Launched in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini revolutionised the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968, before moving to Longbridge, near Birmingham, where it continued to be built until October 2000. Between 1959 and 2000 more than 5.3-million classic Minis were built.
Since the brand’s rebirth in 2001 under BMW ownership, sales around the world have gone from strength to strength. in 2018 nearly 400 000 Minis were sold in 110 countries across the globe.
Three UK plants have a part to play in Minis production today – Hams Hall near Birmingham makes engines, Swindon produces the body pressings and sub- assemblies for Mini, and this all comes together at the Oxford manufacturing plant with body shell production, paint and final assembly.
Models built at the Oxford plant in England today include the three and five door Mini Hatch and Mini Clubman. Around 80% of Minis built in Oxford are exported. The Convertible and Countryman models are built in The Netherlands.