BIRMINGHAM DEBUT FOR NEW MINI

The all-new Mini will make its full world debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October 2000 in the build-up to sales commencing in spring 2001.

Birmingham has been chosen for Mini’s full international debut as the city is both the birthplace and production home of the brand.

The car will be made at the all-new state-of-the-art Mini plant in Birmingham which will start production at the end of the year 2000 with sales starting in early 2001.

A concept of the new Mini was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 where plans were revealed for the car to go into production at the end of 2000. The new Birmingham production facility, which is part of a £700 million investment, will produce Mini using the latest BMW Group production technology and to exacting BMW Group quality levels. The BodyinWhite facility, a £114 million investment alone, was completed recently.

Dr. Henrich Heitmann, member of the board of management of BMW Group, responsible for sales and marketing, said: ‘We are delighted that Mini is making its full debut in Birmingham, its home city. There is tremendous excitement surrounding the car both here and in the motoring public. We are putting our final plans in place for the start of sale next year and I can promise you a truly exceptional product."

The current Mini ends production in September 2000 after 41 years and 5.3 million sales world-wide.