Oxford News
BMW says EV car demand does not ‘reflect’ key requirements
As reported, senior Oxford councillor Linda Smith will next week urge the council to write to transport secretary Heidi Alexander to come to Cowley and meet factory representatives and the union.
A significant number of agency jobs have been lost at Plant Oxford as it adjusts to the government’s 2030 sales ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
A spokeswoman for the BMW Group, owners of Mini, said: “Plant Oxford is the home of MINI production and an important part of the wider UK automotive sector.
“As we have said previously, BMW Group has strong concerns about the trajectory of the ZEV mandate as future sales requirements do not reflect current levels of customer demand for battery electric vehicles in the UK.
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“We do not believe mandates create markets. The pace of the transition must be shaped by real customer demand, supported by the right market conditions and a competitive policy framework which enables long-term investment, competitiveness and jobs in the UK.”
As of May 2025, the Cowley plant employs more than 3,500 workers, but that same month it was reported 180 temporary staff contracts were to be axed.
This was to align with “current business requirements” of BMW and to manage production fluctuations.
Indeed, Plant Oxford is significant for the local and county-wide economy with it being one of the largest employers in Oxfordshire.
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Former apprentice of Plant Oxford, and current city councillor, David Henwood said: “The Cowley Plant has been part of life in Littlemore for generations.
“So many of us have worked there—or know someone who has. It’s more than just a workplace, it’s part of the community’s identity.
“That’s why the current pressures facing the plant are so concerning. This isn’t just about a factory—it’s about people, livelihoods, and the future of our community.”
Calls have frequently been made by the motor industry to scrap the deadline to ban petrol and diesel cars.
Fossil fuel-powered cars continue to dominate the UK new car market, with EV Infrastructure news reporting battery-powered cars only make up a 23.4 per cent market share.
Trade association the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders described the zero-emissions vehicle mandate as a “straitjacket” which is putting “huge pressure on manufacturers”.
City councillor Linda Smith described the automotive sector as being in the midst of a “low-volume crisis” saying it would “not be an exaggeration to say that the Mini Plant Oxford has been, and continues to be, one of the worst hit”.
Didcot Town FC sent out a reminder yesterday (Saturday March 28), that its event today (Sunday, March 29) has been cancelled.
The show was billed as an afternoon with “three Leeds United Legends… Gordon Strachan and Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome”.
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Mr Strachan is perhaps the best known of the three having also managed Southampton, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland.
To be held at the football club, its description said: “A night you don’t want to miss.
“Filled with historic stories from the lads at their time at the club, funny inside memories and much more.”
However, the event was cancelled and Didcot Town said that despite its request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they were still showing as on sale yesterday.
Today, the event is listed on TD Promotions’ website as being ‘sold out’ and does not mention that it has been cancelled.
A statement from Didcot Town Football Club said: “The Gordon Strachan, Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome event at Didcot Town this Sunday has been cancelled.
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“Despite our request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they are still showing as on sale.
“TD Promotions have said they will be in contact with everyone that bought a ticket next week to sort out refunds.
“Any issues contact didcotmedia@gmail.com and I will give you their details.”
Didcot Town welcomed former Leeds United strikers Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in September 2025 for an event through TD Promotions.
Didcot’s event featured an auction and raffle, with comedian Jed Stone as the compere and saw a turnout of around 200 people.
This followed on from other high profile events at the club over the past two years which includes the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton and former England footballer Paul Gascoigne.
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
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The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
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