Production at the Cowley Mini plant will be suspended tomorrow due to a strike in France.

Spokesman Rebecca Baxter said: “The situation is beyond our control and the strike is affecting other manufacturers, who are also unable to obtain parts from a French supplier.

“Affected associates have been given due notice of the situation, and we are providing regular updates via a dedicated website and telephone lines.

“We hope to resume production shortly. In the meantime, we are monitoring the situation closely and are grateful for our associates’ understanding at this time.”

The striking company supplies a major steering component for the Mini.

A year ago, lorry drivers in Spain went on strike against rising diesel prices, stopping the supply of brake discs causing Mini workers to be laid off from Friday evening until Monday evening.