
The BMW iFACTORY strategy, encompassing all BMW Group production sites under the banner of “Lean. Green. Digital,”
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