Manufacturer BMW has said it was “reviewing the timing” for re-introducing electric MINI production at its Cowley plant near Oxford.
It an statement, BMW said that the plant was “the heart of MINI production” but that “multiple uncertainties” were facing the automotive industry, which had resulted in it “reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford”.
The manufacturer had planned a £600m upgrade to the plant for the electric vehicle production, and that as a result of the pause it would not accept a £60m grant from the UK Government related to the work.
But BMW said it remained in “close dialogue” with the government on the issue, which comes ahead of the end of the consultation on the 2030 phase of ICE vehicles and the application of the ZEV mandate.
In addition it said that investment in the plant was still progressing and making it “future-ready”.
It also follows Stellantis’ decision last year to close its van factory in Luton.
The BWM statement also said: “We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford.
“As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans.”
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