The next-generation Mini Countryman will be built at Mini parent BMW Group's plant in Leipzig, with production of the compact SUV ceasing in the Netherlands.

The plan is as part of a wider production shuffle of the automaker's European factories.

The new petrol, diesel and full-electric versions of the Countryman will be produced at Leipzig, with the plant undergoing an investment programme to ensure suitable expansion of its production capacity, including e-drive component assembly. 

The Leipzig plant is where the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is produced plus both the front- and all-wheel drive variants of the new BMW 1 Series and the BMW i3 electric vehicle.

The Countryman will grow to match the size of the 150mm-longer BMW X1, with which it shares a platform.

The director of the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, Hans-Peter Kemser, said the contract to produce the new Mini Countryman had been a major milestone for the plant.

“It is clear evidence of the company’s faith in our expertise and our site, and fantastic news for the future of our plant,” he said.

The new Mini Countryman is due in 2023.