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Mini has changed its mind about producing electric cars in the UK. The carmaker has revised its plans to produce the Cooper electric hatchback and Aceman crossover. They were going to be put on the assembly line at the Oxford plant, in which Mini has invested heavily.
However, the market has made its adjustments: due to weak demand, the start of electric vehicle production is postponed indefinitely.
At the same time, Mini noted that the reason for this decision was “the uncertainty faced by the industry.” Sales of electric cars turned out to be significantly lower than the company had predicted.
More than £600 million has already been invested in the expansion of the British plant. Production of the electric Cooper and Aceman was due to start next year, and Mini was set to become a fully electric brand by the beginning of the next decade.
Given the market circumstances, they decided to reconsider the “greening” strategy. Even the new electric Minis have to be sold at deep discounts and production has to be paused.
