The production launch at Leipzig of the previously contract assembled Countryman makes it the first Mini model made in Germany, on the same line as the BMW's 1 and 2 Series.

The flexible plant builds combustion, plug in hybrid and fully electric models on the same production line. Its first EV was the i3.

Since 2018, BMW has invested EUR700m at the Saxony site to increase capacity and enable production of the Countryman which will be offered with full electric drive.

The flexible production system is now being used for multiple brands for the first time.

Plant director Petra Peterhaensel told attendees at a launch event: “As the plant develops and production of the Countryman gets under way, our headcount will increase by over 1,000 by the end of 2024.”