Plant Oxford has celebrates 15 years since the first new MINIs rolled off the production line on 26 April, 2001.

Plant Oxford has celebrated 15 years since the first new MINIs rolled off the production line on 26 April, 2001. The BMW Group, which is marking its centenary year in 2016, acquired the plant in 1994 and relaunched the brand in 2001 with the debut of the new MINI Hatch.

Since then more than 2.5 million MINIs have been produced in Oxford, with the three million milestone expected to be hit later this year. 80 per cent of the cars made here are exported to more than 110 countries around the world.

The 2001 MINI launch was the reinvention of a British motoring icon, which generated headlines around the world. As well as making the news, the car was subsequently recognised with several industry awards after it went on sale. This included being voted ‘Car of the Year’ in 2001 by leading UK weekly car magazine, Auto Express. Impressed by the car’s driving abilities, quality levels and safety features, the magazine praised the fact that the classic Mini’s DNA was “unmistakable” in the new car.

Sales of MINI, both in the UK and internationally, have gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years. In its first year nearly 40,000 MINIs were sold worldwide. By 2015 this number had risen to nearly 340,000, with more than 63,000 sold to customers in the UK – the highest since the brand’s relaunch.

Frank Bachmann, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “MINI is an iconic British brand that has made a remarkable journey over the past 15 years. In that time we’ve more than doubled our capacity and gone from producing just one model to an entire range of MINIs that have proved hugely popular with customers around the world. Making 1,000 high-quality cars to individual order each day is a huge challenge but we succeed in doing so because of the passion and expertise of our workforce. Today, we celebrate what’s been achieved so far and look forward to an even brighter future here in Oxford - the heart of MINI production.”

The plant’s automotive history dates back to 1913 when the great designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist William Morris (later Lord Nuffield), produced its first car, a “Bullnose” Morris, near today’s present state-of-the-art MINI production facility. The classic Mini was produced at Oxford from 1959 until 1968 with a peak output of 94,889 cars during 1966/67.

Today, more than 4,500 people are employed at the site in Cowley, which manufactures around 1,000 cars a day, including three and five door MINIs, the MINI Clubman and its first all-wheel drive All4 model – and the high-performance MINI John Cooper Works.

Three UK plants have had a part to play in MINI production - Hams Hall near Birmingham makes engines, Swindon produces body pressings and sub-assemblies for MINI, and this all comes together at Oxford with body shell production, paint and final assembly. Together these plants have helped to generate and sustain employment for thousands of people directly and indirectly though the wider supply chain and retailers.

Between 2012 and 2015 BMW Group invested £750 million at the plants, taking investment in UK production to £1.75 billion since 2000. At Oxford this has included a state-of-the-art paintshop, a high-technology body building facility, a new final assembly area, a new logistics centre, Quality and Engineering Centre and the MINIcademy, where the plant’s apprentices are trained.

Joining Technician Chris Wherritt is one of 22 current plant associates who began their careers as apprentices in 2001.

Chris said: “Starting my apprenticeship straight from school was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. After all, 2001 was a big year for the plant — I knew it would be a big change but I wasn’t aware at the time just how successful the new MINI was going to be. I already had a position secured for after my apprenticeship when the 2001 MINI rolled off the production line, and the launch was all over the news — that’s when I knew both the MINI and I had a bright future ahead of us.”

Helen Evans, currently in her first year as an engineering apprentice, said: “I’ve always been fascinated by cars and so seeing MINI’s transformation while still paying homage to the original has been really interesting. It’s been a great experience working at the plant so far and I’m really excited to see how my career with MINI will evolve in the future.”

The first MINIs – which were registered with ‘Y’ prefixed number plates – are now considered by many enthusiasts and fans of the brand to be modern classics.

MINI enthusiast Tanya Field, whose husband Jason works at the plant in IT, is working to set up a new club – Y REGister – to bring together owners of MINIs made in Oxford in 2001.

Tanya said: “Today is a wonderful milestone for MINI Plant Oxford. The first MINIs are 15 years old and are now becoming modern classics and are increasingly collectable. The creation of the Y REGister shows the growing interest in these MINIs and the heritage of the modern MINI.  As someone who’s passionate about the plant’s heritage, this is something that’s really important to me.”

USA - MINI launches new 4 Door hardtop to the American crowds at Los Angeles.

