Mini hits three million milestone

THE MUCH-LOVED new Mini has reached two major milestones this week.

Since BMW took over the brand in 2001, three million Minis have now been produced at the plant in Oxford and the company has also reached the two million mark in Minis for export.

The three millionth Mini is a five-door Hatch Cooper S and has a special exterior design to celebrate its heritage and British roots.

The two millionth export Mini to leave Oxford is a volcanic orange Mini Hatch, which is currently being shipped to its new owner in Japan.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: "I congratulate the workers at Oxford on reaching this remarkable milestone. The Mini is a British icon and is a major part of a thriving automotive industry spearheading the growing British economy.

"This Government is working to create the right environment for car manufacturers like BMW to continue innovating and developing British-made cars with worldwide appeal."

By Peter Woodman, Press Association