BMW car factory builds three millionth engine

German motor firm BMW said the engine, built at the Hams Hall plant near Birmingham, will be sent to the Mini site in Oxford to be installed in a car for the Indian market.

Hams Hall director Nick Spencer said it was a "fantastic achievement".

"Our 800-strong workforce is proud to be playing an important role within BMW Group's global production network, building engines in the UK for cars sold in many countries around world and contributing to the success of the iconic Mini brand," he added.

Four-cylinder petrol engines have been built at Plant Hams Hall for BMW vehicles for more than a decade.

The UK-built engines are supplied to production plants in Germany, Austria and Oxford and currently power the BMW X1, BMW 1 Series and the recently launched new BMW 3 Series as well as all Mini petrol models.

"BMW's three millionth engine in a Mini that's now exported to 100 countries is emblematic of the current success of the UK auto sector," said Business Minister Mark Prisk.

"Last year UK automotive exports were up 15 per cent at an all-time high of £29.5 billion in cash terms and engine production increased nearly 5 per cent to 2.5 million units."