After ten years of of production of the new MINI in Oxford, British Prime Minister David Cameron drove the Two-millionth MINI off the line and out of the plant. Cameron declared: “It’s a real privilege to drive this true British icon off the production line today. The 2 millionth MINI to be made here in Oxford is a fantastic symbol of the UK’s strength in the global automotive industry and a great British manufacturing success story. MINI is not just a symbol of our industrial past, but also the great industrial future we want to build.” Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management of BMW added, “Production of the two millionth MINI comes on the back of strong demand worldwide…The most essential factors in the success of MINI are the skills, passion and dedication of our associates.” Producing 216,302 special premium brand MINI vehicles in 2010 and exporting to more than 90 countries across the globe, MINI was the third-largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK, accounting for 17 percent of national automotive production. The Oxford plant currently builds four MINI models: the MINI, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman and the new MINI Coupé. A fifth model, the MINI Roadster, will be added at the end of the year. The Two-Millionth MINI is no ordinary MINI, as it's adorned with special paintwork and extras and… it's a convertible. Best part about it? You can win this special MINI convertible! It will be the prize in a global campaign on Facebook “2 Million MINI – 2 Million Faces.” It will compile the faces of two million MINI fans on a special Facebook “wall”. The winner will be chosen at random among everyone who enters by submitting a photo. You better hurry as the contest ends on September 30th. The MINI has turned into a much beloved and iconic car. Some would say it's even reached a cult status of sorts. The original Mini Cooper has been featured in movies such as the original 1969 “The Italian Job” with Michael Caine. The car chase sequences through Rome in the movie are considered some of the best in cinema history. A certain auto journalist definitely agrees! A remake of “The Italian Job” was made in 2003 with Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron which featured the new MINI and another set of exciting car chase sequences. Congratulations to the Oxford plant and MINI (or should I say BMW) for making 2 million. They are great little cars. I look forward to seeing 2 Million more on the road!
