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BMW announces new Mini production Jobs boost with new Mini models
(about 3 hours later)
Two new models of the Mini are to be built at the firm's plant in Oxfordshire, the carmaker has said. Two new models of the Mini are to be built at BMW's plant in Oxfordshire creating up to 1,000 jobs, sources suggest.
Two concept cars - one a coupe - will be unveiled on 15 September and will be produced at the company's factory in Cowley, near Oxford.Two concept cars - one a coupe - will be unveiled on 15 September and will be produced at the company's factory in Cowley, near Oxford.
Cowley employs around 4,000 workers, building three versions of the Mini, which is owned by German giant BMW. Cowley employs around 4,000 workers, building three versions of the Mini.
In February, there were angry scenes when 850 jobs were cut at the site, which also closed for a week.In February, there were angry scenes when 850 jobs were cut at the site, which also closed for a week.
Production was suspended in June due to a strike in France involving a firm which supplies bearings for the cars' steering units. Most of the sacked workers have been rehired as the company sees sales rise, helped mainly by a surge in global demand for smaller cars.
Speaking about the new models, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The production of two new Minis is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. Production was also suspended in June due to a strike in France involving a firm which supplies bearings for the cars' steering units.
Speaking about the new models which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The production of two new Minis is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry.
"It is a demonstration of BMW's long-term commitment to the UK."It is a demonstration of BMW's long-term commitment to the UK.
"British drivers have had a long love affair with the Mini and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come.""British drivers have had a long love affair with the Mini and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."
It is thought production of the new models will not start for another year.
BMW has not put an exact figure on the number of jobs, but sources close to the company told the BBC at least 1,000 new positions would be needed.