BMW Group is celebrating today as the three-millionth engine has been produced at its UK engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham. The power unit – a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – will be despatched to the MINI plant at Oxford, destined for a car to be built for the emerging Indian market.
The announcement follows a record year of manufacturing in 2011, as well as the news in November that facilities are to be upgraded at the Hams Hall plant to enable production of a new generation of low-emission petrol and diesel engines.
“This is a fantastic milestone for Plant Hams Hall,” said Plant Director, Nick Spencer. “Our 800-strong workforce is proud to be playing an important role within BMW Group’s global production network, building engines in the UK for cars sold in many countries around world and contributing to the success of the iconic MINI brand.”
MINI made its debut in the premium small car segment in India earlier this year marking MINI’s 100th export market, where three exclusive outlets are being established.
Business Minister, Mark Prisk said, “BMW’s three-millionth engine in a MINI that’s now exported to 100 countries is emblematic of the current success of the UK auto sector. Last year UK automotive exports were up 15% at an all time high of £29.5 billion in cash terms and engine production increased nearly 5% to 2.5 million units.”
High-tech, fuel-efficient four-cylinder petrol engines have been built at Plant Hams Hall for over a decade. The UK-built engines are supplied, in sequence, to production plants in Germany, Austria and Oxford and currently power the BMW X1, BMW 1 Series and the recently launched new BMW 3 Series, as well as all MINI petrol models.
The UK is the only place in the world where all three of the BMW Group brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – are represented by manufacturing operations. For more information about UK automotive manufacturing, download Motor Industry Facts 2012.
