BOSSES at Mini have revealed that the van version of the vehicle will go into full production at the Cowley plant in Oxford later this year.

A concept version of the ‘Clubvan’ is currently being shown at the Geneva Motor Show.

Now, as the firm announces a near 25 per cent leap in global sales, it is wasting no time in rushing the vehicle, described as “a compact van for business and leisure”, into production.

The van, pictured, is based on the Clubman estate model but the rear seats have been removed and panelling put in place along the sides.

It comes as latest worldwide sales figures show 20,020 Minis were sold in February, 24.8 per cent more than the 16,045 in the same month last year.

The largest Countryman model has made up more than a third of sales in the first two months of the year with 12,388 cars leaving forecourts, a 61.2 per cent increase on the same period in 2011.

Ian Robertson, sales and marketing board member at Mini's parent firm BMW, said: “The success of the Countryman is testimony to Mini’s ability to venture into new areas.”