Oxford Mini Plant: Petrol Cooper launched but firm 'on target' for electric

The new model was driven off the production line by Charlie Cooper, whose family name remains on the car

A new petrol Mini has been launched, though the brand's plans to be fully electric are still on target, the plant's director has said.

The fifth generation Mini Cooper has started production at the Mini plant in Cowley, Oxford.

Dr Markus Grüneisl said the Mini line was "in the middle" of a "transformation" but that electric Minis would be made onsite from 2026.

BMW has pledged to build two new all-electric Mini models in Cowley.

The manufacturer is spending £600m on updating the Cowley plant for the changeover.

Dr Grüneisl said the Mini would be "fully electric by the end of this decade", though the company later clarified it was aiming for the "beginning of the next decade".

Dr Markus Grüneisl said electric Minis would be built at the site from 2026

Body shell production, paint and final assembly of the Cooper will take place at the Oxford factory

Charlie Cooper, the grandson of John Cooper - who helped develop the original Mini and inspired the Cooper name, drove the first of the new three-door models off the production line.

He told the BBC the car still looked much like the classic Mini "in a new car, in a new package".

He added: "It just seems surreal, what my grandfather achieved so long ago, and his legacy still lives on... I'm just happy to be part of it still."

Stefanie Wurst, head of Mini, said the launch of the new vehicle was a "milestone" that "underscores our commitment to our roots while propelling us into a dynamic future of driving".

She called the plant in Oxford the "heart of the Mini brand".

Mr Cooper said his grandfather's legacy lived on in the new car

BMW has pledged to build two new all-electric Mini models in Cowley

Dr Grüneisl 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."

Body shell production, paint and final assembly of the Cooper will take place at the Oxford factory. It currently builds more than 1,000 Minis per day.

The Swindon plant produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies, while the petrol engines are built at a plant in Hams Hall, North Warwickshire.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.