Mini had a change in the heart. It is not yet ready to say goodbye to the combustion engine. The brand had intended to become the first purely electrical brand of the BMW group in 2030, but that is no longer the plan. Instead, the car manufacturer, based in Oxford, will continue to sell ice wagon into the next decade.
Michael Peyton, Vice President of Mini of the Americas, said in a conversation with Automobile messages: “We are still moving in this direction, but we have seen, especially for North America, ICE is still a lot and will be in the foreseeable future. So we have changed a bit of our approach as a brand [and are] I will build ice cream longer. “
Reading between the lines, the demand for electric vehicles, especially in the United States, was not where Mini expected. Current forecasts show that gas -powered cars are still necessary and continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Mini does not give up his goal of becoming fully electrical, but the timeline has definitely shifted. The fact that it is not possible to sell the Electric Cooper Heckback and Aceman Crossover in the USA certainly hinder the company’s EV ambitions.
Before it runs out of ice, the British brand could even expand its petrol line -up. Peyton indicated the possibility of a small crossovers with a conventional drive train under the compatriot. In North America it would make sense where the Aceman (J05) does not come. It will remain a forbidden fruit, not only because China does it, but also because Mini recently decided not to build the model in Oxford next year. Unfortunately, the same applies to the electrical three -door hatch (J01).
“Where Aceman fits this bill all over the world, there is something [a small gas SUV] This helps us fill this “gap in North America”, said Peyton. However, he made it clear that such a model is not on the immediate horizon. However, what is certain is the continuing commitment of Mini for the combustion: “You will see investments in new ice products. We will continue to ensure that we are building products for these customers.” New models at both ends of the line -up are a way, a smaller than the three -door hardtop and a larger one than the compatriot.
In the meantime, 2025 developed for a strong year for Mini. After the brand refreshed the entire list in 2024, the brand recorded an increase in deliveries in the first quarter by 4.1% and reached 64,626 units. Of these, 35.3% EVS. Nevertheless, the gas engines will continue with the remaining ice demand well beyond 2030.
Source: automotive messages
