BMW invests millions
Mini manufactures new E models in Oxford
September 11, 2023, 11:24 a.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Recently things haven’t looked good for the mini plant in Oxford. Now there is hope again: BMW is investing several million pounds in its production of electric cars in Great Britain.
BMW is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in its mini factory in Great Britain and will produce two new electric models there in the future. The three-door Cooper and the compact SUV Aceman will roll off the production line in Oxford from 2026, according to British government circles.
A third electric model, the Countryman, is produced in Leipzig. The Munich-based group’s investment of 600 million pounds, the equivalent of around 500 million euros, is “another shining example that Great Britain is the best place to build the cars of the future,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
BMW is benefiting from government subsidies in London worth an estimated 75 million pounds, according to British media reports. “By supporting our automotive industry, we are supporting thousands of jobs and growing our economy across the country,” Sunak said. According to government figures, 4,000 “high-quality” jobs will be retained at the Oxford site thanks to the investments.
The first generation of battery-electric cars from the Mini brand launched in 2019. All new Minis should be electric by 2030.
Mini had originally indicated that it wanted to relocate almost all of the production of its electric models to China and only manufacture combustion engines in Oxford. This was seen as a serious blow for the already troubled automotive industry in Great Britain. With significant incentives, the British government has since managed to land several projects.
In July, the Indian Tata Group, which also owns Jaguar Land Rover, announced the construction of a “Gigafactory” for batteries in southern England. London is reportedly supporting the investment with several hundred million pounds.