AutoblogGreen

Mini still mulling diesel model for U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:57:00 EST

Patrick McKenna, head of Mini's U.S. product strategy, said Thursday during the automaker's Mini Takes The States road rally that the brand is still considering building a diesel model for U.S. customers, but that it has not reached a final decision.

The problem for Mini is apparently deciding if a diesel version will simply divert customers who would have otherwise bought a gas version of the compact car rather than attract new green customers who want to have performance and high fuel economy numbers.

Meanwhile, Mini continues to develop its new gas engines for the next-generation models, which McKenna said has produced good results. He declined to give specifics on the engines, only saying that some engines have shown more power than current engines with better fuel economy numbers.

"We have seen such great results with our new three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines, it's difficult to decide if we need to have a diesel engine here," McKenna told Autoblog. "It's a great problem to have."

Diesel owners would likely fit right in with some of the brand's more enthusiastic regular customers. With their devotion to all things Mini, these folks have proven themselves zealous owners during our time on the first two days of the 11-day Mini Takes The States rally. But Mini remains unsure if bringing diesel to the U.S. would be the best use of its limited resources. If they do push forward with an oil-burning offering, we suspect it would be on one of its larger, pricier models like the Countryman crossover, which has a higher MSRP that would likely do the best job of absorbing diesel's extra cost while returning the most meaningful mileage improvements.

Mini still mulling diesel model for U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Daimler compete in by-the-minute car-sharing service

Danny King — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, BMW, MINI, SMART, Europe/EU, Germany, Daimler

So if you see a Smart ForTwo and a Mini racing down the streets of Berlin, here's why.

Parent companies Daimler AG and BMW are competing for car-sharing customers in the German capital and now offer car-sharing by the minute, Bloomberg News reports. When you're being charged in 60-second increments, that's enough to make most anyone hit the pedal a little harder.

Daimler's Car2Go and BMW's DriveNow charge 29 cents a minute (or about $17 an hour) to rent their SmartForTwos, BMW 1-series sedans and Minis. Daimler has 1,000 ForTwos to share in Berlin, while BMW has 500 vehicles as part of its service. The two German automakers are competing in a car-sharing market that's expected to surge during the next few years. The number of European car-sharing users will jump to 15 million in 2020 from 700,000 last year, according to Frost & Sullivan.

BMW launched DriveNow last year with Sixt AG, and the service has 9,500 subscribers in Berlin, Bloomberg said. Daimler launched its 1,000-vehicle car-sharing fleet - the world's largest - in Berlin in April.

BMW, Daimler compete in by-the-minute car-sharing service originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy 10 year anniversary, Mini

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: MINI, USA

In 2002, the first U.S. Mini dealership opened in San Francisco. With only one model and a gallon of gas selling for an average of $1.25, there were plenty of critics who said the Mini brand didn't stand a chance in the States.

"Mini launched in the U.S. during the time when gas was cheap and large trucks and SUVs ruled the road," said Jim McDowell, Vice President of Mini USA in a statement. "Many thought the brand would be a one-hit wonder, and we are extremely proud that we were able to surprise some the toughest critics, and at times, even ourselves."

Now, ten years later, Mini has six models, gas prices have more than tripled and "small car" doesn't necessarily mean "cheap car." It's safe to say those naysayers in 2002 made a big mistake about the premium small car from BMW.

So, happy birthday, Mini USA, and congrats on convincing an SUV-loving American public that bigger is not always better.

Continue reading Happy 10 year anniversary, Mini

Happy 10 year anniversary, Mini originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After 36,000 solar-powered miles, MiniE driver ready to make the switch to BMW ActiveE (and an SUV)

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

The name Peder Norby should be familiar to anyone who's been involved with BMW's all-electric MiniE program. The driver of MiniE #183 has put 36,000 sun-powered miles on his EV and has long been a strong proponent of getting more people to make the shift to electric vehicles. His latest target? His wife Julie, who will be using the upcoming ActiveE when BMW makes Norby give the MiniE back and gives him the all-electric 1 Series coupe in return.

