23.04.2026 Press Release

A timeline of all MINI milestones since 2001.

Press Contact.

Helen Wilson
BMW Group

Tel: +44-1252-92-1928

Helen Wilson
BMW Group

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2000	September – Decision to move production of MINI from Longbridge to Oxford
2001	26 April – Start of MINI Production at Plant Oxford 7 July – New MINI Hatch is launched in the UK (First Generation) MINI One and MINI Cooper go on sale on July 7 and come with a vast array of options to add a personal touch to each car. Mini owners have always enjoyed personalising their cars inside and out, and every Mini owner has a view on what represents the ideal specification. New MINI will continue the theme, offering over 40 options, 3 option packages, 3 different alloy wheels and 8 colours available to order at launch. 24 October – Cooper S unveiled at 2001 Tokyo Motor Show MINI Cooper S will be unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show on October 24, hot on the heels of the successful UK launch of MINI One and MINI Cooper. The flagship model is due to set pulses racing next summer.
2002	16 May – Diesel MINI announced Following the MINI One and MINI Cooper launch in 2001 and the impending arrival of MINI Cooper S on June 8, it was confirmed today at BMW Group's Annual General Meeting that a diesel MINI will be available in 2003. 30 May– 100,000^th MINI built at Plant Oxford The 100,000^th MINI has come off the production line at BMW Group Plant Oxford today (30 May) just 13 months after the car went into volume production. The car, an electric blue MINI Cooper S, is one of more than 4,000 Cooper S models already ordered by UK customers even before the 163 bhp supercharged top-of-the range MINI goes on sale in the UK on 8 June. Following the launch of the MINI in the UK in July 2001, over 25,000 MINI One and MINI Cooper models have been sold in its home market.
2004	23 April - MINI Cooper S Convertible launched MINI UK is delighted to announce pricing and specification details of its new range topping MINI Cooper S Convertible. The MINI Cooper S Convertible will make its UK debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live on 25th May. It will be priced at £17,595 and will go on sale in the UK at the end of August. Just like the MINI One Convertible and MINI Cooper Convertible, the MINI Cooper S Convertible will be built at Plant Oxford in the UK. BMW Group announces £40 million investment at BMW Group Plant Swindon 25 August - 500,000^th MINI produced at Plant Oxford The 500,000th MINI has come off the production line at BMW Group Plant Oxford today, three years after the car first went on sale in July 2001.More than 375,000 of the 500,000 MINIs have been exported representing over 75 per cent of the total produced since the launch of the car. The UK car export market is worth approximately £11 billion per annum* and MINI is the UK's fifth largest car manufacturer.
2005	500,000 engines delivered by Hams Hall 15 November - Autocar names MINI Car Manufacturer of the Year 2005 Autocar magazine has named MINI Car Manufacturer of the Year 2005 at its annual award ceremony held in London on Monday 14th November 2005. Presenting the award, Autocar editor Rob Aherne said: "MINI has been a towering success every week of every year of its short life. The cars, which began production in 2001, have brilliantly echoed the appeal of the Issigonis original, while offering buyers a thoroughly modern design."
2006	21 February - MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit unveiled at Geneva Motor Show The MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will make its first public viewing at the Geneva Motor Show. The fastest, most powerful production MINI ever will reach 62mph in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph. The GP has a power output of 218bhp, a stunning 136bhp per litre, and a maximum torque of 245Nm. 14 August - Second Generation MINI Hatch launched The overwhelming success of its predecessor, launched in 2001, has paved the way for the new MINI to consolidate and expand its position in the premium segment it created. In five years it has sold over 800,000 around the world, and 200,000 in the UK alone. The external design of the new MINI has re mained true to its phenomenally successful forebear, yet every body panel is different. The MINI design team rightly deemed evolution preferable to revolution and MINI's styling remains instantly recognisable. Five years after its launch it still stands out, and this design explains why demand for the curre nt MINI is higher today than it has ever been. 19 September - Major investment & prince engine supplied to Oxford from Hams Hall, creating the Production Triangle for the first time + £200 million investment and 450 new jobs created by BMW Group. + UK-based suppliers invest £40 million and create 750 new jobs. + MINI production triangle in the UK established. + UK content for new MINI rises from 40 to 60 per cent. + Production capacity increases from 200,000 to 240,000 vehicles per annum in medium term. 16 November – New MINI on sale in the UK.
