Report Says BMW, Toyota May Develop Mini “Minor”

BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp. are evaluating a plan to co-develop a small entry-level Mini called the Mini Minor, according to Germany's Autobild.

The magazine says Toyota may sell its own version of the entry-level car as the Starlet.

The Mini Minor would be based on the Mini Rocketman, a two-seat concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva auto show, according to Autobild. At 3,450 mm in length, the concept is 370 mm (15 inches) shorter than the Mini three-door hatch.

If built, the Minor would be priced at about €13,500, nearly €4,000 less than the core Mini, according to the magazine.

BMW and Toyota began collaborating on diesel engines in 2011. Their partnership has since broadened to include joint work on fuel cells, battery cell technology, lightweight materials and a jointly developed sports car.