The ActiveE is not cheap, and so Norby's wife will be the main driver for the single ActiveE the family will get. Norby made a video about his sunset (get it?) with the MiniE and talks about how even though Julie is not the early adopter type, the ActiveE will suit her just fine on her 45-mile roundtrip commute. Norby writes:

I wish we could afford two electric BMW ActiveE cars but at this early stage, we simply can't afford two payments. We also have yet to wear out our small 2008 SUV. It's Julie's turn next and she is very excited as she waits for her new car, the ActiveE. I'll get to drive it at night and on weekends so I'm not to bummed about it.

The video is available after the jump, and we particularly like the edit of some 1950s (?) informational movie in the middle. Well played.

Continue reading After 36,000 solar-powered miles, MiniE driver ready to make the switch to BMW ActiveE (and an SUV)

After 36,000 solar-powered miles, MiniE driver ready to make the switch to BMW ActiveE (and an SUV) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2 millionth Mini rolls off assembly line: Here's your chance to win it

Eric Loveday — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:22:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, MINI, UK

The two millionth Mini has rolled off the line in Oxford, UK, a feat which took around ten years and sent Minis to 90-plus countries across the globe. According to Mini, if placed bumper-to-bumper, two million Minis would stretch 4,627 miles. Of course, two million Ford F-150s would stretch, um, further.

Mini's Oxford managing director, Juergen Hedrich, says 2010 production of 216,302 units puts Mini in third place among all automakers in the UK and accounted for 17 percent of the UK's total automotive output. The Oxford factory produces four models: the Cooper, Clubman, Cooper Convertible and the Mini Coupe. Another fun fact: without Mini there'd be a real shortage of limited edition vehicles tooling around on roads throughout the UK.

Oh, and Mini number two million is being offered as a prize in the automaker's global Facebook campaign that ends September 30. For a chance to win the car, simply add your profile pic to Mini's dedicated Facebook wall. It's that easy.

2 millionth Mini rolls off assembly line: Here's your chance to win it originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles

Eric Loveday — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the battery-powered Mini E certainly has some limitations - like two seats instead of four and a real-world driving range that's well below 100 miles - it seems that the vast majority of Mini E drivers have adapted to the vehicle's shortcomings and are extremely pleased with their electrified rides, according to the findings of a year-long survey by the University of California, Davis Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Research Center.

In conjunction with BMW, the center compiled testimony from a subset of "more than 40" of the 450-odd drivers who took possession of their Mini Es back in June of 2009.

Some of the survey's key findings include:

All of the respondents agreed that electric vehicles are fun to drive and practical for daily use
Respondents claimed that the Mini E met 90 percent of their daily driving needs
71 percent of respondents drove less than 40 miles a day; 95 percent drove less than 80 miles a day
88 percent of respondents showed a strong interest in buying a plug-in vehicle within the next five years
By the end of the lease period, Mini E drivers overwhelmingly thought that the electricity used for charging their vehicle should come from renewable energy sources.

More importantly and perhaps a deal breaker for some, several of the Mini E lessees "adapted their driving around the capabilities of the vehicle." For example, the reduced range due to running the heater or A/C led some drivers to make do without those comforts. Would you be willing to make that sacrifice?

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: New York Times, BMW]

Continue reading Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles

Mini E drivers adapt to their electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Electric Mini Rocketman coming in 2014?

Eric Loveday — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MINI

Mini Rocketman Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show was loaded with concept vehicles, including the Mini Rocketman, a pint-sized two-door that might make its way into dealerships. According to Autocar, Mini intends to launch a production Rocketman based on BMW's front-drive platform and its eco-conscious "i" technologies. We shall see if that pans out to be true.

~~When~~ if the Rocketman enters the production schedule, then it would slot in below Mini's current three-door Cooper hatchback and add one more vehicle to the automaker's expanding portfolio of plug-ins. According to Auto Express, Mini would equip the Rocketman with a structure similar to that found on the BMW i3. Meaning that the Rocketman would sport a carbon fiber passenger cell, mated to an aluminum chassis. Furthermore, Auto Express claims that the i3's electric powertrain would "slot neatly into the Mini, too, although power would be sent to the front wheels, rather than the rears."

