Electrification, new models and a strong commitment to the Chinese market is what the future of MINI promises.
According to a statement released by the British brand, the future of MINI should be based on the "Power of Choice" concept. This will not only translate into investment in a range of 100% electric models, but also the continuation of models equipped with gasoline and diesel engines, as the pace of adoption of electrification is not the same in all markets where MINI operates.
Regarding this strategy, MINI Director Bernd Körber says: “With the two pillars of our powertrain strategy, we seek (…) to meet the needs of our customers around the world (…) this will create the conditions for further growth and shape actively transforming mobility”.
Electric but not only
But as you've already noticed, electric models are going to have a special importance in the future of MINI. For this reason, the British brand is preparing to create a portfolio of 100% electric models.
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Thus, the well-known MINI Cooper SE must be joined by a small 100% electric crossover. Given the appetite for crossovers and SUVs, it's no wonder that it's also MINI's bet on the above segment, where in addition to being promised a new generation of Countryman, both with combustion engines and electrified variants, it will be accompanied by another exclusively electric crossover .
The MINI 3 Doors, the most iconic, the next generation, just like today, will continue to have combustion engines, but it will also be accompanied by a 100% electric version, but in different molds from those we see today for the Cooper SE. According to the latest rumors, it could be a model with an identical design, but a distinct base, developed in partnership with the BMW Group's Chinese partner, Great Wall Motors.
China is the bet
The partnership with Great Wall Motors and, consequently, the Chinese market, will be extremely important for the future of MINI and its expansion plans. Not only is the Chinese car market the largest in the world, but nowadays it already represents around 10% of the models delivered by the British brand.
In order to grow more in China, MINI, in partnership with Great Wall Motors, wants to produce locally so that it no longer has the status of an import brand and thus encourage sales in that market (no longer harmed by the harmful Chinese import tax) .
According to MINI, the production of models in China should start in 2023. The models to be produced there will be 100% electric and all of them will have to use a new exclusive platform for electric models, developed in conjunction with Great Wall Motors.