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BMW shift electric car manufacturing from Oxford to China and Germany

18 October 2022
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BMW has announced plans to shift the production of electric Minis away from their current plant in Oxford to China and Germany.

The models moving to China include the electric hatchback and small SUV Minis, while Leipzig in Germany will pick up production of the electric Countryman model.

Despite this, BMW has reaffirmed its commitment to Plant Oxford in Cowley, saying that the three-door and five-door Hatch models of the Mini Cooper will remain in Oxford, while the Mini Convertible will be produced at the site from 2025.

As reported by the BBC, a spokesperson for BMW said: "This is one of our most important cars and a global best-seller, and further signals our commitment to the future. Plant Oxford will remain at the heart of Mini production.

"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."

Head of Mini, Stefanie Wurst, told The Guardian Newspaper the decision to halt the electric Mini assembly in the UK was not linked to post-Brexit supply constraints and cross-border friction with the EU, or the lack of a nearby gigafactory, but because the Cowley plant was running inefficiently by having to produce electric and petrol cars on the same line.

She said: “Oxford is not geared up for electric vehicles. It will need renovation and investment.”

Read more - Production of Oxford Mini factory suspended due to chip shortage

BMW’s Cowley facility currently manufactures 40,000 electric Minis every year. The move dents the UK’s hopes to become a global leader in electric car manufacturing.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Like many local residents of Oxford I was disturbed to see reports in today’s media about the future of the BMW Mini plant in Oxford.

“Mini Plant Oxford sits at the heart of Oxford’s strong manufacturing heritage.

"I have today 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 is proud of its partnership with BMW Mini and our shared commitment to deliver a zero-carbon Oxford by 2040.

"We look forward to continuing to work with them to support future investments across of range of their current and new product lines, and maintain jobs for the people of Oxford and Oxfordshire.”

Read more - Abingdon's Oxford Instruments reports strong revenue growth

Featured image credit: BMW Mini


Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.

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