GLOBAL sales of the Cowley-built Mini reached a new record in 2012, latest figures from parent company BMW have revealed.

A total of 301,526 cars were sold during the year, a rise of 5.8 per cent on the 285,060 sold in 2011.

The United States remains the largest market for the car, followed by the United Kingdom.

BMW sales director Ian Roberston said: “We enter the new year with positive momentum and we aim to achieve another record sales year in 2013.”

Meanwhile, the Mini Cooper S Roadster has scooped a prestigious motoring award.

The model, built in Cowley and launched last April, was voted the best open-top at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2013.