The BMW Group has started field tests with electronic engines in its Mini vehicles.

Over the next few months, BMW will be carrying out tests on hundreds of electrically powered Minis built at its Oxford plant and then modified in Munich.

BMW originally planned to launch a separate brand away from its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce models at the start of this year. However, the new announcement shows that Mini will be the green focus for the group.

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW, said: "This step will allow the BMW Group to gain an initial knowledge of how mobility can be achieved efficiently using purely electrically powered vehicles.

"Our task here is to combine the ultimate driving experience with an efficient electrified drive with practically no emissions."

The tests on alternative drives in Mini models will be used over the next 12-18 months to refine the technology.

Details about the drive concept and its marketing will be published towards the end of the year.

Date added: 13-Jul-08

MINI NEWS ARCHIVE

Come in to the warm.
Read more...

CELEBRATE MINI'S 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH TWO SPECIAL EDITION MODELS
Read more...

SPECIAL EDITION MINI GRAPHITE SET TO TEMPT VALUE-SEEKERS
Read more...

KEEP YOUR MINI TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL!
Read more...

WE WANT YOUR MINI
Read more...

NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE - THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY THE SUN
Read more...

WHY BUYING A NEW MINI MAKES SENSE.
Read more...

MAD ABOUT MINI? GET A LOAD OF THIS
Read more...

4 x 4 x 4 x 4 MINI
Read more...

BMW Group confirmed as the UK's cleanest premium motor manufacturer
Read more...

MINI TO GO ELECTRIC?
Read more...

MINIMALISM
Read more...

CONGESTION CHARGE...WHAT CONGESTION CHARGE!
Read more...

MINI TRIUMPHS IN CARBON-CUTTING CAR MARQUE REPORT
Read more...

JCW COOPER S HATCH & CLUBMAN SET FOR SUMMER LAUNCH
Read more...

MINI IS 2007’s SLOWEST DEPRECIATING CAR
Read more...

MINI SOLUTIONS TO THE TRADITIONAL BIG CHRISTMAS GIFT PROBLEM
Read more...

THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN IS COMING SOON
Read more...

MINI CHERISHED – QUALITY ASSURED APPROVED USED MINI’s
Read more...

NEW COOPER GROUP MINI WEBSITE LAUNCHED
New Cooper MINI websiteRead more...