Oxford-Based Electric Mini Production Will Move To China

Despite moving the production of some of its electric cars to China, BMW insists that Oxford will "remain at the heart of Mini production."

At the city's Cowley plant, the first electric Mini was produced in 2020. By 2030, all Minis will be electric. BMW announced that production of its electrified Mini hatchback and small SUV will begin in China. In Leipzig, Germany, the company's electric Countryman model will be produced.

According to a spokeswoman, Oxford's employment situation won't change. In 2018, BMW announced that it had reached an agreement with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor under which the company would construct electrified vehicles both in Oxford and China.

According to the report, the Mini Cooper three-door and five-door Hatch models will be assembled at Cowley. As of 2025, Plant Oxford will also produce the Mini Convertible.

"This is one of our most important cars and a global best-seller, and it further signals our commitment to the future. Plant Oxford will remain at the heart of Mini production," A spokeswoman for BMW confirmed.

"Oxford plays an important role in the BMW Group's production strategy, with its high degree of flexibility, competitiveness and expertise - also in the area of electromobility. There is no impact on jobs," they added.

"I have sought reassurance from BMW and understand that while BMW is looking to rebalance the production of its Mini range globally as it moves towards being all-electric by 2030, there is an ongoing commitment to the city, building on significant recent investments in the Cowley plant." Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said.