Mini is no longer going to become a 100 per cent electric car brand

Mini has abandoned its earlier plan to switch completely to electric cars by the end of the decade. Now the BMW-owned brand officially recognises that cars with internal combustion engines are still relevant and will remain in the model line-up for at least the next few years.

Here's What We Know

The management of Mini explained to the publication Automotive News the revision of the strategy by the fact that in North America the demand for internal combustion engines remains high. In this regard, the company has decided to continue to produce and develop petrol models, including new ones. One of the options under consideration is an internal combustion engine crossover that could fill the niche of the cancelled electric Aceman that didn't make it to the US.

The previously expected Chinese-made electric Aceman won't make it to the U.S. market because of high tariffs. Mini had considered localising production in Oxford, UK, from 2026, but that project was not given the green light. Production in the US - for example, at BMW's Spartanberg plant - is also ruled out: the necessary supplier base is not available there. For similar reasons, Mini cancelled plans to produce a three-door electric Cooper and an electric convertible for the US market.

Despite this, the brand is not giving up on expanding its model range. The company is discussing the possibility of bringing back the concept of a "classic" compact Mini, and is also considering the launch of a larger model that could sit higher in the lineup than the current Countryman.

Source: Automotive News