BMW Group’s Oxford plant will have a new managing director from 1 February 2003.

Dr Anton Heiss will replace Dr Herbert Diess who has been in charge of the Oxford plant since May 2000. During that time he has overseen the successful launch of MINI production and the introduction of seven day working to fulfil the high market demand of the car.

Herbert Diess will move to a new position as head of BMW Group’s motorcycle division in Munich. His successor at Oxford, Dr Anton Heiss, has been working for BMW since 1988. His previous roles include head of final assembly at the BMW Regensburg plant, when he also supported the production preparation for Rover 75 at Oxford. Most recently Heiss was head of product and investment controlling.

Commenting on his appointment Dr Heiss said: “I am looking forward to joining the team at Oxford and continuing to build on the successes MINI has achieved since its launch.”