There isn't much left inside the J01 to get rid of! Even though Oliver Heilmer has moved on to BMW, I doubt MINI would ever go back to the switches and knobs we know and love (and can operate without having to look at them).With a bit of luck, the second generation j01 (j02?) will iron out the first generation issues. Hopefully shed 1/2 tonne and get rid of the inside. It may end up a blessing in disguise.
I mean, it's looking like there won't be another generation. BMW not moving production to the UK, and apparently eager to pull out of the joint venture that the J01 is being built under in China.With a bit of luck, the second generation j01 (j02?) will iron out the first generation issues. Hopefully shed 1/2 tonne and get rid of the inside. It may end up a blessing in disguise.
Slightly different article here.Would BMW abandon their new Spotlight factory in China? The news for MINI fans is getting much worse, as MotoringFile reports:
MINI Cooper’s Future Uncertain as BMW Halts UK EV Production Plans
The video for the Aceman in that article definitely solidifies my desire for one considering how much I liked my R55 Clubman, but since it's never coming to the US market I'll have to keep enjoying my F56 SE.Slightly different article here.
https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/12/24/mini-ev-production-j01-j05-oxford/
This is where BYD and SAIC are shining is in build quality there are some Chinese market things that remain oddly enoughIf it's anything like the Ora Cat, the low price will likely mean a crappy build and poor interior.
If Americans wanted small, sporty, electric cars, there would be small, sporty, electric cars from other manufacturers, too. I would not expect the market for used small, sporty, electric cars with EPA range ratings of less than 120 miles to be growing.
However, because Porsche can't get their electric 918s into production due to battery-supplier problems, a used F56 MINI Cooper SEs continues to be the most fun EV you can buy (I'm not counting the ultra-rare original Lotus-based Tesla Roadster). Of course, I'm assuming handling--not just acceleration--is included in the definition of automotive fun.
I would be interested how an Abarth 500 electric would have done in the US vs the Fiat 500e. They seemed to want to make the car a premium item, and it seems like an Abarth would have fit that better.I am certain there is a market in North America for small, fun, electric cars. The GTI still sells in good enough numbers for VW to keep homologating it for North America. The 500e isn't selling particularly well here because it's not a particularly good car for North America. In Europe, where streets are narrow and parking is at a premium, petrol costs perhaps two or three times what it does here, and buyers and owners of cars with petrol engine engines are taxed up the wazoo, it's a much more attractive offer.
Only reason we got the 500e is so Stellantis could offset some emission fines. Abarth 500e doesn’t even sell well in EU. Its too nicheI would be interested how an Abarth 500 electric would have done in the US vs the Fiat 500e. They seemed to want to make the car a premium item, and it seems like an Abarth would have fit that better.
I think there are around 280 cars left to sell in Canada. Was never a volume car and frankly price vs quality ratio is poor. My 500e is below avg qualityI am certain there is a market in North America for small, fun, electric cars. The GTI still sells in good enough numbers for VW to keep homologating it for North America. The 500e isn't selling particularly well here because it's not a particularly good car for North America. In Europe, where streets are narrow and parking is at a premium, petrol costs perhaps two or three times what it does here, and buyers and owners of cars with petrol engine engines are taxed up the wazoo, it's a much more attractive offer.