MINI has officially resumed production of its iconic Convertible at the historic Oxford plant, marking the return of this popular style for the first time since 2015. The launch is significant not only for MINI but for the automotive industry, as the Oxford facility has been the heart of MINI manufacturing since the brand’s reboot back in 2001.
The all-new MINI Cooper Convertible features sleek redesigns inside and out, along with materials aimed at sustainability, including modern fabrics and recycled components. Excitingly, this model offers potential buyers a selection between two petrol engines, producing either 165bhp or a bit more powerful 207bhp, keeping with the spirited driving culture typical of the MINI brand.
The Oxford plant has quite the legacy. From 2004 to 2008, it produced approximately 160,000 units of the first-generation MINI Convertible, and another 165,000 of the second generation from 2009 to 2015. The decision to bring production back to the UK, after it had temporarily shifted to the VDL Nedcar factory in the Netherlands—where over 150,000 units of the third generation were produced—reflects MINI's commitment to its roots.
Stefan Richmann, head of MINI, expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch, stating, “Unique in its class, the MINI Convertible offers unparalleled, brand-typical driving fun, combined with boundless freedom and great emotions.” This model stands out with its combination of classic design elements and modern technology, promising to deliver not just style but also the latest connectivity options.
The demand for the Convertible, particularly as we head back to warmer months, is expected to be strong. The new model is already being marketed with prices starting at £26,200, appealing to those who crave the open-air experience complemented by MINI's fun-to-drive character.
Customers can look forward to deliveries beginning early 2025, making it just in time for next summer's cruising season. This time around, the Oxford plant isn't just producing cars; it's rekindling memories for many who have enjoyed the three generations before it.
The first MINI Convertible rolled off the assembly line today, signaling not just the renewal of this beloved model, but also celebrating the plant’s significant milestone - it produced more than 20% of all UK manufactured cars last year. The factory, which has operated since 1913 and celebrated its 110th anniversary recently, is one of the oldest continuously running automotive plants globally.
Merging the classic convertible look with the latest innovations, including eco-friendly production processes, the new MINI Convertible seems poised to take on the roads. It's about merging nostalgia with the demands of today’s drivers.
The tooling and assembly of the Convertible at Oxford reflect the collaboration between three UK manufacturing facilities. While the body pressings are crafted at BMW Group Plant Swindon and the latest four-cylinder petrol engines are assembled at the Hams Hall facility, everything finally takes shape at the Oxford plant, ensuring quality control and the classic MINI flair.
With each passing year, the various iterations of the MINI Convertible have evoked sentiments of freedom and style, something the new model explicitly seeks to maintain. Given the car's historical lineage, the excitement surrounding its return is palpable, die-hard fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how the latest version will blend tradition with contemporary automotive demands.
Overall, the production of the new MINI Cooper Convertible at its birthplace strengthens the brand’s legacy and commitment to quality. With the blend of new technologies and the iconic styling, it perfectly captures the brand’s spirit and addresses modern drivers’ needs.
