Richard ReedBMW is set to build an all-new electric Mini in China in a new joint venture with Chinese company Great Wall.
China is BMW’s biggest market, selling 560,000 vehicles there last year – twice the combined number in its next two markets, the US and Germany.
A letter of intent has been signed, according to a report in the Financial Times, though BMW has not yet decided whether to build the new model exclusively for the Chinese market, or for export around the world.
A new version of the electric Mini will be built in China Photo: BMWUK production unaffected
It is understood the new venture will not affect BMW’s plans for UK production in 2019 of the first electric Minis, unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show last autumn.
“The systematic electrification of the brand and product portfolio is a mainstay of the BMW Group’s strategy,” said BMW chairman Harald Krüger.
The Mini electric concept offers a thrilling preview of the all-electric production vehicle. Mini and electrification make a perfect match.”