Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand specialised in small cars owned by the BMW Group. Mini originated as one specific vehicle, a small car originally known as the Morris Mini-Minor, launched by the British Motor Corporation in 1959, and developed into a brand encompassing a range of small cars, including the Clubman, Traveller and Moke. The original Mini continued in production until 2000. Development of a successor began in 1995 and the new generation car (styled as MINI to differentiate it from its predecessor), was launched in 2001. There are currently four body variants available: Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman (estate) and Countryman (crossover).
Minis are assembled at Plant Oxford in Cowley, United Kingdom, and the engines for Mini cars are produced at the Hams Hall Plant near Birmingham, United Kingdom.Mini sub-assemblies and pressings such as doors are supplied by a plant in Swindon, United Kingdom. Around 217,000 Mini's were sold worldwide in 2009.
The Mini brand has had a number of owners during its history. In 1966 the British Motor Corporation became part of British Motor Holdings and in 1968 British Motor Holdings itself merged with Leyland Motors to form British Leyland.[1] In the 1980s British Leyland was broken-up and in 1988 Rover Group, including Mini, was acquired by British Aerospace.[1] In 1994 Rover Group was acquired by BMW. In 2000 Rover Group was broken-up by BMW, with BMW retaining the Mini brand.
Since this date there have been 2 generations of Mini Cooper, 2000-2006 and 2007-Present and the car comes in 4 styles;3 door hatchback, 5 door estate, 2 door convertible and 5 door SUV