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PressClub USA · Article.
THE SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES: MINI MAKES A MILLION
Thu Apr 05 09:30:00 CEST 2007 Press Release
New production and sales record expected in 2007
Press Contact.
Andrew Cutler
BMW Group
Tel: 201-307-3784
Fax: 201-930-3254
send an e-mail
Author.
Andrew Cutler
BMW Group
New production and sales record expected in 2007
Oxford/Munich. Six years after the start of series production, the one
millionth MINI has rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford. Reaching the
one million mark represents another milestone in what has become a thrilling
MINI success story. This year also sees a new addition to the MINI family in
the form of the MINI Clubman, the third model in the MINI range and with
increased production capacity and rising demand MINI is heading for a new
production and sales record.
Since its launch in 2001 MINI has defined a new market segment - the premium
small car with a worldwide presence and a comprehensive range of customisation
options. From Chile to China, MINI is enjoying growing popularity among
customers across 80 markets around the world. Almost 80% of MINIs, which are
all built to individual customer orders, are currently produced for export.
While initial forecasts suggested a market for about 100,000 units per year,
since 2001 actual per annum sales have totalled more than double that figure
reaching a record of 200,428 units in 2005.
Over 4,700 associates produce up to 700 MINIs a day over three shifts
Developments at Plant Oxford have reflected MINI's success: in 2001 some 2,400
associates worked in single shift operations to build a maximum of 300 cars a
day. Today more than 4,700 associates work 24/7 over three shifts to produce as
many as 700 MINIs per day. During the same period maximum production capacity
for the plant has risen from 100,000 to over 200,000 units per year, and in the
medium term, annual capacity is planned to reach 240,000 units. In total BMW
Group has invested some £380 million into Plant Oxford since 2000 to increase
production capacity and to prepare for new MINI derivatives.
With the presentation of the second generation MINI in September 2006 the other
UK plants at Hams Hall and Swindon became an integral part of MINI production.
As members of the MINI Production Triangle in the UK, these plants supply
engines, pressings and sub-assemblies to Plant Oxford. Together they bring the
total number of MINI production associates in the UK up to around 6,800. All
three plants are currently preparing for the launch of series production of the
new MINI Clubman.
The millionth MINI is unique
Like all MINIs, the one millionth car was produced to customer order. In this
case the 'customer' is BMW Group's heritage division, Mobile Tradition. The
designers of the landmark MINI Cooper S were inspired by classic MINI features,
but in spite of its numerous special options the one millionth MINI was
produced in the regular series production process - a testimony to the plant's
considerable flexibility.
The sporty and unique exterior design of the one millionth MINI is
characterised by the colours white ('Pepper White') and green ('Almond Green').
One of the special highlights is the graphic on the roof which consists of one
million little MINIs. The white and green colour theme is also reflected in the
car's leather interior, the basic colour of which is black with black-and-white
décor surfaces.
Comprehensive press materials can be found on www.press.bmwgroup.com by
entering the search term 'millionth MINI'. In addition broadcast quality
footage can be downloaded from www.thenewsmarket.com - registration is quick,
simple and free.
For further information please contact:
Press and public relations
Ralph Huber, Technology communication, Production
Tel: +49 89 382-68778, Fax: +49 89 382-23927
Markus Sagemann, Business and Economic Communication, Marketing, IT
Tel: + 49 89 382-68796, Fax: + 49 89 382-24418
Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de