BMW is examining whether to move production of its future Mini models abroad.

The German manufacturer has almost reached capacity at its Oxford plant in the UK and will need somewhere else to produce its Clubman 4x4 which it has now confirmed for sale in 2009.

A BMW spokesman told The Times: "We're considering plants outside the UK and inside.

"Planners are currently looking at the numbers and plants that have capacity for the new car."

The spokesman added that the future of the Mini was in Oxford and workers were reassured that their jobs were safe.

CAR magazine caught a glimpse of the Mini Clubman 4x4. Click here to read their story.