2007	16 January – MINI One and Cooper D introduced to the MINI UK range The new MINI hatch line-up will soon be complete, when the new MINI One and MINI Cooper D models are unveiled to the public at the International Geneva Motor Show on 8 March 2007. The entry-level One features a perky 95hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, while the Cooper D boasts performance and fuel efficiency from an all-new 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant. MINI Plant Oxford pioneers innovative paint technology Plant Oxford is the first BMW Group manufacturing site to use IPP (Integrated Paint Process). This highly innovative system brings energy savings and emissions reductions of well over 10 per cent in the painting of body shells. As well as enhancing the efficiency of the entire paint process, IPP also supports BMW Group's environmental objectives by dispensing with a solvent-based primer-surfacer. BMW Group launches Strategy Number ONE 30 July - MINI Clubman launched for the first time The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007. Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century. Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S, the new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options, all without compromising the MINI's revered driving dynamics.
2008	Tours begin at MINI Plant Oxford 1 December - Second generation MINI Convertible announced. The new MINI Convertible is set to make a welcome return to UK roads in 2009, with a completely new version of the British-built favourite due to go on sale on 28 March 2009. MINI Cooper and Cooper S derivatives featuring innovative engine technologies will be offered at launch, meaning fans of the compact, premium new MINI Convertible are guaranteed performance, frugality, minimal running costs and a unique image as standard.
2009	8 May – 50 Years of MINI Production at Plant Oxford Fifty years ago today, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, now called Plant Oxford. For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style. 24 June - MINI E trials begin, backed by UK Government BMW Group’s successful application to the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board followed an invitation for proposals outlining innovative, industry-led collaborative research projects involving ultra-low carbon vehicles. The objective of the Technology Strategy Board is to encourage manufacturers to develop ultra-low carbon vehicles that customers want to buy and bring them to market as rapidly as possible. MINI Olympic Torch passes through MINI Plant Oxford, held by associate Jodie Evans. September – MINI John Cooper Works GP announced
2010	20 January - MINI Countryman launched (produced in Graz, Austria) MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style. December 19 – MINI Paceman concept unveiled
2011	24 February - MINI Rocketman concept unveiled at Milan Fashion Week 2011 Underpinning this success has been the creative use of space, a principle that enters new territory with the MINI Rocketman Concept. The study car harks back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions, while its technology points to the future of automotive design. A 3+1-seater with 3 doors and a length of just over 3 metres (approx. 10 ft.), the MINI Rocketman Concept responds to the fundamental requirements of mobile lifestyles in the big cities of the future by pooling the brand’s core values in concentrated form. Ingenious functionality, smile-inducing agility, exceptional efficiency and irresistible design come together into an extraordinarily attractive and ground-breaking, yet typically MINI, subcompact car concept for the premium segment. 23 September - MINI Coupé announced First two-seater sports car from MINI; - Typically MINI: characterful design, signature go-kart handling, high standard spec including unique active rear spoiler, extensive personalisation programme. - John Cooper Works variant has range-topping acceleration and top speed. - Four-model engine line-up; three petrol, one diesel. - Built in Britain at Plant Oxford. - On sale 1st October 2011 priced from £16,640 OTR.
2012	MINI London 2012 Edition announced 16 April - MINI Roadster announced The MINI Roadster is the first premium model of its kind in the small car segment, offering buyers a unique package that will bring the joy of MINI ownership to a passionate and demanding group of new customers. Selling alongside the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman and Coupé, the MINI Roadster is in UK showrooms now. 15 November – MINI breaks World Record, squeezing 28 MINI Fans into a 2012 MINI.
