Sixty Minis, one from each year of production, gather at the brand’s Oxford plant.
AS MINI marks its 60th anniversary this year, the brand just got another reason to celebrate: The 10-millionth car it produced globally since 1959 had rolled off its assembly line.
The landmark car — a Mini 60 Years Anniversary Edition — was built at the brand’s plant in Oxford, England.
To celebrate the double milestones, Mini searched 60 cars — one from each year of production — and brought these together at the Oxford plant for a special birthday gathering. The cars were then taken to the International Mini Meeting, an annual festival for Mini fans globally. During the drive from Oxford to Bristol, the line of cars was led by 621 AOK, the first Mini built. Bringing up the rear was the 10-millionth Mini.
The 10-millionth Mini
Launched in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini revolutionized the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968. Production shifted to Longbridge, where it continued to be built until October 2000. Between 1959 and 2000 more than 5.3 million classic Minis were built.
Since the brand’s rebirth in 2001 under BMW ownership, sales around the world have multiplied. Last year nearly 400,000 Minis were sold in 110 countries across the globe.
At present, the Mini is produced in three UK plants; Hams Hall near Birmingham (engines), Swindon (body pressings and sub-assemblies) and Oxford (manufacturing plant with body shell production, paint and final assembly).
Daily output at Oxford has grown from around 300 cars a day in 2001 to around 1,000 today. The 4,500-strong workforce at Oxford produces one new Mini every 67 seconds.
In November, the Oxford plant will start producing the Mini Electric.
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