Classic Mini, MINI Hardtop 4 Door and MINI Superleggera™ Vision on display to showcase the past, present and what’s next for iconic brand

The new MINI Hardtop 4 Door will make its North American premiere at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, with an intent to redefine what is expected from the premium small car segment. Originally showcased at the Paris Motor Show in September, the new four door model of the iconic MINI Hardtop will be shown for the first time in the United States at MINI’s press conference at South Hall #503, November 19, 2014, 4:40 pm PT.   

As if the presence of the MINI Hardtop 4 Door wasn’t enough to draw a crowd in the city of angels, the stunning MINI Superleggera Vision roadster concept will also be on display for the first time in the U.S., along with a classic Mini. The three-car feature display will serve as a visual of the past, present and future vision for one of the world’s most recognizable cars.

More MINI; More Possibilities.

Even with its four doors, seating for five and added cargo space, the new MINI Hardtop 4 Door maintains the dynamic character and go-kart handling of the 2 door model while adding functionality and interior space. The MINI Hardtop 4 door has more legroom in the rear, more shoulder space in the front and back and additional cargo space compared to the 2 door model making it more practical for a family or owners just looking for more MINI.

“The new MINI Hardtop 4 Door gives us an opportunity to offer a functional car with all the classic MINI proportions and legendary go-kart handling of the MINI Hardtop 2 Door,” said Patrick McKenna, Head of MINI Product Planning and Events, MINI USA. “It will appeal to people who want the added flexibility and convenience of four doors and five seats while enjoying the smaller footprint of a premium small car.”

The MINI Hardtop 4 Door is the first four door MINI to be built on the shared front wheel drive global architecture with BMW Group and will be powered by the same three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines found in the MINI Hardtop 2 Door model.  The new MINI Hardtop 4 door goes on sale in January 2015 in the U.S. and is priced at $1,000 USD above the equivalent MINI Hardtop 2 door.

MINI Superleggera Vision.

Forward looking design has always been a part of the inspiration behind MINI.  The iconic classic Mini created by Alec issigonis in 1959 was inspired by a design challenge and the new MINI Hardtop 4 Door is no different. Today, the past and future come together with the MINI Superleggera™ Vision.  

The stunning roadster concept combines the tradition of classic coachwork construction of Touring Superleggera™ with MINI’s authentic British styling to create timeless aesthetic appeal. First shown at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2014 in Milan, the MINI Superleggera™ Vision will serve as a visual centerpiece of the potential future of the brand.  It is also the first time the sporty roadster concept will be shown in the U.S.

“The MINI Superleggera Vision creates a unique emotional beauty in combining the past and future of the automotive industry – traditional coachwork craftsmanship and modern design styling,” said Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design. “It’s energetic, minimalistic design perpetuates what the classic Mini started 55 years ago - reduction to the essentials.”

More with your MINI.

Also at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, MINI management will be presented with two Residual Value Awards for the MINI Hardtop and the MINI Countryman models by ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc. and the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

MINI will also use the event to showcase the brand’s newest integration with Spotify, one of the world’s most popular streaming music services.  Spotify will now be available in all MINI vehicles that feature the MINI Connected infotainment platform.

USA - MINI takes two awards at 2015 ALG Residual Value Awards.

15th annual ALG awards honor 2015 vehicles predicted to hold value

MINI USA today announced that the company has received two Residual Value Awards from ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc., and the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data.  The awards were given to the MINI Hardtop and the MINI Countryman models in the Premium Compact Car and Subcompact Utility Vehicle categories, respectively.

“The MINI Hardtop and MINI Countryman are both premium vehicles and the most popular models among the MINI product line,” said David Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “The new MINI Hardtop offers standard safety and technology features that were once limited to luxury vehicles, while the MINI Countryman continues to be one of the safest vehicles in its segment winning the IIHS Top Safety Pick for the fourth year in a row.”

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands representing the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year’s awards are based on 2015 model year vehicles.

"MINI models have won a number of Residual Value Awards over the years, largely due to the iconic styling and the brand's sales strategies," said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. "Buyers are willing to pay a price premium for MINI products because of their distinctive style and great driving experience, and the Countryman adds lots of utility to that equation."

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

MINI at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2014.

With its characteristic driving fun and individual style, the British premium brand MINI has now enthralled discerning and trend-conscious target groups in the American automotive market for 12 years. 

The new generation of MINI interprets this successful vehicle concept more impressively than ever before, providing high-end technology, premium quality, expressive design and innovative equipment features to create a driving experience that is unique in the small car and compact segment. The fact that the latest generation of the original offers a whole new range of possibilities when it to comes the creative use of space is demonstrated with the US premiere of the MINI 5 door at the 2014 LA Auto Show. 