2013	8 March – Celebrating 100 years of car-making in Oxford 12 March – 250,000^th MINI Countryman leaves the factory 21 March - MINI Paceman unveiled A sporty new exterior design, lowered suspension for a dynamic ride and an exciting reinterpretation of the familiar interior – feast your eyes on the all-new MINI Paceman. Styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, five versions are available from launch, including the MINI Cooper S Paceman which has a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The seventh unique member of the family, it sells alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé and Roadster. November 18 – David Cameron visits Plant Oxford to see worldwide debut of Third Generation MINI The new MINI has made its worldwide debut today (18 November) at MINI’s UK production plant in Oxford and features all-new vehicle architecture , an evolutionary design and a range of new fuel-efficient engines to give owners even more fun behind the wheel. A £750 million investment across three of BMW Group’s UK manufacturing facilities marks the launch of the new car, with a new 1,000-robot body shop at Plant Oxford.
2014	13 March - Third Generation MINI Hatch launched Even though the new MINI Hatch is instantly recognisable – something which comes from having such a globally identifiable design – the car is completely new from the ground up. Every component has been back to the drawing board in an effort to optimise its function, performance and style. The result is ‘The New Original’, a MINI which is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every single way. It features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and – of course – personalisation. Inside, the new MINI Hatch is quieter than the outgoing model, with improvements to acoustic refinement inside the cabin. 4 June - First ever five-door Hatch unveiled Just months after launching the new MINI Hatch, MINI has today expanded its model range with the addition of an entirely new body variant – the MINI 5-door Hatch. It’s the first time in the history of the brand that the Hatch has been offered with two rear doors, and the new model promises to combine the hallmark driving fun, distinctive character and refinement of its 3-door sibling with enhanced practicality. This brand new model features enhanced interior comfort and practicality thanks to the extended wheelbase. Rear passengers now have 72 millimetres more legroom compared to the 3-door Hatch, while the increased space also provides room for a third seat in the back row. The two rear doors make access to the enhanced rear seating more comfortable. 1 July – First 5-Door Hatch rolls off production line at Plant Oxford One of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar farms is installed at MINI Plant Oxford. On the roof of the bodyshop, the solar farm has more than 11,500 panels, covering 20,000 square metres (five football pitches). It generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of 850 households (over 3 megawatts). This allows Plant Oxford to reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 1,500 tonnes of C02 per year.
2015	25 June – MINI gets a new logo Building Cars: Secrets of the Assembly Line for BBC1 filmed live across two evenings at Plant Oxford. First aired in August 2015. 3 November - Second generation MINI Clubman launched Following the success of the re-energised MINI 3-door Hatch and the successful launch of the MINI 5-door Hatch, the new model offers customers a premium vehicle featuring the highest level of ride refinement ever seen in a MINI. The car’s much-loved signature design feature – its split rear doors – are retained, while accessibility and everyday usability are further enhanced thanks to four full-sized side doors. Second generation MINI John Cooper Works GP launched at Paris Motor Show (2,000 units globally)
2016	23 January - Third generation MINI Convertible announced On sale in the UK from March 2016, it follows hugely successful model launches in 2004 and 2009. Since 2011 until 2015, 29,415 MINI Convertible models have been sold in the UK making it the best-selling convertible in the country. It remains the only premium soft-top four-seater convertible in the small car segment, and the UK continues to be the largest market worldwide for the new MINI Convertible. Plant Oxford celebrates 15^th anniversary 6 April – Plant Oxford joins Instagram 20 June – Prime Minister David Cameron & Harriet Harman visit Plant Oxford BMW Group celebrates centenary BMW Group launches Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT 2 December - Plant Oxford celebrates 3,000,000^th MINI rolling off the assembly line since production began in 2001.
