This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/5341090.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Brown due to launch latest Mini Brown helps launch the new Mini
(about 2 hours later)
Chancellor Gordon Brown is due to visit BMW's Cowley factory in Oxford to officially launch production of the firm's second-generation Mini. Chancellor Gordon Brown has visited BMW's Cowley factory in Oxford to see the start of production of the firm's second-generation Mini.
BMW's commitment to building its successful Mini in the UK is a welcome boost for the British car industry. Praising the staff, he said the ongoing success of the Mini was an example of how Britain "can compete and succeed in the global economy".
Since production of BMW's first Mini started in 2001 at Cowley, it has steadily increased output from 100,000 cars a year to 200,000 in 2005. Since the first Mini was made at Cowley in 2001, the plant has steadily boosted output, hitting 200,000 cars last year.
The new Mini comes after Nissan said it is to build a new model in Sunderland. The new Mini comes after Nissan said it will build a new model in Sunderland.
Nissan announced last week that it is to build a new small 4x4 car called the Qashqai at the plant alongside existing production of its Almeira, Primera and Micra models.Nissan announced last week that it is to build a new small 4x4 car called the Qashqai at the plant alongside existing production of its Almeira, Primera and Micra models.
Engine boostEngine boost
BMW's decision to make the new Mini in Oxford is creating an additional 200 jobs.BMW's decision to make the new Mini in Oxford is creating an additional 200 jobs.
The trade union convenor at the Cowley plant, Bernard Moss, said BMW had now invested close to £1bn on Mini production facilities in the UK.The trade union convenor at the Cowley plant, Bernard Moss, said BMW had now invested close to £1bn on Mini production facilities in the UK.
BMW is now also producing the petrol engines for the Mini in the UK at a plant in Warwickshire, after they were previously made in Brazil.BMW is now also producing the petrol engines for the Mini in the UK at a plant in Warwickshire, after they were previously made in Brazil.
Almost one-in-six cars sold by BMW is now a Mini.Almost one-in-six cars sold by BMW is now a Mini.