MINI celebrates 25 years at Oxford and Swindon plants

Since the first new generation MINI rolled off the Oxford production line on April 26, 2001, the brand has continued to innovate and maintain its unique place in British culture.

Over the past quarter-century, 4,671,664 MINIs have been produced in the UK, encompassing four model generations and various body styles, including the original three-door, five-door, Roadster, Coupe, Clubman, Clubvan, and Convertible.

MINI is marking its milestone by unveiling 25 facts for 25 years, celebrating the people, places, and production moments that have defined the quarter-century of modern MINI manufacturing.

These facts include the diversity of the workforce, which represents 64 nationalities, the production of 26 special edition MINIs, and the fact that MINIs built at Oxford have been exported to over 100 countries.

Markus Grüneisl, CEO of BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd, said: “This 25-year milestone is a proud moment for MINI and for everyone involved in its production here in the UK.

“From the very beginning, our plants in Oxford and Swindon have been at the heart of MINI’s global success, combining exceptional craftsmanship with innovation.

“Above all, it is our people – their creativity, expertise, and pride in what they do – that continue to make MINI so special.”

The MINIs crafted at Oxford and Swindon are distributed to over 100 markets worldwide, cementing their status as a significant part of Britain’s automotive manufacturing industry.

Together, the two sites employ more than 3,000 people, producing around 800 MINIs each day.

At Plant Oxford, a new MINI rolls off the production line every 78 seconds.

The Swindon plant, which manufactures thousands of precision-engineered body panels daily, has also played a crucial role in the modern MINI’s journey.

In 2006, BMW Group’s Hams Hall plant in North Warwickshire began producing engines for the MINI, adding another layer to the vehicle’s all-British production story.

Today, more than 4.6 million engines have been produced for the Oxford-built models.

The Oxford plant, which has been a part of its community for 113 years, has also become a popular tourist destination, with over 17,500 visitors enjoying the plant tours in 2025 alone.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles worldwide.

The group’s production network comprises over 30 sites worldwide, with a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy.