The BBC is reporting that workers at BMW Group Plant Oxford have been asked not to turn in for work as production of the MINI has been brought to a standstill by strike action in France.
The situation, which MINI told the BBC is “beyond its control”, is a result of strikes involving a firm who supplies bearings for the MINI steering units. The situation is being monitored closely, but it seems parent group BMW are unable to offer an estimation as to when production will restart.
MINI also made their government grant and and plans for UK MINI E trials a little more clear Yesterday by way of an official press release. The release largely reiterated points made in our earlier report, but offers a glimmer of hope to those without a garage interested in MINI E trials with this carefully chosen statement
The wallbox will be installed in the customer’s garage, enable higher amperage and thus ensure extremely short charging times. Wallboxes fully recharge batteries in just four-and-a-half hours. Only lockable garages or similar buildings will qualify as suitable power stations for the MINI E.
As for MINIs recent poor showing the JD Power Initial Quality Report, according to MINI USA VP Jim McDowell on CNBC, it’s OK because people enjoy the MINI “after driving the car for several years” and also that the MINIs controls take some getting used to due to “idiosyncrasies”. This was followed by a headline grabbing, if perhaps slightly bewildering, comparison between a MINI and your wife. Not perfect on first encounter, but you grow to love them. Wonder if he slept on the couch after that one?
Plans are still on track to expand MINI USAs dealership network by around 20%, and a Motoringfile report reinforced the commonly held belief that MINIs mid-life facelift, due sometime in 2010 will address some of those very idiosyncrasies that Mr. McDowell referred to. Perhaps MINI will truly become the ideal mix between holiday fling and long term partner after all?
Tags: Jim McDowell, MINI Dealers, mini e, mini uk, mini usa
[...] Workers have returned to BMW Group Plant Oxford this week following a four day disruption to MINI production caused by an industrial dispute in France. [...]