The MINI Cooper Convertible Returns to its Roots at Oxford

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The MINI Cooper Convertible has started production and for the first time since 2015, it’s being produced at the Oxford Plant. Joining the MINI Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door, the Convertible is now the third Cooper model being produced in Oxford, once again solidifying the plant as the heart of the brand.

Announced last month, the fourth-generation MINI Convertible features a fully redesigned interior and exterior alongside with MINI’s new circular display and OS9. The F67 also features new underbody bracing and other chassis tweaks to create a driving experience closer to the hardtop.

MINI Grows it’s Presence Oxford

While there’s been a lot of noise about Chinese MINI production via it’s Great Wall joint venture, the majority of the brand’s products continue to be made in UK at the same plant that launched the new MINI in 2001.

“We are thrilled about the start of production of the MINI Convertible, which is now being produced again at the Oxford plant, the home of MINI. Unique in its class, the MINI Convertible offers unparalleled, brand-typical driving fun, combined with boundless freedom and great emotions. Its iconic design paired with modern technology and connectivity makes this vehicle an unmatched open-air experience for our customers.”

Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI.

A Team Effort Across the UK

The MINI Convertible is the product of collaboration between three UK BMW Group sites. Body pressings and sub-assemblies come from Plant Swindon, the four-cylinder petrol engines are built at Plant Hams Hall, and final assembly takes place at Plant Oxford, where body shell production and painting are also completed.

A Legacy of Open-Air MINIs

The MINI Convertible has been an integral part of the MINI lineup since it debuted in 2004, shortly after the relaunch of the brand. The first generation (2004-2008) stood out with its retro styling and chrome rollover arches, with 160,000 units built at MINI Plant Oxford. The second generation (2009-2015) modernized the design while retaining hallmark features like the drop-down hinged boot, adding another 165,000 cars to its production tally.

Production for the third generation moved briefly to VDL Nedcar in the Netherlands to accommodate the MINI Clubman at Oxford. From 2015 to 2023, over 150,000 Convertible models were built at Nedcar before the model returned to its original UK home.

Oxford: A Century of Automotive Excellence

In 2023, MINI Plant Oxford celebrated its 110th anniversary, a milestone in its storied history as one of the world’s oldest automotive manufacturing sites. Producing over 20% of all UK-made cars that year, the plant continues to lead as a cornerstone of British car manufacturing.

Now, with the MINI Convertible back under the Oxford roof, the next step will be expanding for MINI’s J01 electric Cooper and J05 electric Aceman.

MINI Cooper Convertible Gallery

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