Mini Minor Not Likely Says Exec

A Mini executive has shed some light on the brand’s future lineup. 

Mini and Toyota were said to be collaborating on a small car, but Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW’s board member in charge of Mini doesn’t think it will happen. “I don’t see a smaller car than the current one,” Schwarzenbauer told Automotive News, dashing hopes that the Mini Minor nameplate would return.

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He also commented on the Mini Superleggera concept that was reported to be confirmed for production, saying it would make a “great addition to the Mini range,” though he could not confirm its approval.

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Finally, Schwarzenbauer discussed Mini’s future in electrified powertrains. “Electrification of Mini is very important. We are working on that, but I cannot confirm when and what,” he said. Spy photos have confirmed that Mini is testing a Countryman Plug-in Hybrid, one of the larger vehicles in the brand’s lineup, making it spacious enough to fit the electrical components. “Finding available space in a car as small as the Mini is not easy,” Schwarzenbauer said

[Source: Automotive News]

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