"There has been a slowdown in general in terms of car sales in the UK and Mini has been affected by that, " she said.

BBC: Mini production stops for a month

The financial meltdown, which has choked off credit to car buyers and dealers, has resulted in a sharp slowdown in already weak industry sales.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Annual car sales in India have dipped for the first time in a decade, underlining the impact a slowdown in its economy is having on key sectors.

BBC: India car sales decline for first time in a decade