Mini plans to launch full electric lineup in Korea by 2024

INCHEON - BMW Group Korea is bringing electric versions of all its Mini models to Korea by 2024 and launching four new vehicles in the country within this year as it seeks to solidify its dominance in the local small-size auto market.

Mini Korea, a microcar branch for the Korean unit of the German automaker, said during a media event celebrating the 60th birthday of the Mini series on Wednesday that it will launch Mini electric vehicles to be more environment-friendly and suit a wider range of consumer needs.

“The future of driving is defined by the co-existence of gasoline and electric vehicles,” said Cho In-chul, director of brand management and sales at Mini Korea, while opening the celebration.

“We have been trying to look at least 15 years ahead. By launching the environment-friendly models, we will achieve much-needed sustainable growth.”

Mini Korea is working to introduce the Mini Electric lineup in Korea by 2022, Cho added. It has been reported that the first electric Mini model will start being mass-produced at its factory in Oxford, England, in November.

Since its debut on the Korean market in 2005, Minis have become some of the most popular small-size cars for local customers.

Mini sales skyrocketed from 761 cars in the first year to 9,191 last year.

Cho said the company now aims to join the so-called “10K club” and sell more than 10,000 Minis in Korea this year.

If the company reaches that milestone, the Mini series will be the first small-size car brand to reach that benchmark in Korea.

Mini Korea has been selling a special edition model since May this year to celebrate the 60th birthday of the brand.

The Korean unit also plans to launch four more models this year. The local unit is launching a limited edition model named Mini Pure Burgundy Edition while introducing a face-lifted version of Mini’s flagship model Clubman in October.

In December, the German automaker will be introducing two new versions of its high-performance John Cooper Works lineup in Korea.

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]