BMW Delays £600m Electric Mini Investment at Oxford Plant

The carmaker cites declining electric vehicle demand and industry uncertainties, raising questions about the factory's long-term future.

BMW announced it is pausing its £600m investment to transition its Oxford Mini plant to electric vehicle production, originally planned to begin in 2026.
The decision follows declining consumer interest in electric vehicles due to high costs and inadequate charging infrastructure.
The Oxford plant, which employs over 3,000 workers, currently produces internal combustion engine Minis and is slated to become electric-only by 2030 under UK government mandates.
BMW's pause also impacts a deal previously brokered with £60–£75m in government subsidies, with the company opting not to claim the grant at this time.
The UK's zero-emission vehicle mandate, requiring 28% of car sales to be electric in 2025, has drawn criticism from automakers concerned about ambitious targets and potential fines.