Having put a smile on over a million drivers’ faces across the globe, the last of the outgoing Mini hatchback series drove off the production line at Plant Oxford on November 28. With production of the new Mini underway, associates at the brand’s historic Oxfordshire home took a moment to recognize their achievements in building a car which has formed the backbone of Mini’s burgeoning global growth.
A total of 1,041,412 various examples of the outgoing Mini hatchback model have been produced at the high-tech facility, which has built more than 2,400,000 Mini vehicles since 2001. Fourteen percent of all cars built in the UK last year were Minis, and Minis accounted for 14% of all UK vehicle exports in 2012.
When launched in 2006, the outgoing Mini Hatch saw the introduction of turbo charged engines and suspension enhancements which cemented Mini’s reputation for driving dynamics. With the introduction of "Minimalism" technologies, customers also benefited from improved fuel economy and performance in equal measure. Mini Connected appeared for the first time, setting the standard in the segment for infotainment and connectivity.
This model also furthered Mini’s exciting and unique programme of customization and personalzsation, from bespoke roof designs to interior colour worlds. The New Mini Hatch is set for UK launch in Spring 2014.—Paul Duchene