Electric won't be the Rocketman's sole powertrain option, as turbocharged gas and diesel three-cylinder engines are expected to be offered too. Auto Express says that the Mini Rocketman will arrive in 2014, so there's plenty of time for this rumor to develop.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Electric Mini Rocketman coming in 2014? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds lists most, least fuel-efficient sporty vehicles

Eric Loveday — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:36:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, MINI, Volkswagen

2011 Mini John Cooper Works package - Click above for high-res image gallery

Question: can sporty vehicles be fuel efficient? Answer: yes. Recently, the team over at Edmunds Auto Observer compiled a list of some of the most and least fuel-efficient sporty vehicles available. Surprisingly, there's a monstrous gap (of $165) between the lowest and highest monthly fuel costs (computed with gasoline at $3.96 a gallon) for vehicles in the "sporty" category.

Coming out on top, with the lowest estimated monthly fuel costs for sporty vehicles, was the Mini Cooper ($165), followed closely by the Mini Cooper convertible ($169), Mini Cooper S ($174) and the Mini Cooper with the John Cooper Works package ($186). Notice a trend? Slotting into fifth place was the Volkswagen GTI with six-speed automatic transmission ($195). Down at the bottom of the chart, with estimated monthly fuel costs of $330, was the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and BMW M3.

Obviously, the performance of vehicles in Edmunds' broadly defined sporty segment varies dramatically but it still provides interesting reading. Click here for a look at the complete list.

[Source: Auto Observer]

Edmunds lists most, least fuel-efficient sporty vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 15 May 2011 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius leads "green" vehicles in generating most online buzz

Eric Loveday — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, MINI, Toyota

Infegy: Mentions of "green" vehicles on websites, blogs and tweets from March 22 to April 21, 2011.

It's not like online "mentions" lead directly to sales, but if they did, then data from Infegy, a leading source for social media analytics, would seem to indicate that the Toyota Prius, in being the overall leader among "green" vehicles in "mentions" on websites, blogs and tweets from March 22 to April 21, 2011, would dominate in overall sales in the "green" category. What's that? Oh, the Prius does stand atop the sales chart. Perhaps this is merely a coincidence because some of the other alt-energy vehicles getting lots of mentions are not yet widely available.

Infegy's data reveals 9,822 mentions of the Prius, 7,192 for the Nissan Leaf and 5,659 for the Chevy Volt. It's worth noting that Infegy tallies a mention regardless of whether it's positive or negative. So, for example, when reports surfaced regarding the Leaf's start-up issue, Nissan's battery-electric vehicle shot pass the Volt in mentions, according to Hybrid Cars. Is there really no such thing as bad press?

Also, we're kind of surprised to see mentions of the Mini E tie those for the Volt. You?

[Source: Hybrid Cars | Image: Infegy]

Toyota Prius leads "green" vehicles in generating most online buzz originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini E driver hits 1,000 recharges; racks up 54,000 miles

Eric Loveday — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

When BMW launched the Mini E lease program, some potential drivers were disappointed that they would only get to pilot the electrified hatch for 12 months. Later, at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Mini USA announced an extension of the lease program, allowing current Mini E drivers to retain their battery-powered rides for awhile longer.

One Mini E lessee by the name of Tom Moloughney has really taken advantage of his time with the car. He racked up an astonishing 54,000 miles in 22 months (20,000 of those in the first eight months). BMW has even confirmed that Moloughney's battery-powered Mini has at least 20,000 more miles on its odometer than any of the other 612 electric prototypes produced. To date, Moloughney's Mini E has been charged more than 1,000 times and its battery pack is showing no signs of degradation. In its first year of use, Moloughney's Mini E average 88.4 miles per charge. Surprisingly, that's only 1.2 miles more than its second-year average of 87.2 miles per charge. Check out Plugin Cars for more on Moloughney's Mini E experience and read these posts (1, 2) for more of Moloughney's advice to EV drivers.

