BMWs MINI-E trial models charm motorists

19 March 2010

Customers who trialled the all-new electric MINI dont want to return them to the company the delighted BMW chief, Norbert Reithofer, told news agency Headline Auto.

Customers who trialled the all-new electric MINI dont want to return them to the company the delighted BMW chief, Norbert Reithofer, told news agency Headline Auto.

Some drivers have told me they would love to keep their MINI E. We will follow this trial next year with a customer test fleet based on the current study with the BMW Concept ActiveE which will be built at our Leipzig plant, said Reithofer.

BMW, owner of automotive brand MINI, unveiled the Concept ActiveE during the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

Following the specifications of the BMW 1 Series coupe, the MINI E uses a specially designed motor that can deliver 125kW/170hp and 250Nm maximum torque. It can also accelerate from 0-60mph in just 8.5 seconds.

The MINI E is core to the carmakers aim to reduce CO2 emissions across its vehicles line-up by 25% between 2008 and 2020.

The MINI E test started its road trial last year. In the United Kingdom, the MINI E is being tested as part of the Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme.

Reithofer said that MINI had undeniably established a first-class brand in the small car industry.

MINI is not a miniature version of another model series. MINI is, and will remain, the original - with a signature face, a unique tradition and over 1.5 million fans around the world.

He also said that he expects BMWs small premium division to grow between 4% and 6% per year until 2020.

Reithofer added that the company was looking at the possibility of producing a joint architecture for the four and front-wheel-drive systems of the car.

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