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The Mini Rocketman could be reborn as an EV

Ask Mini fans what their favorite concept has been over the past 15 years, and you're likely to get one of two answers – the tiny Rocketman hatch, or the Superleggera roadster. The two cars are perhaps the best representations of the Mini brand's values, offering a tiny, efficient package in one vehicle and a stylish performer in the other. And they might finally see production. Okay, so that's an awfully big "might," and it's based on hints offered by Mini product boss Ralph Mahler to Autocar about expanding the company's range. The bad news? The Superleggera is facing long odds, Mahler said, because "roadster segment is small and demand is going down, with new markets opening up. The growth is not there, so it's always a challenge". "It fits perfectly into the brand, but we're a small [sales volume] car brand and have to be focused and know what we want to have," Mahler said, keeping hopes alive. "The Superleggera is playing a role but no decisions." Things are looking much rosier for the Rocketman, which could see a future as sort of a Mini-branded BMW i3. Originally introduced as a more elemental, affordable Mini, Mahler said it's "inspiring us as of today, especially as an EV in the future." Using the lessons learned by its parent company with the i3, Mini could adopt that car's creative packaging to make a roomy three-door with a remarkably small footprint. But even with that knowledge, building a Rocketman EV could be a tall order. "It was something that was ahead of its time but is still inspiring," Mahler told Autocar. "With a smaller car, it's a bigger challenge. With Rocketman, and talking EV in the future, as the EV engine gets more portable, it's give and take [for such a small EV]. Related Video:

2025 Mini Countryman E makes U.S. debut, arrives fall 2024

The 2025 Mini Countryman was revealed in electric SE ALL4 form at this year’s Munich Motor Show, but now itÂ’s time to see the base E version of the next-gen Countryman make its debut in the U.S. As you can see from the photos, the base E (painted in green) looks notably different from the SE ALL4. All of the gold-tinged accents are replaced with glossy black, and the distinctive panel aft of the C pillar nearly disappears into the design because it blends into all the other black-painted trim. The front grille design is similar, but it doesnÂ’t have the matte gold surround or the side intakes on the corners of the lower bumper. Of course, the green “S” isnÂ’t present either, and the look in general is far less sporty. Perhaps the most jarring of all the changes is the different (and much smaller) wheel design. Instead of the 20-inch flashy blades seen on the SE model, this Countryman E is rocking much more sedate 18-inch wheels in a traditional bright alloy appearance. All that extra sidewall makes the Countryman look more like the larger crossover that it is, and ultimately, our eyes tend to favor the larger wheel option. The Countryman EÂ’s rear design is largely the same as the SE, though the lower bumper features a painted insert instead of brushed brightwork. MiniÂ’s bright side sills are deleted on the E, as well, replaced by a simple, black plastic sill. Unfortunately, this reveal is largely just a reveal in photos. The only nugget of information Mini had to add is that this electric Countryman will arrive stateside in the fall of 2024. Basically, youÂ’ve got at least another year to wait until you can put one in your driveway. More specs and details for the U.S. market will be released in due course. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2025 Mini Countryman E View 12 Photos Green MINI Crossover SUV Electric

Chinese-made electric Mini threatened with highest EV tariff from EU

BERLIN — The new all-electric Mini Cooper made in China is set to be hit by the highest EV tariff of 38.1% under the EU's provisional plans, a Reuters source familiar with the matter said on Friday, a potential terminal blow for the car's sales prospects. Mass production of the roughly 35,000-euro ($37,345) vehicle, produced by a joint venture of BMW and China's Great Wall Motor Co Ltd, began late last year - shortly after the EU launched its probe. With production still in early days, the joint venture was unable to fulfil the European Commission's survey to the level of detail required to be classed as a company cooperating with the investigation, the source said, declining to be named because discussions are private. Companies seen as cooperating with the EU were subject to lower tariffs of 17.4%-21%, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters. That includes BMW Brilliance Automotive, another BMW joint venture that has produced the electric iX3 for export to Europe from China since 2021. BMW declined to comment. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said earlier this week the tariffs were the "wrong way to go", echoing concerns from other German carmakers fearful of a trade war which could end in counter-tariffs on cars exported from Germany to China. The European Commission said that joint ventures producing cars in China would be subject to duties, without specifying whether more recently formed ventures might benefit from the lower 21% rate for companies that cooperated with the investigation. A 38.1% price hike on the Mini, which was to be exported from China to Europe, could dent sales at a time when the carmaker is counting on every projected all-electric sale to help meet tightening carbon emissions targets. The deadline for imposing provisional measures is July 4, after which the investigation will continue to late October. That leaves time for Beijing and Brussels to make a deal to soften the blow. Companies can also submit comments and request hearings after the provisional duties are applied.   Green Government/Legal Rumormill BMW MINI China