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: Plugin Cars]

Mini E driver hits 1,000 recharges; racks up 54,000 miles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW appoints Kay Segler as Mini brand manager

Eric Loveday — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, BMW, MINI, Lightweight

BMW has selected Kay Segler, current managing director of BMW M GmbH, to take over as Mini's brand manager, replacing Wolfgang Armbrecht.

Previously, Segler headed the Mini brand from 2004 to 2008, overseeing the introduction of a range of models based on the BMW-engineered R56 platform. Segler will perform a similar role over the next couple of years as the Mini range switches over to BMW's upcoming front-wheel drive platform. The all-new Mini lineup will kick off with a replacement for the three-door Cooper hatchback, which is expected to launch in 2013.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Nitschke, head of Mini development in Munich, Germany, will take over Segler's position as boss of BMW's M Division.

[Source: BMW Group]

Continue reading BMW appoints Kay Segler as Mini brand manager

BMW appoints Kay Segler as Mini brand manager originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini E fleet trials enter phase two in Berlin

Eric Loveday — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI, Germany

BMW Group, along with Vattenfall Europe, has announced that the Mini E field trial in Berlin, Germany is entering phase two. In total, seventy of the electrified Minis will hit the roads, with 30 going to private customers and 40 earmarked for fleet users.

The aim of the trial, funded by the German Federal Environment Ministry, is to optimize charging strategies and to make use of renewable sources of energy (i.e. water and wind) to power up the Mini Es. In order to support the ongoing field trial, a total of 50 plug-in vehicle charging stations have been installed in and around Berlin.

The Mini E field tests began in 2009 in the U.S., the UK and Germany. Subsequently, trials expanded into France, Japan and China. In the first phase, the Mini Es in Berlin have racked up a reported 310,686 miles and three out of every four of the drivers advocate the exclusive use of renewable energy sources for charging up electric vehicles in the future. Too bad that's not always feasible.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Mini E fleet trials enter phase two in Berlin originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MINI, Spy Shots

AWD Mini Cooper Hybrid Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once you've put an all-electric drivetrain into a Mini Cooper, is it that hard to hybridize one? Well, yes, especially since BMW's limited testing program was intended to give the company information about a plug-in architecture. But our spy photographers have discovered what's believed to be the first Mini Cooper prototype fitted with a hybrid drivetrain.

The body certainly looks the same, but - as you can see in our high-resolution gallery - BMW has affixed a sticker in the window that clearly says "hybrid test vehicle." We don't know many details about the powertrain sitting under the bright red paint, but sources indicate that this is a through-the-road hybrid, with the front wheels powered by a normal engine and the rear wheels motivated by an electric motor. Things like displacement, total horsepower and battery size are all as mysterious as they ever were, but rumor has it - no, really this time - that a hybridized Mini will be available when the next-generation arrives in 2013.

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mini Rocketman destined for production

Eric Loveday — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, MINI, Lightweight

Mini Rocketman Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's Geneva Motor Show was loaded with concept cars. Even though most of them will never make it past the show's floor, the Mini Rocketman just might eventually roll into dealerships. According to Autocar, Mini plans to launch a production Rocketman based on BMW's front-drive platform and its eco-conscious "i" technologies.

If it enters the production schedule, the Rocketman would slot in below Mini's current three-door Cooper hatchback (at least in terms of overall size) and add to the automaker's rapidly expanding range of vehicles. BMW sales and marketing boss, Ian Robertson, told Autocar that:

The themes in the car [Mini Rocketman] are not just about a smaller Mini. Lightweight construction, and new types of components will go on to Minis. The BMW i-concept [technology] will be available to all members of the group.

So, what would be a proper nickname for the production version of the Mini Rocketman? The "mini" Mini?

