Since production began in 2001 Plant Oxford in the UK has seen over one million MINIs leave for customers abroad. More than 80 per cent of MINI production is exported to almost 80 countries worldwide, including Australia. MINI sales in Australia are up seven per cent this year to 1,278 cars through to the end of July.

Since arriving in March 2002, over 12,200 MINIs have delighted Australian fans with a blend of chic design, cheeky driving style and huge array of personalisation options.

The most recent ‘graduate’ from MINI Plant Oxford, the brand new MINI John Cooper Works, arrives in Australia next month.

In the first six months of 2008, MINI recorded a worldwide increase in sales of 17.9 per cent compared to last year delivering 126,810 vehicles. The introduction of the MINI Clubman has contributed greatly to this success every fifth MINI sold is a Clubman.

Oliver Zipse, Managing Director MINI Plant Oxford said: “Export is a key factor for the success and stability of our MINI Plant in Oxford. Since MINI was launched we have seen a significant increase in export from less than 60 per cent in 2001 to over 80 per cent this year. The high customer demand in almost 80 countries around the world, from Chile to China, has driven MINI’s success over the last seven years.”

Plant Oxford employs 4,700 associates who work a three shift pattern producing up to 800 MINIs a day, seven days a week. An additional 2,100 associates work at the MINI pressing plant in Swindon and engine plant in Hams Hall near Birmingham; the three plants together form the MINI production triangle in the UK.