The second body version of the new MINI has two additional doors as well as expanded space for both occupants and luggage. This means that for the first time in the brand's 55-year history, MINI is now represented in the small car category with a 5-door model.

The new MINI 5 door is the latest addition to a model family which currently comprises seven members and will be presented to visitors at the LA Auto Show from November 21st - 30th 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center along with current new products in the areas of equipment, accessories and MINI Connected. What is more, the design and entertainment Mecca in sunny California provides the ideal stage on which to showcase an exceptional concept vehicle. The MINI Superleggera Vision on show at the 2014 LA Auto Show embodies a pioneering version of the tradition-steeped roadster concept - blending British style, Italian flair, purist design, consistent lightweight construction and purely electric power.

US premiere in Los Angeles: the new MINI 5 door. 

An individual character with versatile qualities and yet still a genuine MINI: such is the MINI 5 door, presented for its US premiere at the 2014 LA Auto Show. Two additional doors facilitate entry to the rear, where three seats are available. The MINI 5 door has a wheelbase that has been extended by 72 millimetres, providing increased space - not just for occupants. The luggage compartment is now also around 30 per cent larger than that of the 3-door model, with a volume of 278 litres. The rear backrest with a 60 :40 folding split enables expansion of the luggage compartment volume to as much as 941 litres.

In the US automotive market, the new model will be available in the form of the MINI Cooper 5 door and the MINI Cooper S 5 door. Powerful yet outstandingly efficient engines of the new generation with either three or four cylinders along with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology are combined with modern, model-specific suspension technology to ensure unique driving fun. Authentic MINI feeling in state-of-the-art form is also provided by the optimised display and operating concept as well as a large selection of innovative driver assistance systems.

MINI Superleggera Vision: British style meets Italian flair. 

A collaborative venture between MINI and the Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera has produced the study of a compact roadster whose design and concept focuses entirely on the essentials: driving fun and aesthetic appeal. Elaborately crafted by hand, the MINI Superleggera Vision presents a modern interpretation of a classic open-top two-seater. Its minimalist yet highly emotional design combines British style and Italian flair.

The roadster's characteristic MINI proportions derive a fascinating charismatic touch from being synthesised with the lines and surface finish that are typical of Touring Superleggera. The tradition-steeped art of lightweight construction applied to the manufacture of the body and the study's modern electric drive both contribute to pure driving fun with enthralling agility not to mention groundbreaking efficiency. In the interior of the MINI SuperleggeraVision, purist and therefore timeless aesthetic appeal is created by means of generous surfaces and high-quality materials which are especially authentic since they have largely been left in their original state.

MINI to showcase new models, face lifts and a possible NEW concept at Paris

The MINI model family once again presents distinctive personalities in its latest generation. The most recent example of an attractive addition to the model range of the British premium brand will be on show at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The international motor show in the French capital is the setting for the world premiere of the new MINI 5 door. The second body variant of the new MINI offers two additional doors as well as expanded space for occupants and luggage, thereby providing new ways of experiencing the brand's hallmark driving fun and individual style in a premium model of the small car segment. This means that for the first time in the brand's 55-year history, MINI is now represented in this vehicle category with a 5-door model.

The launch of the new MINI 5 door consistently continues the successful strategy of extending the brand's popularity to additional target groups by expanding the model range. This debut takes the MINI family to a total of eight members. The selection of special equipment features, accessory products and MINI Connected Services that enable hallmark MINI driving fun to be tailored individually to personal preferences is also larger than ever before. The latest highlights in these areas will also be on show in Paris. And MINI offers visitors the opportunity to see a spectacular concept study at the Paris Motor Show from October 4th to 19th 2014, too. The MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision embodies a pioneering interpretation of the tradition-steeped roadster concept - blending British style, Italian flair, purist design, consistent lightweight construction and purely electric power.

World premiere in Paris: the new MINI 5 door.

An individual character with versatile qualities and yet still a genuine MINI: such is the MINI 5 door, presented for its world premiere at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Two additional doors facilitate entry to the rear, where three seats are available. The MINI 5 door has a wheelbase that has been extended by 72 millimetres, providing increased space not just for occupants. The luggage compartment is now also around 30 per cent larger than that of the 3-door model, with a volume of 278 litres. What is more, the rear backrest with a 60:40 folding split enables expansion of the luggage compartment volume to as much as 941 litres.

