Global sales of the Cowley-built Mini fell sharply in January, according to the latest figures.

A total of 10,120 cars were sold during the month compared to 15,457 in January 2007, a drop of 34.5 per cent.

As well as the effects of the recession, bosses said the sales reduction was due to the lack of a convertible model which stopped production in the middle of last year with the new model set to launch on March 28.

Plant spokesman Rebecca Baxter said: “The slowdown in Mini sales is in part due to the fact that only two out of its three models are in production.

“In addition, a Mini, like many small cars, is predominantly a private individual purchase as opposed to a corporate purchase such as a company car that might be bought as part of a fleet deal. Retail purchases tend be more exposed in such difficult economic conditions when personal finance is feeling the strain.”

The global sales slide mirrors the drop in the number of Minis sold in the UK during January which were reported to be 34.9 per cent down earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Ms Baxter said talks were ongoing between union officials and management over shift patterns.