2017	The Drum Social Buzz award for ‘MINI Plant Oxford Instagram’ 17 January - Second generation MINI Countryman unveiled The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model to be launched in the brand’s 57-year history. With its larger external dimensions, and increases in space throughout the cabin and luggage area, it offers occupants even greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience. Useful new features such as electric tailgate control with touch-free opening and unique options, including a fold down picnic bench at the rear, add to the ownership experience. 30 August - MINI Electric concept announced at Frankfurt Motor Show Almost 10 years after MINI E laid the foundations for production-standard battery electric vehicles within the BMW Group, MINI is now offering a window on the future of urban electric mobility. With a focus on driving excitement and inspiring design, it moves the brand’s urban tradition into the electric age and in doing so spices up the conventional notion of electric mobility. A production version of the MINI ELECTRIC CONCEPT will be unveiled in 2019.
2018	BMW Group launches UK apprenticeship programme at Plant Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall
2019	MINI celebrates 60 Years of MINI 19 June - Italian Job 50^th anniversary celebrated at Plant Oxford Tonight at its home in Oxford, MINI will gather the cars and the stars of The Italian Job for a unique double celebration and charity screening of the much-loved film. This year marks 60 years since the first Mini rolled off the lines at Oxford and 50 years since The Italian Job premiered in London in June 1969. 9 July - MINI Electric announced MINI has today unveiled the new MINI Electric at the Oxford plant, the home of the brand where the very first Mini was built 60 years ago. After 15,000 potential customers already expressed an interest in the car, the official order books are opened today. Manufacturing will begin in late 2019, with first deliveries in the spring of 2020 and exports headed around the world. 9 August - 10,000,000^th MINI built at MINI Plant Oxford As MINI continues to celebrate its 60^th anniversary, the brand has achieved a new feat as the ten millionth MINI produced globally since 1959 rolled off the assembly line. The landmark car – a MINI 60 Years Anniversary Edition – was built on July 24^th 2019 at MINI Plant Oxford and will take pride of place in today ’ s special event at Oxford. 25 September - Hams Hall celebrates 5,000,000^th engine production across both BMW and MINI 20 November - 3rd MINI John Cooper Works GP announced Following the success of the two previous MINI GP model generations, it will be built in Plant Oxford in a limited run of 3,000 vehicles globally, 575 of which are for UK customers. MINI Plant Oxford given “Best Told Story” accolade from the official tourism agency for England, Visit England (won again in 2020)
2020	January – MINI Electric customer production begins at Plant Oxford . The MINI Electric is fully integrated into the production process at Plant Oxford, making it the first BMW Group Plant to have electric running down the same line as the combustion engine models, allowing flexibility in production according to global demand. By the end of 2020, a total of 17,580 were sold and delivered to customers around the world, 3,385 of which in the UK. No production output from 23 March to 18 May due to Coronavirus Pandemic MINI Plant Oxford given “Best Told Story” accolade from the official tourism agency for England, Visit England 30 July - Plant Oxford achieves production milestone, producing 11,000 MINI Electric models • MINI Plant Oxford has built more than 11,000 MINI Electrics since production began • More than 3,000 MINI Electric orders in the UK to date. 27 October - MINI reveals future product plans and new strategy focusing on electromobility, crossovers and production of models in China from 2023.
2021	30 March – MINI announces MINI Electric Pacesetter car for Formula E, inspired by John Cooper Works. The MINI Electric Pacesetter inspired by JCW is the new Safety Car for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race series. As such, it connects the brand’s electrified future with the rich racing history of John Cooper Works. The car was created out of the new MINI Electric as part of an unprecedented collaboration between MINI Design, BMW Motorsport, the FIA and the Formula E. 26 April – 20 Years of the Modern MINI 8 June – His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales visits MINI Plant Oxford, celebrating 20 years of production 12 August – The new MINI Strip: Sustainable design with a twist, by Paul Smith MINI x Paul Smith shines a spotlight on the issue of sustainability automotive design and manufacturing with a custom-made, one off-model. 15 September – MINI delivers it’s one-millionth car sold in the UK, just over 20 years since the start of modern MINI production began in 2001.
