UK’s Plant Oxford is celebrating the start of production of the fifth-generation Mini Cooper, with the globally popular car arriving in New Zealand in mid-2024.

Since the launch of the first modern Mini in 2001, over 4.4 million models have been produced in Britain - including 150,000 Electric models, built between 2019 and 2023.

Associates at Plant Oxford were joined by Head of Mini, Stefanie Wurst, for a special on-site event in which the first three-door model was driven off the production line by Charlie Cooper, grandson of the legendary John Cooper, whose heritage inspired the Cooper moniker.

Wurst said, “This milestone underscores the commitment to our roots while propelling us into a dynamic future of driving. Plant Oxford is the heart of the Mini brand, and today, as we witness the birth of this new chapter, we renew our pledge to craftsmanship and the thrill of motoring."

Dr Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon said, “We are delighted to welcome the new Mini Cooper to our lines in both Oxford and Swindon. The new Mini Cooper is an incredibly important car for our team and UK manufacturing. We are proud to produce this iconic car, loved all over the world.”

the new Mini Cooper arrives as the third member of the new Mini family, joining the Mini Cooper Electric and the new Mini Countryman. Available in two model variants: the Mini Cooper C and the performance-enhanced Mini Cooper S, the latest three-door merges traditional brand values with innovative, future-orientated technology.

The model’s exterior silhouette features clear surfaces, short overhangs and a compact bonnet which combined with a contrasting long wheelbase, achieves the typical Mini proportions. Moving inside, the interior is minimalistic, with the entire cockpit focussed on just three elements: a revolutionary circular OLED display, the new Vescin steering wheel and the toggle bar.