Mini forced to shut UK factory as chip shortages resurface

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It’s currently unclear if Australian supply of the BMW-built cars will be affected.

British BMW subsidiary Mini has been forced to shut up shop at its Oxford factory due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage – however, it’s so far unclear if Australian supply will be affected.

Semiconductor chips are small sheets of silicon required for the production of electronics, and the average car uses between 300 and 3000 in LED lights, electronic windows, reversing cameras, airbag deployment systems, infotainment screens, and onboard computers. 

In late 2020 international supply became severely compromised, with demand significantly outstripping supply due to a wide range of factors (click here to read more).

An official statement from the Mini marque given to overseas media earlier this week said: “As a result of the global semiconductor shortage – an issue that has affected the entire automotive industry for the last year – Plant Oxford is making some short-term adjustments to its production schedule.”

“Plant Oxford is standing down five days of production … We are monitoring the situation very closely and are in constant communication with our associates and suppliers.”

Overseas reports suggest this will result in approximately 5000 fewer Mini cars being built this year. However, it’s unclear if local deliveries will be impacted.

A spokesperson for Mini Australia told Drive: “It’s too [early] for us to comment on whether the situation will affect our supply.” This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

The Oxford plant builds the three and five-door Mini Hatch models for Australia, as well as the Clubman wagon. The Countryman SUV and Convertible two-door are built in the Netherlands.

Mini sales in Australia have been trending upwards in recent years, with 3579 vehicles reported as sold during 2021 according to VFACTS data – up from 1863 a decade earlier.

The post Mini forced to shut UK factory as chip shortages resurface appeared first on Drive.

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