More than 80 per cent of Mini production is currently exported to almost 80 countries worldwide with the largest export market being the USA. The most recent sales figures have been the best in Mini USA’s history. In the first half of the year, Mini USA has reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 per cent. The most popular markets for the Mini are UK, USA, Germany, Italy and Japan.

In the first six months of 2008, Mini recorded a worldwide increase in sales of 17.9 per cent compared to last year delivering 126,810 vehicles. The introduction of the Mini Clubman has contributed to this success – amazingly, every fifth Mini sold is a Clubman (worldwide sales figures), the odd-looking wagon version of the Mini which features a 'suicide' door located behind the driver's door.

Oliver Zipse, Managing Director Mini Plant Oxford said: “Export is a key factor for the success and stability of our Mini Plant in Oxford. Since Mini was launched we have seen a significant increase in export from less than 60 per cent in 2001 to over 80 per cent this year. The high customer demand in almost 80 countries around the world, from Chile to China, has driven Mini’s success over the last seven years.”