At the market launch of the new MINI 5 door (combined fuel consumption: 5.9 - 3.5 l/100 km, combined CO₂emissions: there are six engines of the new generation to choose from with three or four cylinders as well as MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. These cover an output range from 70 kW/95 hp to 141 kW/192 hp, and in conjunction with cutting-edge suspension technology harmonised precisely to suit each specific model they ensure unmistakable driving fun. Other features characteristic of the new MINI generation also include the optimised display and operating concept as well as the large selection of innovative driver assistance systems.

MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision: British style meets Italian flair.

A collaborative venture between MINI and the Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera has produced the study of a compact roadster whose design and concept focuses entirely on the essentials: driving fun and aesthetic appeal. Elaborately crafted by hand, the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision presents a modern interpretation of a classic open-top two-seater. Its minimalist yet highly emotional design combines British style and Italian flair.

The roadster's characteristic MINI proportions derive a fascinating charismatic touch by being synthesised with the lines and surface finish that are typical of Touring Superleggera. The tradition-steeped art of lightweight construction applied to the manufacture of the body and the study's modern electric drive both contribute to pure driving fun with enthralling agility not to mention ground-breaking efficiency. In the interior of the MINI SuperleggeraTM Vision, purist and therefore timeless aesthetic appeal is created by means of generous spaces and high-quality materials which are especially authentic since they have largely been left in their original state.

MINI celebrates 3 million cars rolling off plant Oxford's production lines, with 66% going to export.

Three-millionth MINI leaves assembly line today; two million MINIs exported from the UK

Thirteen years after the brand re-launch in 2001, MINI has reached an impressive milestone today, as the three-millionth MINI rolled off the assembly line at the Oxford plant in the UK. Two million MINIs have been exported from the UK to more than 110 countries over the same period. Harald Krüger, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, and Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce and Aftersales, joined Baroness Susan Kramer, British Minister of State for Transport, and Frank Bachmann, managing director of Plants Oxford and Swindon, to celebrate the special-anniversary vehicle as part of an official ceremony. The car is a MINI 5 Door sporting the UK’s Union Jack.

Made in England: MINI production in the UK

Plant Oxford currently produces the MINI, MINI 5-door, MINI Convertible, MINI Roadster and MINI Coupé models. The success of the MINI brand can be seen in the positive developments at Plant Oxford since 2001. Back then, a single shift of around 2,400 employees produced about 300 cars a day. Today, the Oxford site employs around 4,000 people. Working three shifts, the plant produces around 1,000 MINI cars per day.

The UK is the MINI brand’s second-largest market worldwide after the US. The UK is also the fourth-largest market for the BMW Group. 80 per cent of the MINIs made in Oxford are exported, making MINI the third-largest vehicle exporter in the UK.

“The MINI brand has had strong ties to the UK for decades. Our MINI production in Oxford represents a commitment to the brand’s identity, firmly in line with our successful strategy of “production follows the market”. Oxford is the centre of our British MINI production network, with the Swindon pressings plant and the Hams Hall engine plant near Birmingham,” stated Board of Management member for Production Harald Krüger at the event celebrating the production milestone.

“Today, we mark two important milestones for MINI. Three million MINIs produced, and two million MINIs exported from Oxford to customers worldwide. These are impressive figures and definitely a reason to celebrate. In markets big and small, MINI has always appealed to customers on an emotional level,” said Board of Management member Peter Schwarzenbauer.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “I congratulate the workers at MINI Plant Oxford on reaching this remarkable milestone. The MINI is a British icon and is a major part of a thriving automotive industry spearheading the growing British economy. This government is working to create the right environment for car manufacturers like BMW to continue innovating and developing British-made cars with worldwide appeal.”

Millions invested signals clear commitment to British production locations

The BMW Group has invested a total of around £1.75 billion in its British plants since 2000. Between 2012 and 2015 alone, the BMW Group is investing a total of £750 million in its MINI UK production network. This investment is part of the international growth strategy for the MINI brand and secures the long-term future of the Oxford plant and safeguard 5,600 jobs at the Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall plants.

Global growth strategy: expansion of production capacity

The BMW Group produced a total of 303,177 MINI-brand vehicles in 2013. The production volume at MINI Oxford reached 175,986 units. A further 125,559 units of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman were contract-manufactured at MSF Graz in Austria and other assembly plants in Asia. 

The BMW Group further expanded its production capacities as the next major step in the implementation of its global growth strategy. With the significant growth of the MINI brand, the BMW Group requires additional external production capacity beyond that of MINI Plant Oxford. Sharing production of the MINI Hatch with contract manufacturer VDL Nedcar (Born, Netherlands) since July 2014 will give the BMW Group global production network greater flexibility for other models. The British production network will nevertheless remain the heart of MINI production.

