The business and trade minister has emphasised that BMW's decision to delay the production of two electric Mini models at its plant near Oxford was "commercial". Sarah Jones said the company remained committed to its investment in the UK.

BMW cited the "multiple uncertainties" concerning the industry about its decision to postpone commencing production of the electric Mini at its Oxford plant

BMW said on Saturday it is rethinking its timetable for manufacturing all-electric Mini cars in Britain, citing uncertainties facing the industry.

Ministers have insisted that BMW is still committed to Britain despite a decision to delay a £600m upgrade of its Mini factory in Oxford. The German car giant last week confirmed it was reviewing plans to restart production of electric Mini variants at the plant by 2026, amid sluggish demand across Europe.

BMW has confirmed it is delaying the reintroduction of electric vehicle production at its Oxford Mini plant. The vehicle manufacturer said "multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry" had led to its decision to pause work on the £600m upgrade of its plant in Cowley.

BMW has paused a £600mn investment plan to produce electric Mini cars in Oxford, putting the future of the historic plant under threat as the industry grapples with a slower than expected move away from petrol vehicles.

Auto Industry Faces Uncertainty and Trade Policy Challenges

BMW has confirmed it is delaying a massive £600million investment to reintroduce electric vehicle production at its Oxford Mini plant, citing "multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry". The car manufacturer has put plans on ice that would have seen production of two new electric Mini models begin at the Cowley plant in 2026.