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Mini Expands in U.K., Signals Plan to Use NedCar Plant

BMW AG said earlier today its Mini small-car unit will invest an additional $388 million over three years in stamping, assembly and engine operations in the U.K.

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BMW AG said earlier today its Mini small-car unit will invest an additional $388 million over three years in stamping, assembly and engine operations in the U.K.

The company also confirms it is likely to add capacity by installing some production at Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s NedCar factory in the Netherlands.

The latest investment is in addition to the $776 million that BMW said last year it would spend on Mini in the U.K. by 2014. The new investment there will expand assembly operations in Oxford, update metal stamping in Swindon and prepare for a new generation of engines at Hams Hall.

The Oxford plant currently has capacity to make 300,000 vehicles per year. Earlier reports said Mini production at NedCar could begin by 2014. Mitsubishi, which has been looking for a buyer for the factory, said in February it plans to stop building its own vehicles at the plant by year-end.

Mini currently offers seven variants. BMW says the brand will expand to as many as 10 models.

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