The modern MINI brand is celebrating 25 years since its relaunch under the ownership of BMW Group, with the quarter-century milestone seeing the brand continue its British spirit and manufacturing in the 21st century.
The first new MINI rolled off the production line at the brand’s Oxford plant on April 26, 2001. The factory itself remains one of the world’s oldest continuously operating automotive manufacturing facilities, having been producing vehicles since 1913. Today, it employs over 3000 people and produces more than 800 cars per day.
From the get-go, the all-new model looked to blend Mini’s unmistakable design DNA and go‑kart feeling with modern technology, premium quality, and contemporary relevance.
Since then, modern MINI production has evolved across four model generations and numerous body styles including the original three-door, five-door, Roadster, Coupe, Clubman, Clubvan, and Convertible.
The most impressive number of all is that 4,671,664 MINIs have been built in Britain since the 2001 launch of the modern brand. Today, the brand’s lineup includes five distinct models and a mix of internal combustion and electric powertrains, and in 2025 alone it recorded global sales of 288,290 vehicles.
Although EVs have started accounting for a growing share (roughly one-third) of the brand’s sales, there’s clearly still an appetite for sporty petrol-powered models among fans of the brand. Last year, its performance sub-brand John Cooper Works saw an all-time sales high with 25,630 units sold, representing 8.9 percent of all sales.
“Marking 25 years of the modern MINI is truly a milestone. Our unmistakable British roots, unique design, go-kart feeling and playful spirit have made MINI a global icon,” explains Jean-Philippe Parain, head of the MINI brand.
“For more than a quarter century, BMW Group’s expertise has contributed to MINI’s ongoing success. Thanks to our dedicated global MINI team, the brand continues to excite and inspire drivers for generations.”
Coinciding with the modern brand’s silver anniversary, the brand held its sixth annual Mile of MINIs Charity Rally in the UK, raising over £9500 for the STOP.BREATHE.THINK organisation, equating to 300 counselling sessions for children and young people.
Over 100 MINIs old and new turned out to convoy from the brand’s Oxford factory to its UK headquarters in Farnborough. The one-millionth BMW-era MINI was among the vehicles on display from the brand’s own heritage fleet – a Cooper S finished in a special Pepper White and Almond Green paint scheme.
Some special projects from the on-site exhibition at Oxford also made an appearance, including the Dsquared² Red Mudder off-roader and the MINI XXL with a stretched frame and hot tub in the rear.
Although the MINI brand of today may be turning 25, the marque’s origins trace back more than 66 years to the 1959 original born out of the visionary thinking of Sir Alec Issigonis and his revolutionary small car concept, soon after followed by its motorsport successes in the 1960s under the Cooper name.
