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BMW May Build Mini EV in Europe, Not U.K.
BMW AG says it may produce its upcoming Mini electric small car in mainland Europe instead of the marque's home plant in Oxford, England.
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BMW AG says it may produce its upcoming Mini electric small car in mainland Europe instead of the marque's home plant in Oxford, England.
The little EV is scheduled to enter the market in 2019. That's about the time the U.K. is expected to finalize its plan to exit the EU, a move that could result in new tariffs on British-built vehicles exported to Europe. BMW cites “uncertainty” about future investment stemming from the Brexit decision.
BMW is expected to begin talks next week with British government officials about the possible move, according to Handelsblatt. The company makes most Minis in England, but Dutch contract assembler Nedcar also assembles Minis at its plant in Born, Netherlands. BMW says current Mini operations in England will continue unchanged for now.
BMW could produce the Mini EV in Germany at its plants in Leipzig or Regensburg, or could assign the program to Nedcar, Handelsblatt says.
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