MINI celebrates 25 years of modern MINI. – AutoMart Canada

Munich/Oxford. 2026 marks a major milestone for MINI:
25 years ago production of the modern MINI began under BMW Group, a
quarter century defined by innovation, design and unmistakable British
spirit! With its unique place in everyday life, from city streets to
cinema screens, MINI has spent the past 25 years building on its
legacy, combining heritage with modern innovation and driving fun,
winning the hearts of millions of drivers worldwide.

Founded in 1959, Mini was born out of the visionary thinking of Sir
Alec Issigonis, whose revolutionary small‑car concept responded to the
challenges of its time by redefining how space, efficiency and driving
enjoyment could be combined. With its compact dimensions, innovative
front‑wheel‑drive layout and exceptional agility, the classic Mini
quickly transcended its original purpose to become an automotive icon.
Motorsport successes in the 1960s, most notably under the Cooper name,
cemented MINI’s reputation as a car that delivered authentic driving
fun far beyond its size.

Over the decades, Mini became deeply embedded in popular culture,
embraced by artists, designers and drivers alike, and recognised
worldwide as a unique expression of British character. A decisive new
chapter began with the brand’s acquisition by BMW Group, which
preserved Mini’s heritage while opening the door to a sustainable
future. The first modern MINI, engineered by BMW Group, rolled off the
line at Plant Oxford on 26^th April 2001, marking the start
of a new chapter, blending its unmistakable design DNA and go‑kart
feeling with modern technology, premium quality and contemporary relevance.

“Marking 25 years of the modern MINI is truly a milestone. Our
unmistakable British roots, unique design, go-kart feeling and playful
spirit have made MINI a global icon. For more than a quarter century,
BMW Group’s expertise has contributed to MINI’s ongoing success.
Thanks to our dedicated global MINI team, the brand continues to
excite and inspire drivers for generations.” said Jean-Philippe
Parain, Head of MINI.

The current model lineup is the most extensive and varied in the
brand’s history, with five models, each reflecting its own unique
character. Powertrain options include fully electric or highly
efficient combustion engines.

Owning a MINI is so much more than simply travelling from A to B – it
is a statement of individuality. With an impressive range of
customization options, every MINI becomes a true reflection of its
owner’s unique tastes and character. From selecting paint colors to
choosing upholstery and interior trims, each MINI can be finely
tailored to personal preferences. Over the past 25 years, a host of
options have been offered — among them, the famous bonnet stripes and
the distinctive multi-tone roof stand out. Thanks to innovative
techniques at the Oxford factory, the striking three-color roof design
provides a visual highlight. Special editions have strengthened MINI’s
image internationally and set new trends. In 2026, MINI pays tribute
to British design and playful elegance with the MINI Paul Smith Edition.

In 2025, MINI recorded global sales of 288,290 vehicles. Battery
electric vehicles comprised more than one third of worldwide
deliveries and even surpassed 50% in markets like the Netherlands,
Turkey, Sweden, and China. The sub-brand John Cooper Works reached an
all-time high with 25,630 units sold, representing 8.9% of the total
MINI volume.

Since joining the BMW Group, MINI has experienced a remarkable
evolution, continuously developing yet remaining faithful to its
heritage. BMW’s expertise has been actively integrated into MINI for
more than 25 years, introducing advancements such as enhanced user
interfaces, innovative assistant features and improved safety systems.
The latest generations of the MINI family impressively demonstrate the
safety commitment: numerous 5-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash test
confirm the high level of protection offered.

MINI manufacturing in British BMW Group Plants

Over the past 25 years, modern MINI production has evolved across
four model generations, spanning a range of body styles including the
original 3-door, 5-door, Roadster, Coupe, Clubman, Clubvan and
Convertible. In total, 4,671,664 MINIs have now been built in Britain
since 2001.

MINI’s modern era has been powered by its UK production heartland. At
the centre of that story are two UK manufacturing hubs: Plant Oxford,
the home of MINI production, and BMW Group Plant Swindon, where
thousands of precision-engineered body panels are crafted every day.

Together, these two sites represent one of the UK’s most significant
automotive manufacturing hubs, with a workforce of more than 3,000
highly skilled people producing around 800 MINIs a day. At Plant
Oxford, a new MINI drives off the production line every 78 seconds.

Plants Oxford and Swindon have been at the heart of their communities
for a very long time – 113 and 70 years respectively. The wider
production story took another important step in 2006 when BMW Group
Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire began producing engines for the
MINI, with more than 4.6 million engines produced for the Oxford-built models.

Markus Grüneisl, CEO, BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd said “This 25-year
milestone is a proud moment for MINI and for everyone involved in its
production here in the UK. From the very beginning, our plants in
Oxford and Swindon have been at the heart of MINI’s global success,
combining exceptional craftsmanship with innovation. Above all, it is
our people – their creativity, expertise and pride in what they do –
that continue to make MINI so special.”

66+ years of vibrant automotive history – a look back at the
milestones of MINI:

In case of queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications

Franziska Liebert, Spokesperson MINI
Phone:
+49-89-382-28030
E-Mail: franziska.liebert@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications
MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de