Mika Cars is part of Hall Engineering and Design Ltd, founded by Robin Hall. Hall has a rich history in automotive engineering, having worked on various projects for Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, and other notable companies. The company is based in Warwickshire, and focuses on designing and building niche sports cars with a strong emphasis on lightweight construction and performance. The company was heavily involed with the development of the Wells Vertige sports car, amongst other varied projects. Mika Cars have recently announced two versions of it's lightweight buggy, the Meon, in both ICE and full electric variants.

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.

Mirage Automotive Developments Ltd was founded in late 2016 with the sole purpose of disrupting the classic car scene. A family run business at heart, the vision of the company was to design and manufacture a modern engineered two-seater GT that is fun and responsive to drive, while making it look and feel like it belonged in the early 60s.

Prior to the formation of the company, the initial design of the GT started back in 2011, where extensive design and modelling resulted in two early prototypes that have shaped the current production models. Since the early designs, the GT has evolved bringing with it an exceptional mix of traditional craftsmanship and appropriate modern technology.

Since the company opened the GT up to international markets in 2020, demand has continued to increase and the company has now outgrown it’s North Wales base. A new permament home is currently being contructed over the border in Shropshire, England.

“We are in the process of building a permanent home in Shropshire, which will allow the current GT to be manufactured with ever greater levels of quality. This will also give us a fantastic base to start building our new alternative fuelled GT in the coming years.” Matthew Potts – Managing Director

They now also offer the new Mirage CGT, a lighter, stonger, more finely tuned carbon fibre version of their standard GT.

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.