BMW investing over £600m into Oxford and Swindon factories

Today’s (September 11, 2023) development has been supported by the UK government and will secure jobs at BMW’s Oxford manufacturing plant and body-pressing facility in Swindon. To date, BMW Group has invested over £3bn on its Swindon, Hams Hall and Oxford plants since 2000.

The Oxford plant has been producing the current MINI Electric since 2019, where it is fully integrated into the production line with the conventional ICE models.

In a statement, Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand, said: “MINI has always been aware of its history – Oxford is and remains the heart of the brand. I am delighted that the two new, fully electric MINI models – the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman – are also being produced in Oxford, thereby confirming our path to a fully electric future. The continuing high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles shows the openness of the global MINI community to electromobility, which we will be able to serve optimally.”

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BMW said MINI Plant Oxford produces the MINI 3-door, the MINI 5-door as well as the MINI Clubman and the MINI Electric. From 2024 the plant will start producing the next generation MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door with combustion engines, as well as the new MINI Convertible, before they are joined by the MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman.

The factory will reach a production capacity of around 200,000 cars per year in the medium term, with ICE and battery electric vehicles initially being built on the same production line. From 2030, the Oxford Plant will only produce all-electric MINI models.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “BMW’s landmark announcement is yet another vote of confidence in UK automotive manufacturing. Not only does it secure the long-term future of the home of one of the world’s most iconic brands, it also demonstrates once again our capabilities in electric vehicle production.

“British automotive manufacturing has clear advantages – a skilled, highly productive workforce, cutting edge plants, a diverse vibrant supply chain and world-class R&D – all of which we must continue to promote in the face of fierce global competition. Investments such as this improve productivity and help deliver jobs, growth and economic benefits for the country.”

Dominic Tribe, partner and automotive sector specialist at management consultants Vendigital, added: “This is very encouraging news for the UK’s automotive sector which is undergoing a renaissance in technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities related to EV manufacturing.

“This funding will further strengthen and ringfence critical supply chain capability in the UK at a time when EV demand is growing rapidly. The success of Chinese EV makers, such as BYD and Geely in the small and midsize space is phenomenal, and UK and European OEMs must respond positively by accelerating programmes and stepping up investment in mass-market ranges at a competitive price.”