| Mini | |
|---|---|
 Mini One (F56) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 2001 – present |
| Model years | 2002 – present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini (B) Sport compact / hot hatch (Cooper S & JCW) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mini |
The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.
BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.
The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.[2]
BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands.[3] The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024.[4] From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford.[5] Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.
- ^ "MINI hatchback review - Engines, drive & performance 2024". Carbuyer. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- ^ "The next all-new Mini will be called the Mini Cooper and it'll arrive in 2024". 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Mini voor Amerika ook uit Nederland". TMG Landelijke Media B.V., Amsterdam (Autovisie). 12 March 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- ^ Last VDL Mini"Last VDL Mini produced at Born". 16 February 2024.
- ^ Mini Plant Oxford 600m investment"Mini Plant Oxford £600m investment".