Lord Mandelson looks at MINI’s big future

It is one of the UK’s most endearing motoring success stories – the humble MINI, once seen as a car for eccentrics such as Mr Bean, continues to enjoy vast popularity on the international stage.Last week Business Secretary Lord Mandelson took the opportunity to visit the MINI Plant in Oxford to take a look at two recently unveiled concept cars – the MINI Coupe and the MINI Roadster. Both have been confirmed for production alongside MINI’s existing core models – the Hatchback, Convertible and Clubman.The cars were presented to Lord Mandelson in the final assembly hall by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for sales and marketing. He believes the MINI success story will continue into the future thanks to its endearing design and green focus.“In the year when MINI celebrates its 50th birthday, these two new models show our determination to create exciting cars for the future, to drive the brand forward,” he said. “The UK and Oxford remain at the heart of MINI and we are delighted to confirm that these new cars will be built here.“MINI has been a tremendous success story with a wide appeal around the world and is sold in over 80 countries. It’s appealing design, the outstanding driving experience and its combination of excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions have been vital factors in this success.”Indeed MINI’s low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been highly significant for the BMW Group, which has cut more emissions per car more than any other automotive manufacturer. According to an independent report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment, the average reduction across the industry was 3.3 per cent – a figure that the BMW Group has blown away with an overall reduction of 10.2 per cent. It is now planning a further move towards a greener future with more than 500 qualified applications received from people wishing to take part in the upcoming MINI E field trial.Meanwhile Lord Mandelson is thrilled that the MINI will remain a great British institution.“The British love the MINI and the addition of two new models demonstrates BMW's commitment to manufacturing in the UK,” he said.“The exceptional skills and flexibility of the manufacturing teams across the production triangle of Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall is a key factor to the success of the MINI across the world.”

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