2022	19 April – MINI John Cooper Works returns to the 24hr race at the Nurburgring MINI returned to the 24hr race in May 2022 after a 10 year break, competing in the SP3T class. 7 June – MINI Recharged and Paul Smith: an icon sustainable reinvented The British designer converts a classic Mini 1998 MINI Paul Smith Edition, transforming the vehicle in a modernised electric car for emission-free driving. 31 July – The new MINI Multitone Edition 21 December – Celebrating 30 Years of the MINI Convertible: The Seaside Edition
2023	15 February – The first all-electric MINI Convertible A small-series of all-electric MINI Convertible models, offered with a fixed specification and two exterior paint options, with just 999 units available globally. 1 March – MINI Countryman production moves to BMW Group plant Leipzig 22 March – The MINI Clubman Final Edition A limited edition model celebrating the iconic model as part of the MINI family, with just 100 units destined for the UK market. 17 April – MINI Plant Oxford celebrates 1 millionth current generation 3-Door In 2013, MINI presented the current reinterpretation of the compact 3-door for the first time. Now, in 2023, the one millionth vehicle of the iconic model will roll off the production line at the MINI plant in Oxford, which fittingly is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. 18 May – MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition Offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, just 999 units globally with 150 for the UK market. 1 September – The all-new MINI Countryman Available for the first time with both a combustion and all-electric powertrain, offering up to 287 miles of electric range* , the new MINI Countryman features the world’s first touch display with a 24cm fully usable circular central instrument display. The model grows in size, gaining 6cm in height and 13 centimetres in length. 1 September – The new all-electric MINI Cooper Fifth generation, all-electric MINI Cooper unveiled at the IAA in Munich. Offered in either E or SE outputs offering 190 or 250 miles of electric range, with three new exterior colours; Blazing Blue, Sunnyside Yellow and Legend Grey. 9 November – The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
2024	5 February – The Split Doors Close on an Icon: Farewell MINI Clubman The last MINI Clubman rolls off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford, having produced over 550,000 vehicles during the model’s 55 year history. 7 February – The new MINI Cooper is announced A choice of two petrol engines, two brand new exterior colours Sunny Side Yellow and Ocean Wave Green and built at the home of MINI, Plant Oxford. 11 March – MINI Convertible production returns to MINI Plant Oxford, with ambassador Charlie Cooper driving first model off the production line 19 April – The new MINI Aceman A brand new model for the MINI Family, the all-electric crossover positioned between the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman, the MINI Aceman was debuted at Auto China 2024 and will launch in the UK in November. 12 June – The new MINI Cooper 5-Door is unveiled 9 October – The MINI Cooper Convertible Completing the new MINI family is the new MINI Cooper Convertible, offered in two engines, three trims and new model exclusive colours. 11 October – MINI Cooper named The Sun’s 2024 Car of the Year October – Wider MINI family get John Cooper Works treatment 18 November – First MINI Cooper Convertible rolls off MINI Plant Oxford production line
2025	March – MINI Cooper secures 5 Star Euro NCAP rating 23 June – MINI JCW takes podium finish at 24 Hours of Nürburgring 31 July – New MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Aceman Monochrome Available across E derivatives, models are offered with a fixed specification in either Midnight Black or Nanuq White exterior paint options. Increased level of standard features, including 17” or 18” wheel options, model exclusive multitone interior fabric, heated front seats, Cruise Control, Driving & Parking Assistant and a Rear-View Camera. 27 August – MINI turns 66 years old 3 October – MINI JCW Convertible named The Sunday Times 2025 Car of the Year 29 October – Introducing the new MINI Paul Smith Edition New MINI Paul Smith Edition marks the next step in the collaboration between two British icons. To debut on MINI Cooper Electric, followed by MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door and Cooper Convertible models. Exclusive exterior design offering three paint options including two edition-exclusive colours; Statement Grey and Inspired White, two roof options offered - Jet Black or Nottingham Green – and 18” Night Spoke alloys in Dark Steel.
2026	12 January – MINI hits 100,000 fully electric vehicles delivered in 2025 28 January – Range boost for the MINI Countryman, now delivering up to 307 miles of electric range

E nds

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

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