There is a
MINI2 News story about a special event in September 2006, celebrating the start of production of the new MINI models.
Production of R50 and R53 models for the US market continued until November 28, 2006.
Here's the member's MINI Profile breakdown of R56 models built in 2006:
2006-10 = 6
2006-11 = 43
2006-12 = 49
These are considered 2007 models.