Sales of the Mini car moved into top gear following its British debut at the the International Motor Show in Birmingham.

More than 500 orders for the Cowley-built car were placed during the show, on top of more than 1,000 already received.

Emma Scammell, marketing manager for the Mini, said 20,000 potential buyers had expressed a strong interest in the car and asked to be kept in touch.

Meanwhile the Mini website - www.Mini.co.uk - has been inundated with visitors and a further 10,000 strong sales leads have been received through the site.

She said: "We knew Birmingham would be exciting, and the Mini has created a real buzz. The Mini team has been thrilled at the response, and the numbers of people wanting to order the car has been fantastic.

"We're still two months away from starting the formal order process, but our prospective customers just can't wait."

Al Clarke, head of communications at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "We've had more media interest in this year's event than any previous UK show and, importantly, it has been sustained over the whole two weeks.

"The Mini's UK debut has undoubtedly been a major factor, as the main talking point for many radio and TV interviews has been public reaction to the new car."

The Mini goes on sale next summer, with prices expected to start at less than 10,000. Once the Cowley factory is up to full production, 100,000 Minis will be produced every year.