The world may have to wait a bit longer to see electric Minis produced in the United Kingdom.
BMW Group, Mini’s owners, announced plans in 2023 to begin manufacturing electric Minis at the company’s Oxford assembly plant, northwest of London, in 2026. But that likely won’t be happening.
“Given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford,” the company said in a statement to Reuters.
The rethink doesn’t come as a surprise. Sales of electric vehicles have faltered in recent months, suggesting demand for the latest line of Minis might not be as strong as BMW expected. There’s also Donald Trump’s tariff threats, which, if imposed, would levy a 25-percent tax on all vehicles imported to the United States.
Photo by: Mini
BMW previously revealed it planned to invest $757 million (£600 million) into the UK with the goal of turning Mini into an all-electric brand. It even arranged to accept a grant from the federal government in 2023 to help achieve that goal.
The company says it’s still working to “to make the plant future-ready,” but informed the British government of its plans to rethink its approach.
“As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans,” Mini told Reuters.
Mini isn’t the only brand reshaping its future based on recent trends. The Volkswagen Group is rumored to shift some Audi and Porsche production to the U.S. in a bid to avoid any possible tariffs. Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius said just last week C- or E-Class production could move Stateside to remain competitive on price.
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