BMW has announced a significant investment of £600 million in its Mini factory in Oxford and body pressing plant in Swindon. This investment will enable Mini to build its new Cooper electric hatch and Aceman crossover in the UK from 2026. The move comes as reassurance for Mini’s 4000 UK workers, who are expected to retain their jobs as the plants transition to building the brand’s new electric vehicles (EVs).
The decision to invest in the Oxford plant confirms previous reports that EV production would return to the facility after the exit of the current-generation Electric hatch. In addition to building EVs, Oxford will also continue to produce petrol-engined versions of the new Cooper until 2030, when it will switch to 100% EV production. Mini aims for the plant to reach an output of 200,000 cars annually in the “medium term,” although it has not specified how many EVs it expects to build there from 2030.
The Mini Cooper electric hatch and Aceman crossover will also be built in China for the local market and global markets until Oxford starts EV production in 2026. The investment from BMW is partially supported by the UK government, although the extent of this support has not been confirmed. The funds will primarily be used to extend the body shop, construct a new area for battery installation, and develop new logistics facilities in Oxford and Swindon.
The announcement has been hailed as “a big vote of confidence in the UK economy and the work of this government to ensure the continued strength of our world-beating automotive sector” by business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch. She added that the investment will secure high-quality jobs, strengthen supply chains, and boost Britain’s economic growth.
While no battery supplier has been named for the Oxford-built EVs, BMW Group already works with Samsung and CATL. CATL is currently building a battery factory in Germany, indicating a potential partnership for the Mini EVs.
The Oxford plant, also known as Cowley, has a rich history in the UK automotive industry. It pioneered mass production in the country with the Morris ‘Bullnose’ saloon before World War I and was home to Morris Minor production for over two decades. The plant began producing the BMW Group’s first Mini in 2000 and started building the electric version of the current hatch 19 years later. Last year, the electric Mini accounted for a quarter of the plant’s output, making it the UK’s largest producer of EVs.
Mini boss Stefanie Wurst emphasized the brand’s strong heritage and its commitment to modernization and a sustainable future. She expressed hope that the UK would feel the brand’s dedication to its roots and the importance of the Oxford plant. Wurst also highlighted the global demand for Mini’s emission-free vehicles and the company’s ability to serve this demand optimally in the future, thanks to the investment in Oxford.
The larger new Countryman SUV, available with electric and petrol power, will be exclusively built in Leipzig, Germany, sharing a production line with its BMW X1 sibling.
In conclusion, BMW’s £600 million investment in its Mini factory in Oxford and body pressing plant in Swindon is a significant step towards electrification for the brand. The investment will secure jobs, strengthen supply chains, and boost the UK economy. With the production of the new Cooper electric hatch and Aceman crossover, Mini aims to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles while maintaining its strong heritage and commitment to sustainability.