A jobs boost in the automotive industry is something of a rarity at present, but Mini is expected to create 1,000 new jobs with the introduction of two new models at its UK plant at Cowley in Oxfordshire. One of the models will be a Mini Coupe, which made its debut in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It is thought that the new Mini Coupe could be on sale as early as next summer, when it will be targeted at the likes of the Audi TT and Mazda MX5. The new model has front styling in the traditional Mini design, but a radical rear wraparound design. The car will be a two-seater only and will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbo engine.