The importance of China in the automobile industry is increasing with each passing day. On one hand, the number and market share of local brands in the country are growing, while on the other hand, it houses production centers for other major companies. One such manufacturer is BMW. In 2019, BMW announced that they would be producing a new electric Mini Cooper in China. Now, the first China-made electric Mini has rolled off the assembly line. Here are the details…
First China-made electric Mini rolls off assembly line
In 2019, BMW announced that it would be building a new electric Mini Cooper in China. The car would be built at a new joint venture plant between BMW and Great Wall Motor. The plant is located in Jiangsu and it has a production capacity of 160,000 cars per year. The China-made electric Mini Cooper is based on the third-generation Mini Cooper that was launched in 2014.
BMW’s first locally-made electric Mini vehicle rolled off the assembly line over the weekend at its joint plant with manufacturing partner Great Wall Motor in Zhangjiagang, China. This is a significant milestone for BMW, as it marks the beginning of a new era for the brand in China, its largest market.
However, it has been extensively redesigned to accommodate its electric powertrain. The car has a new front fascia with a closed-off grille and new headlights. The rear end of the car has also been redesigned, with new taillights and a new bumper. The interior of the China-made electric Mini Cooper is similar to the interior of the regular Mini Cooper. However, there are a few key differences. For example, the electric Mini Cooper has a new digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system that includes a navigation system and a rearview camera.
The China-made electric Mini Cooper is powered by a single electric motor that produces 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The car has a range of up to 249 miles on a single charge.
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