The Mini could be built outside the UK for the first time ever, it has been reported.
The move is said to be because the UK factory is now working flat-out and new models are in the pipeline.
Only last week it was revealed that Aston Martin may be considering building cars outside the UK for the first time in its history.
Both the Aston and Mini pride themselves on their ‘Britishness’, a key selling point for some.
The Oxford factory building the Mini is said to be at full capacity so production of a new Mini 4x4 is reported to be going to Austria.
Production of the Mini has already been stepped up with the recent addition of the Clubman model.
A spokesman today confirmed that building the Mini abroad was under consideration.
‘It is a possibility it could be built in another country and it is a possibility it could be built here,’ he said.