Deprecated: Function jetpack_form_register_pattern is deprecated since version jetpack-13.4! Use Automattic\Jetpack\Forms\ContactForm\Util::register_pattern instead. in /usr/www/users/thrasos/athens-times.com_new/wordpress/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6031
MINI factory in Oxford celebrates the start of production of the new MINI Cooper - Athens Times

Athens Times

MINI factory in Oxford celebrates the start of production of the new MINI Cooper

—

in

March 11 marked the start of production of the new fifth generation MINI Cooper at her home, Oxford. MINI plant partners at Oxford met with brand head, Stephanie Wurst, at a special event, during which the first three-door model came out of the production line with Charlie Cooper in the driver’s seat. It is the grandson of legendary John Cooper, whose legacy inspired the adoption of the Cooper name. Commenting on the start of production, Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand, said: “This milestone highlights our commitment to our roots, while pushing us into a dynamic future of driving. The Oxford factory is the heart of the MINI brand and today, as we witness the beginning of this new chapter, we renew our commitment to the masterpiece and thrill of motorism.” Dr. Markus Grüneisl, head of factories in Oxford and Swindon, said: “We are pleased to welcome the new MINI Cooper on our lines in both Oxford and Swindon. The new MINI Cooper is a tremendously important car for our team and manufacturing industry in the UK. We are proud to produce this iconic car, which was loved around the world.” The new MINI Cooper is the last generation of the model manufactured in the United Kingdom, with the BMW Group’s three production plants in the United Kingdom contributing to production: The BMW Group factory in Swindon produces the body parts and individual systems, while the last highly efficient three-cylinder and four-cylinder gasoline engines are built at BMW Group Hams Hall in North Warwickshire. Finally, they are joined at the MINI factory in Oxford, where the production of the outer parts of the bodywork is carried out, dyeing and final assembly. Since the first modern MINI was launched in 2001, over 4.4 million copies of it have been produced in Great Britain – including 150,000 units of MINI Electric built between 2019 and 2023. With its high level of flexibility, competitiveness and know-how, the MINI plant in Oxford plays an important role in the BMW Group’s production network. It is currently preparing for the construction of two new pure electric MINI models from 2026. By then the BMW Group will have invested a total of over £3 billion in the factories of Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford. The new MINI Cooper, announced last month, comes as the third member of the new MINI family, after MINI Cooper Electric and the new MINI Countryman. Available in two variants: MINI Cooper C and MINI enhanced performance Cooper S. MINI’s latest three-door model combines the brand’s traditional values with its innovative, future-oriented technology. The outer silhouette of the model has clean surfaces, small projectors and short caps, which in combination with the long wheelbase, ensures the standard MINI ratios. Inside, a minimalist aesthetic dominates, with the whole cockpit focusing on only three elements: the revolutionary round OLED screen, the new Vescin steering wheel and the switchbar. The price of MINI Cooper will start at £22,300 (proposed retail price) with the first deliveries to customers taking place in the spring of 2024.