Global sales of the Cowley-built Mini dipped in March, latest figures have revealed.

A total of 31,763 cars were delivered to customers during the month, compared to 32,422 in the same month last year. a drop of two per cent.

in the first quarter of the year, 66,154 cars were sold compared to 68,211 in the same period in 2011, a three per cent fall.

Bosses blamed the decline on the four-week closure of the plant at the beginning of 2013 for work to prepare for the new, third generation of the car which goes into production later this year.

Future sales are expected to be boosted by last month’s launch of the Paceman model.