A Mini electric car is on display at the BMW outdoor booth during the International Motor Show Germany (IAA Mobility) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 8, 2021.Photo: Xinhua

The Oxford-based BMW plant will continue to build some MINI models for the next generation, BMW group told the Global Times on Tuesday in response to the company's reported move to stop production of its electric MINI in the plant and move the production line to China.

BMW said that Oxford plays an important role in BMW Group's production strategy, with its high degree of flexibility, competitiveness and expertise, adding that Oxford will remain the heart of MINI.

It also noted that for the next generation of MINI, Oxford will build the MINI Cooper Three-Door and Five-Door Hatch models plus the MINI Convertible, which is one of the brand's most important cars and a global best-seller. The group said that future production plans will be announced in due course.

The Times reported on October 15 that BMW was set to axe all UK production of electric MINI and switch it to China, adding that BMW produces 40, 000 electric MINIs annually at its Cowley factory in Oxford, and the production would end in 2023 as part of plans to reshape BMW's line-up from 2024.

The report also said that BMW's joint venture in China with Great Wall Motor will produce the next generation Mini Aceman.

BMW Brilliance Automotive’s plant in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province File photo: VCG

BMW Brilliance's Plant Lydia was officially opened in Shenyang, Northeast China's Jilin Province in June. With an investment of 15 billion yuan ($2.08 billion), the plant is the biggest single investment in BMW's history in China, according to a statement sent by the group to the Global Times.

BMW delivered a total of 378,727 BMW and MINI-branded vehicles in China in the first six months of 2022, data from the group showed.

Global Times