MINI Cooper Convertible production returns to England

MINI Plant Oxford in England has started production of the MINI Cooper Convertible again for the first time since 2015. The new model joins the latest Cooper 3-Door and Cooper 5-Door models, making MINI Plant Oxford the home of the whole MINI Cooper family.

‘Always Open’ is the traditional claim of the MINI Convertible and aptly describes the model’s philosophy. Announced last month, the fourth generation Cooper Convertible has a completely new interior and exterior design, as well as a state-of-the-art digital experience.

Still unique in the premium small car segment, the roof of the 4-seater can be opened in two ways: either like a sunroof or fully retracted. The soft top disappears behind the rear seats to save space and can also be stowed in the luggage compartment when folded down. It takes just 18 seconds to open fully (closing takes 15 seconds) after the press of a button, and can be operated at speeds up to 30 km/h.

Three BMW Group manufacturing sites in the UK contribute to the Cooper Convertible. BMW Group Plant Swindon produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies while the latest 4-cylinder petrol engines are built at BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire. All these parts come together at MINI Plant Oxford where bodyshell production, paint and final assembly take place.

4 generations of convertibles
Following the relaunch of the MINI brand in 2001, the first modern Convertible was unveiled in 2004 and has remained an icon of the MINI family ever since. 160,000 vehicles have been built at MINI Plant Oxford from 2004 to 2008.

The first-generation Convertible was known for its retro styling and iconic chrome roll-over arches behind the rear seats. The second generation, unveiled in 2009 was produced up to 2015, during which time 165,000 units left the plant. This model kept the iconic drop-down hinged boot but gained the evolved styling of the Cooper from that era.

Production of the third generation was briefly moved in 2014 to VDL Nedcar, an independent factory in the Netherlands which does contract manufacturing for various brands. This was to making room for the Clubman at MINI Plant Oxford as demand grew. Over 150,000 Convertibles were produced at Nedcar until production ended in 2023.

111 years of making cars
MINI Plant Oxford celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023 and has a history of car manufacturing since 1913. It was established by William Morris who bought over the land that was the site of the Oxford Military College in Cowley.

Over the years, it was owned by the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland, the Rover Group and British Aerospace before BMW bought over Rover and also acquired the plant. For some years, Honda also had a share in the plant where the Legend was built.

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