Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI stops production in Oxford until 18 March

Semiconductor shortage and war in Ukraine cited as reasons for plant closure 

MINI

MINI’s Cowley factory in Oxfordshire has temporarily closed due to the combination of semiconductor chip ‘bottlenecks’ and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

The closure is expected to last until Friday 18 March and MINI has said it is ‘assessing the situation and defining measures to secure production again as soon as possible’. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The brand had previously said the supply situation for semiconductor components will remain difficult and that it can’t rule out the possibility of this impacting sales during the rest of the year.

In April 2021 the same semiconductor shortages affected the plant and production was halted for three days. The Cowley plant currently employs 3,800 staff who will be affected by this week’s closure but there will be no impact to their pay. The site produces the MINI Hatch, both petrol powered and electric versions, and the Clubman estate. 

The semiconductor chip shortage is a global supply chain issue that has been affecting manufacturers around the world. The semiconductor is a key component in most modern car equipment, such as touchscreen infotainment systems, reversing cameras and air bags. 

The shortage has been created by supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic started, manufacturers globally have had to temporarily close production facilities due to lockdown restrictions and a lack of parts, which has created a large backlog for new cars.

Check out our in-depth review of the MINI hatch here..

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon
Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper - header

Mini vs MINI vs MINI Cooper: the evolution of Britain's small car icon

For 66 years, the Mini – now MINI – has wowed car buyers with its cute looks and engaging handling. We see how this British icon has evolved
Car group tests
19 Apr 2025
BMW pauses EV production plan for MINI Oxford plant: slow electric car sales blamed
MINI Plant Oxford - production line

BMW pauses EV production plan for MINI Oxford plant: slow electric car sales blamed

Plans to build the electric MINI hatch and Aceman in the UK are now on hold
News
24 Feb 2025

Most Popular

We're past the peak! New cars are growing far too complex, frustrating and expensive
Frustrating modern cars - Opinion, Dean Gibson

We're past the peak! New cars are growing far too complex, frustrating and expensive

Senior test editor Dean Gibson thinks that modern cars are becoming too complex and frustrating, signalling the end of ‘peak car’
Opinion
20 Aug 2025
New 2027 Vauxhall Corsa aiming to set the supermini standard
New 2027 Vauxhall Corsa exclusive image

New 2027 Vauxhall Corsa aiming to set the supermini standard

We’ve got all the gossip on Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa coming in 2027, and it might finally shake off its conservative image
News
22 Aug 2025
Tesla Model 3 indicator stalk reintroduced in China. Is it on the way to the UK?
Tesla Model 3 - front cornering

Tesla Model 3 indicator stalk reintroduced in China. Is it on the way to the UK?

Currently only customers in China have the new Model 3 with an old fashioned indicator stalk
News
20 Aug 2025