BMW Delays £600m Investment in UK Mini Factory Citing Global Challenges

The automaker reaffirms commitment to Oxford plant despite postponing electric Mini production plans, pointing to industry-wide uncertainties.

BMW has delayed a £600m investment to upgrade its Oxford Mini plant, originally planned to restart electric Mini production by 2026.
The company attributes the decision to global industry challenges, including sluggish electric vehicle (EV) demand in Europe and battery supply chain concerns.
UK government officials maintain that BMW remains committed to its investment and view the delay as a commercial adjustment rather than a withdrawal.
Critics argue that strict zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates and unclear government policies are undermining industry confidence and EV adoption in the UK.
BMW has not drawn on a £75m government subsidy tied to the Oxford plant upgrade and continues to produce electric Minis in China under existing arrangements.