BMW acquired the MINI brand as part of its purchase of the Rover Group in 1994 and since production of the new MINI started in 2001, more than two million cars have been made at Plant Oxford, of which approximately 75% have gone for export. Hundreds of MINIs leave the plant's assembly lines each day, off to meet owners in more than 100 countries around the world. Since 2000, around £1.5 billion has been invested in MINI manufacturing in the UK.

Although Plant Oxford is the birthplace and heart of MINI production, two other UK plants have a part to play. Plant Hams Hall, near Birmingham, makes the new MINI petrol engines and Plant Swindon produces body pressings and sub-assemblies and all this comes together at Plant Oxford with body shell production, paint and final assembly. Plant Oxford currently builds the Cooper 3-Door and 5-Door, and a new Convertible model, and of course the extra-quick John Cooper Works (JCW) version. The new all-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman will be built at plant Oxford from 2026.

The Countryman model is currently built in Austria due to production capacity limitations in the UK and also assembled at other BMW plants for localised markets.

MK Sportscars is one of the big players at the affordable end of the UK's huge Lotus Seven inspired roadster scene. From an embryonic start, producing chassis and suspension components for the Locost, another Seven style car, they were quick to develop their own roadster in 2000 and have since constantly developed the product, while maintaining a clear focus on affordability, allied to quality and high performance. In 2004, the founder of the company Martin Keenan (MK) sold it to his brother Phil and business partner Barry Lunn, both of whom had worked there for several years. Both Phil and Barry have been involved in motorsport of one sort or another for many years and the continued success they brought to MK Sportscars enabled them to move to bigger and better premises in Maltby, Yorkshire, where they currently produce the Indy R and Indy RR.

The original Mini Moke was designed in the early 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, father of the classic Mini, and had been originally intended as a lightweight military vehicle. However it was never considered really suitable for this role and it was eventually decided to market it as a fun leisure vehicle. The rest is history and the Moke enjoyed considerable success during the sixties being produced, in one form or another, from 1964 until 1993. A total of 49,937 Mini Mokes were produced.

Now a company, Moke International, has revived production of this iconic car. Internationally recognised British designer Michael Young has completely redesigned and re-engineered the Moke for the 21st Century. While the new, much anticipated model remains faithful to its origins and classic look, it also integrates the most pertinent elements of today’s automotive technology for a new generation of drivers. 

An agreement with Northampton-based engineering firm Fablink means all the production is being brought back to the UK from France, keeping the Moke true to its British heritage. Isobel Dando, chief executive of Moke, said: “Since reviving the marque we have recaptivated existing enthusiasts and introduced an entirely new generation to Moke’s perfect combination of fun, utility and open-air thrills".

About fifty staff will work on production of the Moke at the Northampton site in Britain’s automotive heartlands, suggesting initial production volumes running into three figures. Although initially available with a 1.1 litre petrol engine, from the beginning of 2022 the new Moke will only be available with battery power. 

The Morgan Motor Company is the oldest independently owned car manufacturer in the world and the oldest British owned one still making cars in the UK. Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, where they first started making cars, Morgan celebrated their centenary in 2009. The Morgan Motor Company is well known all over the world for their hand built open sports cars, echoing a style of car that was a common site on British roads before and after the Second World War.

Despite the familiar 'heritage' look of a classic Morgan, they have kept up to date with technology, incorporating many of the latest mechanical developments into the range. In 2012 they re-introduced their iconic 3 Wheeler after a break in  production of almost seventy years. Current models are the Super 3, the Plus Four and Plus Six.  However, Morgan have a deserved reputation for innovation, so watch this space!

Started in 1924 by the legendary William Morris, the original company of Morris Commercial produced a huge number of different commercial vehicles including the iconic 1950s J-Type van, before it finally dissapeared at the start of the 1970s.

Now, an automotive engineering and manufacturing  start-up company, based at Hinton-On-The Green, Worcestershire, has bought the rights to the Morris Commercial name and developed a highly individual version of this van as a fully electric vehicle, called the Morris JE. Production is due to start towards the end of 2021.

Morris Commercial has a highly experienced senior management team, consisting of Dr Qu Li, CEO and Founder of Morris Commercial; Johanna Kriisa, Director of Marketing and Investor Relations; and Tony Frazier, Director of Engineering and Supplier Development and Ewoud Vroegop, Director of Sales and Business.