Flagship for future technology: the MINI Electric is ready for take-off.

Video clip in hallmark brand style showcases the fully electrically
powered MINI Cooper SE as a “muscle car” taking on the role of an
aircraft tug at Frankfurt airport – First purely electrically powered
model made by the British premium manufacturer is to be produced at
the MINI plant in Oxford starting in November 2019 – Vehicle
represents further proof point of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. 

 

Munich. Noiseless, emissions-free but very powerful:
the MINI Electric will soon enrich the experience of locally
emissions-free mobility with the addition of unique driving fun and
the individual flair that is so typical of the British premium brand.
The recent “testing programme” for the first purely electrically
powered MINI was equally unconventional: on a foray to Frankfurt
airport, a close-to-series prototype of the new model demonstrated
just what electromobility in the style of MINI is capable of setting
in motion. The MINI Cooper SE slipped straight into the role of an
aircraft tug, setting off to the loading point towing a Boeing 777F
freight aircraft with an unladen weight of some 150 tons. The unusual
hook-up was filmed in a video clip. Created collaboratively by the BMW
Group and Lufthansa Cargo, the 45-second commercial shows the MINI
Cooper SE as a “muscle car” pulling the significantly larger and
heavier transport aircraft across the airfield. The clip marks the
start of a number of social media videos portraying the MINI Cooper SE
in an exciting and entertaining manner. The videos, which will be
published in the lead up to its market introduction, will link various
topics of the BMW Group to be brought together.”

The MINI Cooper SE will go into serial production at the British
plant in Oxford as of November 2019. It is based on the MINI 3 door
and combines locally emissions-free driving with the brand’s
characteristic go-kart feeling, premium quality and expressive design.
As such, the MINI Electric offers a new type of sustainable mobility
defined by driving fun and individuality, reflecting consistent
implementation of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. After the
BMW i3 it is the second purely electrically powered model within the
company’s premium automobile portfolio. Having been the epitome of
thrilling mobility in the urban environment for 60 years, the MINI
brand will in future combine locally emissions-free driving in city
traffic with a unique emotional experience. In this way, the MINI
Electric will be a driving force for future drive technology. Helping
the MINI Cooper SE perform its muscle car role, the performance
characteristics of the electric motor combine spontaneous power
delivery with a high level of torque available directly from standing.
The ongoing expansion of the range of vehicles with electrified drive
across its various brands and segments is one of the key areas via
which the BMW Group is shaping the mobility of the future based on its
corporate strategy NUMBER ONE NEXT.

With its spectacular show of strength at Frankfurt airport, the MINI
Cooper SE prototype hooked up with an aircraft that already had an
important role to play in the presentation of innovative BMW Group
vehicle and technology concepts several months ago. Last September,
the long-haul transport aircraft provided the setting for a rather
special vehicle showcase – namely that of the BMW Vision iNEXT World
Flight. Over a period of five days, media representatives were given
the opportunity to view the BMW Group’s latest vision vehicle at the
five venues in Munich, New York, San Francisco and Peking. In
preparation for this, Lufthansa Cargo and BMW Group trade fair
construction specialists converted the most efficient freight aircraft
of its class into an exclusive, airworthy presentation platform for
the BMW Vision iNEXT. This vision vehicle stands as a symbol for the
BMW Group’s pool of future technologies and innovations that is used
for all the company’s brands. The serial production vehicle model
based on the vision model will be produced at the BMW Group plant in
Dingolfing from 2021 onwards as the latest BMW Group technology
flagship, featuring numerous innovations from the future-oriented
areas of D-ACES (Design – Automated Driving, Connectivity,
Electrification and Services).

 

In case of queries please contact:
BMW Group Press and PR

Sylvia Heydt, Communication MINI
Tel.: +49-89-382-23522; E-mail: sylvia.heydt@bmwgroup.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communication MINI
Tel.:
+49-89-382-23662; E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com

 

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad,
the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 30
production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a
global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2018, the BMW
Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000
motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year
2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to € 97.480 billion. As
of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce of 134,682
employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on
long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore
established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value
chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
www.bmwgroup.com

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