6:50 am, November 13, 2026
Mini pauses production at Oxford plant due to supply shortages
Mini has confirmed that it will be halting production at its Oxford facility for two weeks due to supply shortages.
In a statement, BMW Group said that ‘due to temporary supply bottlenecks, we have adjusted the production plan at Plant Oxford for this week and next week’.
It added: ‘We remain in close contact with our supplier network and currently expect the shortage to be temporary. We are, of course, keeping our associates informed.’
UK economy grows at fastest quarterly rate in more than two years
The UK economy has grown at its fastest quarterly rate since the start of 2024 following a boost from tech services and AI.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.7% in the third quarter, between July and September, up from 0.5% growth in the second quarter.
This was the strongest growth for a calendar quarter since the first three months of 2024.
Peugeot launches mid-range Envy trim for 208 and 2008
Peugeot has broadened its range of specifications available for the 208 and 2008 with a new Envy trim.
Sitting above Allure in the range, Envy now acts as a new mid-level specification to bring a blend between equipment and price.
Prices for the new grade start from £23,115 on the 208, or £26,165 on the larger 2008.
The markets
Stocks in London ended a volatile session mixed on Thursday as brighter economic growth data was overshadowed by the resignation of Nvidia’s boss Jensen Huang.
The FTSE 100 index closed up 27.62 points, 0.3%, at 10,863.09, recovering after drifting into the red in the early afternoon.
In Europe, the CAC 40 in Paris rose 0.3%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt climbed 0.4%.
Friday on Car Dealer
Afterparty and casino await at Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2026 – book your tickets now
The Used Car Awards 2026 will feature a midnight afterparty sponsored by RAC Dealer Network and Vehicles in Video, plus a Cazoo casino and charity raffle.
UK car industry risks losing vital suppliers as SMMT demands £130m support
The SMMT has urged the Government to provide £130m in support to protect struggling UK automotive suppliers, citing rising costs, falling production and uncertainty over future vehicle programmes.
Motorpoint’s trade auction platform reaches 12 sites with opening of Auction4Cars Norwich
Motorpoint’s Auction4Cars has opened its 12th UK site in Norwich, expanding trade vehicle collection options across Norfolk and bringing its East of England locations to two.
New report: How marketers are winning as car buyers change their habits
Mediahawk’s latest report found dealership calls and website visitors rose 6% year-on-year, urging marketers to track lead quality, identify sales-driving channels and adapt to AI-powered car-buying research.
Anti-migrant activist Danny Tommo admits criminal damage of boat in Channel
Activist Danny Tommo has admitted criminal damage after slashing a migrant dinghy with a knife in the English Channel.
The 37-year-old, whose real name is Daniel Thomas, changed his plea to the single charge when he appeared by video-link from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday.
A court previously heard Thomas had taken a boat into the English Channel and observed the migrant occupants of a dinghy being assisted by the RNLI, Border Force and the French Coastguard.
Media industry needs to ‘step forward’ to protect women and girls, says PM
Andy Burnham said the media industry needs to ‘look at itself’ and ‘step forward’ to protect women and girls following Russell Brand’s rape conviction and allegations against David Walliams.
It comes after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told MPs that ministers ‘would not hesitate’ to take action if protections put in place are inadequate.
Speaking in the Commons on Thursday, she criticised inaction by the BBC after reviews into the behaviour of other high-profile broadcasters in the last decade.
Weather outlook
Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cold and mostly dry, with sunny spells before cloud increases later.
Northern England, Wales and the Midlands can expect a bright start, turning increasingly cloudy through the afternoon.
Southern England should remain mostly sunny for much of the day, with temperatures reaching around 6–8C.