Following months of uncertainty, BMW’s Oxford factory in the UK is being favoured for building the impending all-electric Mini.
The German company initially planned on building the electric Mini in the UK but following Brexit 13 months ago, threatened to produce the vehicle elsewhere, including at its manufacturing base in the Netherlands.
However, two sources close to the matter recently told Reuters that England has again become the favoured option but failed to reveal why.
A final decision is set to be taken in September ahead of an announcement at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s thought that BMW executives are seeking assurances from the UK that import duties applied to batteries and electric motors built in Germany and shipped to Oxford are reclaimed for vehicles ultimately sold in the EU.
In a statement, BMW said a final decision had yet to be taken. The UK’s department for business, energy and industrial strategy has declined to comment.
Note: Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 pictured
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