Mini and JustPark to launch new App for easier parking.

• Motorists currently waste 106 days of their lives searching for a spot
• New App linked to 100,000 parking places across the UK
• MINI owners can download App from Apple App Store now

JustPark, the online service that lets you park wherever and whenever, has revealed that MINI will be the first car brand in the world to allow drivers to reserve parking directly from their dashboards.

Using the app, JustPark-registered drivers can find, book and navigate to a parking space, choosing from over 100,000 spaces across the UK.

Integrating the complete parking process into the vehicle’s navigation system for the first time, the free-to-download JustPark app eliminates the time spent circling the streets looking for a suitable spot, an inconvenience that costs the average driver 106 days of their life.

How does it work?

Using the app, drivers can choose whether to input their final destination or search for parking around them while on the go. Drivers then browse a selection of convenient parking spaces, from car parks and hotels to homes and pubs. They can explore location details, pricing and reviews left by previous drivers.

Once drivers have chosen and paid for a space, they are directed to their destination by the car’s navigation system. The app is designed to be used while on the move, having undergone extensive safety testing by BMW laboratories in Munich.

JustPark and BMW

The app is the latest product of the partnership between JustPark and BMW i Ventures, the venture capital arm of BMW that invests in startups working to improve mobility in urban areas and took a strategic stake in JustPark – formerly known as ParkatmyHouse – in 2011.

JustPark founder, Anthony Eskinazi, said: “In 2014, no driver should have to experience the stress and uncertainty of circling the streets for that elusive parking space. JustPark gives drivers the convenience of finding and reserving an affordable parking space in moments. Just as we use apps to order taxis and takeaways, parking is finally being brought out of the dark ages.”

Chris Brownridge, Director for MINI UK, added: “MINI Connected is all about helping owners to interact with the outside world whilst on the move. Not only does our in-car system allow people to talk, listen and engage in a convenient way, but now it also helps them to find a place to park.”

He continued: “The JustPark functionality – which is a world-first for MINI – will make securing a convenient parking place in our busy towns and cities a breeze.”

JustPark has also today announced that it has secured an investment from Index Ventures, the investor who has backed many of today’s leading online brands including BlaBlaCar, Just-Eat and King.

Major financial restructuring to BMW to account for poor 1-Series and MINI sales.

With the automotive market becoming more and more competitive, automakers are pushing to create new product to help keep market share. The downside to this? Costs rise, and when products don’t do as well as expected, that money goes down the drain. 

To help solve this problem, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has hired consultants from McKinsey to create a cost-saving strategy that will potentially save the company between $4 billion and $5.4 billion annually. Already, BMW has a few ideas in where they can cut costs. 

The need for this plan stems from poor sales of the BMW 1 Series and for the Mini brand as a whole. Earlier this week, BMW made an announcement that in order for the company to remain competitive with other automakers, it would need to lower expenses "by several hundred million euros a year." Further helping to offset the dismal sales figures, BMW hopes to increase global vehicle sales to around 2.5 million by 2016. 

But with strong competition from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, that may be easier said than done. To make this strategy work, BMW will cut $136 million in German labor costs annually starting in 2015, according to the Munich newspaper, Muenchner Merkur.

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MINI, the strongest residuals in the UK, god only knows why.

• MINI vehicles hold more of their value than any other brand, a new study by Glass’s has revealed
• Industry leading average depreciation of just 16.4 per cent for MINI customers, potentially saving thousands of pounds for consumers, businesses and fleets
• MINI options can provide significant residuals uplift

MINI has the strongest UK residual values of 34 car manufacturers, an independent study by Glass’s has found.

With an annual average depreciation of just 16.4 per cent, MINI customers benefit from the strongest residual values in the industry. Glass’s study, which was revealed by Auto Express, scrutinised cars at one, three, five and seven years old to obtain fair depreciation figures.

MINI’s industry leading depreciation figures means UK customers can experience depreciation up to 10 percentage points less on their vehicle per year compared with the worst performing manufacturers. This can amount to saving of thousands of pounds when selling the vehicle.

Andrew Jackson, Head of Analytics at Glass’s, comments: “Considering that MINI operates within a classically high-RV-performing segment, combined with the desirable nature of the brand, meant that even for vehicles aged seven years, the percentage of cost new that can be expected from a MINI was appreciably more than any other brand.”

