Off the line: two million Minis
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British Prime Minister David Cameron
driving the two millionth Mini off the 'line'.
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5th September, 2011
Ten years after the start of production, the two
millionth Mini was driven off the production line at Plant Oxford by British Prime Minister David
Cameron on 31st August 2011. Of the two million, more than 1.5 million Minis have been exported to
customers in more than 90 countries around the world.
Frank-Peter Arndt, BMW AG board member responsible for production, was present to celebrate this
latest major milestone for Plant Oxford and the continuing success of the Mini brand. He said:
“Production of the two millionth Mini comes on the back of strong demand worldwide. Our recent
announcement of an additional £500 million investment in our UK Mini production facilities
demonstrates the important role that Oxford plays in our global production network. The most
essential factors in the success of Mini are the skills, passion and dedication of our
associates.”
During the visit, Mr Arndt updated the Prime Minister on preparations at the plant to produce the
next generation Mini including new production facilities currently under construction. This latest
investment decision helps to ensure the long term future of the Oxford plant and jobs at its
pressings plant in Swindon and its engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham. It also takes the
company’s total investment across all its UK operations to more than £1.5 billion since 2000.
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Prime Minister David Cameron said on the day: “It’s a real privilege to drive this true British
icon off the production line today. The 2 millionth Mini to be made here in Oxford is a fantastic
symbol of the UK’s strength in the global automotive industry and a great British manufacturing
success story.”
“BMW’s continued investment in its UK operations, together with its export success - selling to
over 90 countries worldwide - is contributing to a real renaissance for the UK car industry and a
brilliant example of the sustainable, balanced growth we are determined to achieve. Mini is not just
a symbol of our industrial past, but also the great industrial future we want to build.”
The two millionth Mini is a Mini Convertible specially painted in White Silver metallic with a
blue denim roof. The specification boasts a selection of bespoke interior and exterior options
including special alloy wheels, a distinctive leather steering wheel and lounge leather upholstery.
The car will be used in a Mini promotion campaign.
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Dr Juergen Hedrich, managing director for Mini Plant Oxford, said: “It’s a really great
milestone for Plant Oxford and everyone who works here. Oxford has been the heart of Mini production
for the last 10 years and all our associates are proud and excited to be contributing to the
continuing success of this iconic brand.”
Producing 216,302 vehicles in 2010, Mini was the third-largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK,
accounting for 17 per cent of national automotive production. The plant currently produces four
Mini models – Hatchback, Convertible, Clubman and the new Mini Coupé. A fifth model, the Roadster,
will join the line-up at the end of this year. Mini's other model, the Countryman, is assembled in
Austria at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz.
Since Mini went into production in 2001, developments at Plant Oxford have reflected Mini’s
growing success. In 2001 some 2,400 associates worked in single shift operations to build up to 300
cars a day. Today around 3,700 associates work five days a week on two shifts to produce as many as
900 Minis per day. During the same period maximum production capacity at the plant has risen from
100,000 to over 200,000 units per year. In the medium term the plant has an annual capacity of
260,000 units.
Mini facts
- The top five export markets for Mini in 2010 were the US, Germany, France, China and Italy.
- 2 million Minis placed bumper to bumper would reach 4,626.7 miles or 7,446 kilometres which is
enough to stretch from Oxford (England) to the Grand Canyon (USA).
- The most popular Mini colour is Pepper White, followed by Midnight Black then Chili Red.
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