Friday, July 18, 2008
BMW has announced that it has now produced one million Minis for export at its Oxford plant. The milestone comes less than a year after the second-generation BMW Mini went on sale and proves that the stylish supermini is as popular as ever.
More than 80% of Mini production goes for export, with the biggest market being the U.S. Sales in America have been increasing dramatically as buyers downsize in the face of rising oil costs. Over 26,400 Minis were sold in the U.S in the first half of the year, an increase of 33% over 2007.
The Oxford factory employs 4,700 workers and operates a three shift pattern, building up to 200 cars a day. Another 2,100 people work at the pressing plant in Swindon and the engine factory at Hams Hall near Birmingham.