Our BMW mechanics love BMWs. They’re great European cars. BMW’s secret comes down to design and reliability, which are certainly European traditions, at least when it comes to an awesome automotive. Still, our mechanics have to admit they shed at least a tear or two when they learned that the electric version of BMW Mini will soon be produced in China. You can soon start adding the Mini to a long list of goods that will bear the seal: “Made in China.”
Yet the move seems to be more of a strategy to target the growing Chinese market than to save on labor costs. As CNN reports:
“China is BMW’s biggest market. The German company sold 560,000 cars there last year — more than the US and Germany combined — including 35,000 Minis. China is also a fast-growing market for electric vehicles.”
At the very least, it’s a good sign BMW is committed to electrifying the Mini, which is great news for the earth and fans of both electric vehicles and Mini BMWs.
“Production follows the market,” BMW said in a statement. “This signals a … clear commitment to the electrified future of the Mini brand.”
An Electric First for China
The plant will be the first battery factory operated by a premium automobile manufacturer in China, according to a BMW press release.
The plant will be in addition to two existing automobile production locations. BMW also runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang.
In addition to its two automobile production locations, BMW already runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang. This is the first battery factory operated by a premium automobile manufacturer in China.
BMW Maintains Its UK Commitment
But not to worry. BMW is still strongly committed to the UK, so you can still feel comfortable calling it a European car.
“A similar growth strategy could accelerate development of the MINI brand significantly without questioning the BMW Group’s commitment in the UK,” BMW explained in a statement. “The company has made significant investments over the years to step up its involvement in the country.”
