11:41am Monday 6th July 2009
By Tim Hobden
The new Mini has reached another milestone with car number 1,500,000 rolling off the production line in Oxford.
Destined for a British customer, the 1.5 millionth vehicle was a red Mini Clubman.
Those present to see the landmark reached included BMW group board member Ian Robertson and Business Minister Ian Lucas.
The Mini was first introduced in 1959 and, between then and 2000, around 5.4 million were sold before BMW launched a larger, more-powerful new Mini in 2001.
The German car giant has invested more than £380 million into its Oxford plant.
Mr Robertson said: "This is a great day for the plant and a wonderful milestone to reach in the 50th birthday year of the Mini. The very first classic Mini rolled off the production line here at this plant on May 8, 1959.
"It was wonderful to see the passion that owners feel for the Mini at the car's recent birthday celebrations at Silverstone, when 25,000 people from around the world joined the party. It is a privilege to be part of the heritage and future of this car."
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