The investment in building Mini Aceman and Cooper electric vehicles in Oxford is seen as a significant show of confidence in the UK economy by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. She stated that the government’s efforts to support the automotive sector have been successful, resulting in high-quality jobs, stronger supply chains, and economic growth for Britain. The battery supplier for the Oxford-built EVs has not yet been announced, but BMW Group currently collaborates with Samsung and CATL, the latter of which is constructing a battery factory in Germany.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the plant, known as Cowley, which played a pivotal role in introducing mass production to the UK with the Morris ‘Bullnose’ saloon before World War I. Cowley was also the home of Morris Minor production for over two decades. Since 2000, the plant has been manufacturing BMW Group’s Mini models, including the electric version of the current hatch introduced 19 years later. In fact, electric Mini production constituted a significant proportion of the plant’s output last year, making it the largest EV producer in the UK. The facility currently employs around 3,400 individuals.

Stefanie Wurst, the head of Mini, expressed her appreciation for the strong connection between Mini and the UK, as the brand was born and established in Oxford. She assured that the company is committed to taking care of the plant, which is considered the heart of the Mini brand. Wurst highlighted the brand’s rich heritage, which is now being updated and given a promising future, and expressed her hope that the UK will perceive and acknowledge this transformation.