The BMW is being bought from the Cowley plant in Oxfordshire

Oxford's Green Group say the money should be used to buy an eco-friendly car, bus passes and a bicycle.

The Greens claim the cost of buying and running the BMW would be over �9,000 more expensive than a low emission petrol/electric hybrid car.

Oxford City Council says the �21,791 car has been chosen because it was built in the BMW plant in Cowley.

Councillor Bill Baker, the deputy leader of the council, said no firm decisions have been taken about the new Lord Mayor's car but it was agreed that a BMW would be a suitable choice.

Mr Baker said: "We are proud of Oxford's links with the BMW plant, and want to celebrate the jobs it provides and the plant's history."

The Greens say they were not present when the purchase of the BMW was agreed by the Finance Scrutiny Committee.

The decision has to be ratified by the City Executive Board and the Greens plan to ask for a rethink over the choice of car.