Those who find a savor in British and German cars aren’t hearing the question “when did BMW buy mini” for the first time. The acquisition pact began in 1996 and the deal was closed officially before the release of the next-generation Mini copper car model in 2001. 

The acquisition story has been written and rewritten multiple times since then, but the documented data doesn’t give a crisp, clear picture of what exactly occurred. I am sure that’s the reason even in 2020, the question still lingers in the heads of those who care to know what actually happened.

Want to get details into the story of BMW acquiring Mini and how everything went on until we achieved the current MINI, stay tuned to learn more about your favorite sport and fancy car – the MINI cooper. So when did BMW buy Mini? Let’s find out.

When Did BMW Buy Mini? – Quick History of Mini Cooper

BMW bought MINI in 1994 through the acquisition of the Rover group. The growth and impactful penetration of the Mini cars to the U.S. market in 2002 are linked to BMW’s savvy technology and performance characterized by twin-power turbo engines, luxury auto specs, and varied driving modes.

Mini cooper, the Britain-born mini cars were launched in 1959. Front-wheel drive outline, a model that inspired the birth of industry-leading cars like Volkswagen Beetle characterized the Mini-cars. 

Back then, mini cars were a hit story read far and wide by both car enthusiasts and gurus. Its small and personalized hatchbacks sold best in Britian. 

Is BMW the Original Manufacturer of Mini Cooper?

Now that you know very little about the pact that saw BMW acquire Mini, you’re likely equally in the dark on who actually makes Mini cooper cars. Mini was never a brand on its name, rather a model name. It was a label used in the Morris Mini and Austin Mini, cars that were sold under Leyland, a renowned British Automaker.

After BMW officially acquired Mini in 1996, they took time crafting the next-generation model, which was officially released for sale in 2001, putting a formal end to the Mini-car production tenure.

Where Mini Cars Are Made Today

Even after acquiring Mini, BMW didn’t shift the production plants from England. In fact, Mini’s biggest plant is still in the interiors of England. Read on to know where the mini-cars consumed by the global market are produced:

• Cowley, Oxford in England Plant: as said earlier, this is the biggest and the most active plant. This plant is focused on the production of a mini club man, mini 3-door, mini convertible, and mini 5-door.
• The Netherland-based VDL Nedcar plant: this BMW’s second plant where its Mini cars are manufactured. The cars manufactured here include mini countryman, mini 3-door, mini convertible, and mini 5-door.

Although based in different locations, the two auto manufacturing plants create and supply the auto market with high-quality and well-designed MINI cars.

Why Does BMW Give Mini Cooper So Much Emphasis

BMW has purchased many luxury and trendy auto brands, MINI Cooper being the most popular. After BMW bought MINI, little changed as BMW paused the manufacturing for some years. In between the period they acquired Mini 1996 to when they released their first car in 2001, BMW never felt the impact of such a pact. 

However, after they released the first car which coupled the engines, components, and platforms from both automakers, the impact was massive. The sales sprouted to significantly higher levels in no time, and Mini gained a following they had never accumulated.

Both brands are no doubt benefiting from the relationship, but since Mini is officially under BMW ownership, the profits, increased client base, and more sales are all added to BMW Group’s success story.

What Is the Future of Mini Cooper?

Ever since MINI was relaunched after the acquisition by BMW, it has grown from a mere car model into an internationally trusted brand. BMW under the MINI plants in England and Netherland has been planning new releases and superior modifications to the cars. 

In the line of realigning its car manufacturing, BMW under MINI intends to expand the company’s China-based electro-mobility strength centered on creating superior premium compact and crossover vehicles.

Over the last 20 years, after BMW took over MINI, there has been a revolution in the car style, design, and performance. The company has made many upgrades on the Mini cooper cars with the latest advancement being the introduction of the new all-electric vehicle portfolio that would come as two brand new crossovers and a three-door hatch.

The plans underway are to introduce electric car versions together with petrol and diesel-fueled engine cars. The aim is to meet the unique mobility needs of customers in varied regions and within distinct groups.

In the list for new releases is the 2020 MINI all-electric Cooper SE, an iconic mini car that would combine the impressive MINI Cooper hardtop with BMW i3s. 

When Did BMW Buy Mini – Conclusion

When did BMW buy Mini? If you never knew, BMW is the official owner of MINI since 1996. As you have read, BWM took about 5 years to align issues and bring into the customer market MINI BMW-infused cars that could stand the stiff market demand and earn the company more followers and buyers.

Since the relaunch, MINI has been a top seller in the sports and fun car sector, with several bestselling car summits ranking these cars as the best choices for fancy car loves. Recently, the company hinted at plans to introduce newly revised versions of cars, most of which will be all-electric and hybrid solutions suited for users in different locations. 

Want to have a taste of the awesomeness, performance, speed, and reliability of the MINI BMW-infused cars? You can never go wrong with any of the newest releases, especially 2019, 2020, and 2021 models. The older models are as well an exceptional solution if you prefer older versions of MINI cars.