Plant wins back convertible
The Mini plant in Oxford, England, celebrated the start of production of the Cooper Convertible this week for the first time since 2015.
Joining the Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door, the fourth-generation Cooper Convertible includes a new interior and exterior design, and a state-of-the-art digital experience.
“Unique in its class, it offers unparalleled driving fun combined with boundless freedom,” says Stefan Richmann, head of Mini. “The iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity makes this vehicle an unmatched open-air experience.”
Three UK BMW Group manufacturing sites contribute to the Cooper Convertible. The plant in Swindon produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies, while the latest four-cylinder petrol engines are built at Hams Hall, North Warwickshire. Final assembly takes place in Oxford.
With 160,000 vehicles built at Oxford from 2004-08, the first-generation Mini Convertible was known for its retro styling and chrome roll-over arches behind the rear seats.
The second generation, unveiled in 2009, saw 165,000 examples built in Oxford until 2015. It retained the iconic drop-down hinged boot, but gained the evolved styling of the Cooper from that era.
Its production was briefly moved to VDL Nedcar for the third generation and some 150,000 units were produced.
The facility in Oxford celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023, the same year in which the plant produced more than 20 per cent of all UK-manufactured cars. As one of the world’s oldest car factories, it has been in continuous production since 1913.
