Tag Archives: Mini

News

BMW terminates contract with VDL causing 2,000 job losses

The global car market is in crisis, although some companies are recording positive sales results. Many companies try to reduce costs by laying off workers or shutting down production in some factories, this primarily applies to large European manufacturers such as BMW, which terminated the contract with the Dutch VDL Nedcar (part of VDL Groep) causing the loss of 2,000 jobs.

VDL factory in the Netherlands

The VDL Nedcar factory started production in 1967 and since then has produced cars for Volvo, Smart, Mitsubishi, BMW and Mini. It is the only large car factory in the Netherlands with an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 cars. However, now due to the loss of the contract with BMW, which also includes the assembly of some Mini cars, they are forced to gradually lay off most of the workforce.

CEO of VDL Nedcar John van Soerland said that the company is currently in a difficult situation but will make an extra effort to attract new customers. From March 2024, Nedcar will retain only 450 employees to work on prototypes for potential new customers and finalize contractual obligations with BMW.

“We remain fully committed to making VDL Nedcar stronger in the future,” said van Soerland.

Source: VDL Nedcar

News

Mini is giving up the manual gearbox

British car manufacturer Mini has announced that it will no longer sell cars with a manual gearbox. Obviously, the company is sticking to its plan to switch to all-electric cars.

In an interview with Top Gear, the head of the British brand Stefanie Wurst said that in the future Mini will focus even more on electric models, including the motorsport division. As for the thermal engines, Mini did not reveal more information, but it is possible that it will only be offered as a hybrid.

The John Cooper Works 1TO6 Special Edition will be the last Mini with a six-speed manual gearbox. This car, which offers the feeling of driving a go-kart, is based on the old generation Cooper and was produced in only 999 examples.

A few days ago, Mini presented new generations of fully electric Mini Countryman and Mini Cooper Electric. Mini Countryman is powered by a single electric motor with 201 hp (148 kW) and is equipped with a 64.7 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and has a range of 462 km. For those who want more power, the Countryman SE ALL4 is powered by two electric motors with a power of 309 hp (227 kW), which is enough to push the car to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Petrol engines with 168, 215 and 296 hp are also available as an option.

Mini Cooper Electric comes in two versions, E and SE. The Cooper Electric E is powered by a single electric motor with 181 hp (133 kW) and is equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a range of 306 kilometers. The Cooper Electric SE is powered by a single electric motor with 215 hp (158 kW) and is equipped with a 54.2 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and has a range of 403 kilometers.

Source: Mini, Top Gear

EV

Mini Countryman and Mini Cooper Electric

The British car manufacturer Mini has decided to name all its smallest hatchbacks under the name “Cooper” regardless of their powertrain. One of them is the new Mini Cooper Electric, which will succeed the outgoing Mini Electric, and the Mini Countryman.

Mini Countryman and Mini Cooper Electric

The distinctive headlights are still present located on the sides of the octagonal grille, while the Union Flag lights have been removed from the rear. The sports package brings a slightly different design of the front and rear bumpers, but there is no more chrome, plastic around the wheel arches, short suspension and old door handles.

Inside, the cabin is adorned with a big OLED touch screen, located in the central part of the dashboard, with an original design. Other options are available such as Timeless, Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant and Balance. A head-up display is also available as an option. It is equipped with advanced technology such as AR navigation and a new voice assistant. There is also a slightly smaller space for luggage (200 liters) compared to the Mini Electric (211 liters).

When it comes to the powertrain, the Mini Cooper Electric comes with two options, E and SE. The Cooper Electric E is powered by a single electric motor with 181 hp (133 kW) and is equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a range of 306 kilometers. The Cooper Electric SE is powered by a single electric motor with 215 hp (158 kW) and is equipped with a 54.2 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and has a range of 403 kilometers.

The Mini Countryman is powered by a single electric motor with 201 hp (148 kW) and is equipped with a 64.7 kWh battery. It reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and has a range of 462 km. For those who want more power, the Countryman SE ALL4 is powered by two electric motors with a power of 309 hp (227 kW), which is enough to push the car to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Petrol engines with 168, 215 and 296 hp are also available as an option.

Source: Mini

Gallery:

Mini Countryman and Mini Cooper Electric