Mini strengthens its electromobility

Mini is boosting its fundamental brand values of sustainability and efficiency, particularly in e-mobility.

Realigning its model range, Mini has a clear focus on drivetrain technologies, vehicle segments and services of the future.

It also expects to expand in China through local production from 2023.

“Mini was always the answer to very special challenges relating to individual mobility. And the willingness to reinvent the status quo continues to shape the brand to this day,” Mini head Bernd Körber says.

“Alongside electromobility, harnessing new target groups and sales markets will be crucially important for the future of Mini.”

Electrified models are steadily gaining in popularity.

With the Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Minis with electrified drive accounted for 5% of the brand’s total sales in 2019. Following the launch of the Mini Electric, this rate has doubled to 10% of all new registrations for the brand.

In future, Mini will enable customers globally to have emission-free driving with a completely electrified model family, Körber says.

At the same time, Mini will still offer highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, which continue be an ideal solution for target groups and regions whose mobility needs are not yet me by all-electric vehicles.

“We are pursuing the ‘Power of Choice’ approach followed by the BMW Group through our broad range of advanced petrol and diesel engines, the plug-in hybrid system and all-electric drive, in order to meet the needs and aspirations of our customers throughout the world,” Körber adds.

“This enables us to create the conditions for further growth in global automobile markets.”

The future core portfolio of all-electric vehicles will include the Mini 3-Door Hatch, a compact crossover model and a new, small-car segment crossover.

The successful Mini Countryman will be joined by another crossover model for the small-car segment, which will be supplied exclusively with an all-electric drive.

Both will be available with both combustion engines and an electrified drivetrain.

The world’s largest automotive market in China continues to grow and will become even more important for Mini in future, Körber says.

Currently, around 10% of all new vehicles produced for the brand are delivered to customers in China.

Based on a new vehicle architecture, developed from the ground up for pure e-mobility, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will be produced in China from 2023, in cooperation with Great Wall Motor.

This venture will enable Mini to meet the rising demand for emission-free driving in China and in other global markets.