Mini had a major visitor to its Oxford Plant as the brand continues to celebrate 20 years of production of the modern vehicle.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has just visited Mini Plant Oxford, to meet the people behind the cars and to get an insight into the manufacturing processes and developments in sustainable production.

Prince Charles toured the site’s assembly hall, where he was able to meet some of the 130 apprentices.

He also met staff who were closely involved in integrating the manufacturing of the Mini Electric onto the standard production line, making Oxford the first BMW Group plant in the world to build fully electric and combustion cars on the same line. 

The Mini Electric was launched internationally in 2020 and has proved so popular that production will double this year. So far this year, 29 Mini Electrics have arrived in New Zealand with stock supply issues the only reason for that low number. 

The Prince of Wales drove a Mini Electric off the production line as part of his visit. He was also introduced to members of the Mini team whose families have worked at the plant over a number of generations, across the decades.

Peter Weber, Managing Director, Plant Oxford said: “It was an absolute honour and pleasure to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to the heart of the Mini brand here in Oxford and we were delighted that he could join us to mark this important manufacturing milestone.

“Over the past twenty years, the commitment and passion of our associates, nearly a quarter of whom were with us when the first car rolled off the line in 2001, has helped to strengthen Mini’s reputation around the world.

“It’s fantastic for this special celebration to have been recognised with such a memorable royal visit. It was a real highlight to see His Royal Highness drive one of our Mini Electrics off the production line.”