Presenting the award, Autocar editor Rob Aherne said: "MINI has been a towering success every week of every year of its short life. The cars, which began production in 2001, have brilliantly echoed the appeal of the Issigonis original, while offering buyers a thoroughly modern design."
The MINI factory at Cowley, Oxford has achieved a reputation for production efficiency by managing to build its 500,000th vehicle nearly two years ahead of schedule. The Cowley Plant employs 4,500 staff.
Dr Anton Heiss, Managing Director of BMW Group Plant Oxford said: "Winning the Autocar award for Manufacturer of the Year is an enormous compliment to MINI and the associates working at BMW Group Plant Oxford."
"We're delighted to receive such recognition for consistent excellence in the manufacturing of one of Britain's most iconic brands. The real winners of this are Plant Oxford's associates and it's thanks to their hard work, flexibility and commitment to quality that we're here today."
Autocar editor Rob Aherne said: "Sales in the UK now exceed 170,000 units, and MINI makes an important contribution to the British economy by exporting to 70 markets worldwide. These British-built products have also made a huge impact in the notoriously difficult United States market."
The MINI success looks to continue with the impressive unveiling of the MINI Traveller concept at this year’s Frankfurt motorshow.
