OXFORD: A Government minister hailed rising Mini sales in Japan during a visit to the country’s motor show.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell met representatives from Oxford’s Mini Plant at the Tokyo Motor Show and heard this year’s sales were 1,500, compared to 1,300 in 2010.

He said: “Car companies like Mini represent some of the best of British.

“They are proving that, despite tough economic times, Japan can provide an excellent market for UK companies.”