The MINI Cooper Convertible has officially rolled off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford, marking its triumphant return to the UK after an eight-year hiatus. This relaunch reaffirms MINI Plant Oxford as the true home of the MINI Cooper family, where the Convertible is now built alongside the 3-Door and 5-Door models.
A Milestone for MINI Production
First introduced in 2004, the MINI Convertible has become a beloved icon, with over 100,000 units sold in the UK alone. After being produced at VDL Nedcar for the third generation, the model is once again being crafted in Oxford, where its legacy began.
Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI, expressed his enthusiasm:
“The MINI Convertible offers unparalleled driving fun combined with boundless freedom. Its iconic design, paired with modern technology and connectivity, makes it an unmatched open-air experience for our customers.”
Crafting the Convertible: A British Endeavour
The MINI Cooper Convertible’s production is a collaborative effort across BMW Group’s UK facilities:
- BMW Group Plant Swindon: Supplies body pressings and sub-assemblies.
- BMW Group Plant Hams Hall: Produces the advanced four-cylinder petrol engines.
- MINI Plant Oxford: Handles body shell production, paint, and final assembly.
Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon, added:
“It’s an amazing achievement to launch three new MINI models at Oxford this year. We’re proud to welcome the MINI Cooper Convertible back home.”
A Journey Through Generations
The MINI Convertible’s evolution highlights its enduring charm:
- First Generation (2004-2008): Retro styling with signature chrome roll-over arches.
- Second Generation (2009-2015): Evolved design with the iconic drop-down boot lid.
- Third Generation (2015-2023): Produced at VDL Nedcar with modern updates.
What’s New in the Fourth Generation
The new MINI Cooper Convertible features:
- A refreshed exterior design.
- Sustainable interior materials.
- Innovative in-car technology.
- Two petrol engine options delivering 163hp or 204hp.
Starting at £26,200, the Convertible offers the hallmark MINI experience in an open-air format.
Celebrating Heritage and Innovation
MINI Plant Oxford, one of the world’s oldest automotive plants, celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023. As a hub of technological advancement and sustainability, the plant produced over 20% of all UK-manufactured cars last year. With the return of the Convertible, MINI Plant Oxford solidifies its place as the heart of MINI production.
Source: Mini
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
