Millionth mini exported

BMW has announced that it has now produced one million Minis for export at its Oxford plant. The milestone comes less than a year after the second-generation BMW Mini went on sale and proves that the stylish supermini is as popular as ever.Over 80 percent of Mini production goes for export, with the biggest market being the USA. Sales in America have been increasing dramatically as buyers downsize in the face of rising oil costs – 26,400 Minis were sold in the US in the first half of the year, an increase of 33 per cent over 2007.The Oxford factory employs 4700 workers and operates a three shift pattern, building up to 200 cars a day. Another 2100 people work at the pressing plant in Swindon and the engine factory at Hams Hall near Birmingham.