As well as strong residual values offered by entry level MINI models, many of the brand’s options and customisation choices further improve residual values for customers come resale time. This translates into affordable leasing rates ensuring MINI customers can enjoy the options they want on their vehicle for less.

Three new MINI Concepts, time to relax and chill !

The trio each reflect different aspects of the rise in popularity of camping and festivals, creating a choice of premium home-from-home options for the enthusiastic traveller.

• The MINI Clubvan Camper is the world’s smallest luxury camper van, packed with practical solutions that make it ideal accommodation for an individual on a weekend away.
• The MINI Cowley is a compact yet comfortable caravan for two people, equipped with a twin-ring gas stove, fridge and sink.
• The MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp with its innovative roof-top tent is the getaway car for an adventurous couple, evoking images of African safari and expedition vehicles.
• All three models have been styled with MINI’s much-loved design cues to the fore. They display the character and fun personality which motorists have come to associate with MINI, and which have made the brand such a global success.

The cars have been developed around the ‘maximum touring pleasure with minimal footprint’ philosophy, and illustrate the principle of creative space utilisation for which MINI is renowned.

They have been created as concept vehicles to showcase the depth of the MINI range, as well as the creativity and skill within the company’s design and engineering staff. There are no plans to offer them as production vehicles at this stage.

The MINI Clubvan Camper: good things come in small packages

The freedom of the open road, a dynamic driving experience and everything you need with you – the MINI Clubvan Camper has it all.

It’s arguably the world's smallest luxury camper van, a MINI Clubvan which has been transformed into a versatile home on wheels. Behind the solid side windows there is a spacious sleeping berth for one person, plus a small, extendible kitchenette complete with propane stove and chest fridge.

On-board facilities includes the MINI Navigation Portable XL sat-nav, which will help drivers find their way to the most remote spots. If the weather is unkind a television can provide entertainment and chilly mornings can be made more comfortable thanks to an auxiliary heater.

A particular highlight is the Clubvan Camper’s roof. The small glass panel can be opened for ventilation or star-gazing, while the storage rack above means owners can travel with equipment for outdoor pursuits.

Hygiene is always a key part of any weekend away and MINI’s ingenious design engineers have even got that covered. The Camper’s generous specification also includes an integrated hand-held shower, with a water tank housed underneath the load floor.

The MINI Cowley: a new style benchmark in compact towing

The pleasure that millions of caravanners around the world enjoy is the ability to stop and stay anyway in comfort and safety. Now it’s possible to do that MINI-style with the Cowley caravan.

The compact tourer has been named after the historic factory – today known as Plant Oxford – which is home to much of the current MINI range. It was also where the classic BMC/Austin Mini was built and is this year celebrating a centenary of car manufacturing.

The Cowley caravan is a luxurious overnight solution and all the mod cons are fitted, including two comfortable sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas stove and a water tank complete with pump and sink facility. A solar module charges the on-board battery and there’s a 230-volt connection to power the fridge, TV/DVD and audio equipment.

Styled with typical MINI flair, the teardrop-shaped trailer is a genuine head-turner. In silhouette it’s reminiscent of the curved lines of the MINI panels, and the doors have sliding windows on both sides – a standard feature in the classic Mini up to 1969. The sumptuously trimmed veehicle is only 12 centimetres wider than a MINI Clubman including exterior mirrors and weighs just under 300 kg.

With exceptional manoeuvrability, the MINI Cowley ensures that the hallmark MINI driving fun can still be enjoyed while towing, irrespective of the distance travelled.

The MINI Countryman ALL4 Camp: safari-style accommodation for the adventurous spirit

Finding overnight accommodation can be a real headache, especially for drivers who have taken a spontaneous trip to a festival or beach. But there’s no need to worry about finding the perfect place to bed down when travelling in this MINI. Even when completely off the beaten track, all the owner has to do is head upstairs.

The innovative roof-top tent is showcased above a MINI Countryman which, thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive system ALL4, is well-suited to travelling over rough terrain. But this simple and practical sleeping solution can easily be mounted on a MINI or MINI Clubman. The upper half of the tent is simply folded out of its storage box. Plump up the pillows and two occupants are ready to relax, then wake up to a perfect view of the ocean, mountain or valley.

How about an early morning ride out to buy breakfast? It’s easily done because a mountain bike can be easily transported on the specially fitted bicycle rack.

The roof-top tent quickly folds away into its box when it’s not needed. The exterior has been painted in Absolute Black metallic with white stripes to match the car beneath.