BMW could build a second Mini production line at its Regensburg facility in Germany. German-built Minis are currently being considered ‘in the longer term’ according to Frank-Peter Arndt, head of car production at BMW. In an interview with the Independent on Sunday, Arndt say that ‘given the strong growth of the Mini brand, we will have to think about a further production site. We could imagine a German factory for the production of Mini-based models.’ It is expected that with the introduction of the new Roadster and Coupe Mini models that Oxford will reach full capacity. It’s thought unlikely that BMW will further expand the Oxford factory. BMW is planning to contract out the assembly of next year’s Mini R60 Crossover to the Magna plant in Graz, Austria. However, there is another reason why a Mini production line may be installed in a BMW factory. Reflecting Arndt’s comments about ‘Mini-based models’, recent reports from Germany suggest that BMW is actively considering a new BMW model based on the long wheelbase Mini platform. The reports suggest that BMW wants to compete directly with Audi’s 2010 front-drive A1 hatchback and Mercedes upcoming A-class replacement. Although it’s unlikely to appear before 2013, BMW looks set to build its first front-drive production car.
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Mini reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Minis 'to be built in Germany'
This is true , it does make things much easier when you go on holiday , so long as you don't go to the UK.
Trouble is , being outside the Eurozone gives the government freedom to set interest rates and avoid financial meltdowns , which is what Gordon COULD have done.
Re: Minis 'to be built in Germany'
Surely with an exchange rate of 1 to 1 there would no need to exchange pounds for euros and only get 95 cents after the banks have siphoned off their exorbitant charges as they would be worth exactly the same in any case. Win all round, all that needs to happen for this happy state of balance to continue indefinitely is for European governments to manage their affairs as badly as ours. Difficult, but not impossible.
Re: Minis 'to be built in Germany'
LOL, good point.