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Mini Rocketman destined for production originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Peugeot-Citroen to invest $138 million in hybrid joint venture

Eric Loveday — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, BMW, MINI, Citroen, Peugeot

In early February, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen officially hooked up on a joint venture (JV) to collaborate on hybrid vehicle technologies. BMW revealed that the main focus of the corporate tie up is to develop an open platform that could be used by all European automakers seeking entry in the hybrid segment.

Now, BMW has announced that "BMW Peugeot Citroen Electrification" (the official name of the JV) will invest €100 million ($138 million U.S. at the current exchange rate) into hybrid technology development and production. The JV will operate out of two locations: one near Munich, Germany and the other in Mulhouse, France. The Munich site will handle research and development of the hybrid components while production of the parts will take place in France.

The JV will kick off its work in the second quarter of 2011 and the first vehicles to make use of the technology developed by the partners should hit the streets in 2014.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW, Peugeot-Citroen to invest $138 million in hybrid joint venture

BMW, Peugeot-Citroen to invest $138 million in hybrid joint venture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini E driver offers electric vehicle critic some real life experience

Jonas Dalidd — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MINI, USA

Washington Post writer Charles Lane recently wrote an article called "Cold truths about electric cars' cold-weather shortcomings." The piece was inspired by his experience being stuck in traffic for six hours due to last week's snowstorm. During the ordeal, he found a silver lining - he was not driving an electric vehicle (EV). Lane lists decreased battery performance/range in cold weather and the inability to charge during power outages as reasons why EVs are not a good idea especially in cold climates.

That didn't sit well with Mini E driver Tom Moloughney, who has challenged Lane's views on EVs by inviting him to spend a few days with him and his electric vehicle. Moloughney disputes the thecarelectric.com quote Lane included in his article which states that a "change of ten degrees can sap 50% of a battery's output," saying:

I can tell you with 100% certainty that I have found no amount of temperature drop that reduces my range by 50%. I have kept detailed logs of every trip I have made in the car for the entire 49,500 miles, so I know how temperature effects range. I'm not guessing or relying what someone else wrote about it. I've lived it. A 10 degree drop will affect my range by about 5% at most, and that's once you get under 30 degrees.

Moloughney does admit that today's EVs are not built for the cold, but says that they are still a viable option in such climate as long as drivers are aware of the limitations and prepare accordingly. He also points out that we are just at the early stages of EV development and they are just bound to get better in time.

[Source: Plugin Cars]

Mini E driver offers electric vehicle critic some real life experience originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW and Mini to share plug-in hybrids

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, BMW, MINI

From the whispers we're hearing, BMW plans on mixing its DNA with Mini even further. The Bavarian-obsessed minds at BimmerFile are reporting that the German automaker is currently hard at work on a partnership with Getrag to produce a new hybrid powertrain to be shared between both BMW and Mini. Details are skimpy at the moment, but BimmerFile has ventured a few guesses as to what we can expect from the platform when it debuts. Word is that the system will likely boast a plug-in capacity that it will probably show up on larger Mini models like the Countryman and its rumored BMW counterpart.

There's also some indication that the hybridized drivetrain will keep the current 120 horsepower four-cylinder at the heart of the system. The move is only part of the BMW master plan to keep Mini as efficient as possible. BimmerFile also hints that Mini may see a small turbocharged three-cylinder engine debut in a few short years with more horsepower, less weight and greater efficiency than the current four-cylinder line up. Join those thoughts with the rumored arrival of a diesel Cooper on American soil, and it begins to look like Mini will be in a good position as fuel prices continue to edge upwards.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Report: BMW and Mini to share plug-in hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW mulls addition of pedestrian warning system for electric vehicles

Eric Loveday — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, MINI

BMW ActiveE concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In mid-December, the U.S. Senate and House voted to approve a measure that would require hybrids and plug-in vehicles to emit a sound when traveling at low speeds to warn nearby pedestrians. The bill, called the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, requires that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets a standard for an alert sound that will allow pedestrians to easily detect a nearby moving plug-in vehicle. This measure only applies to vehicles sold within the U.S. and not those distributed to foreign markets.

German automaker BMW, though, is weighing in on whether or not to follow the lead of rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz, both of which have already begun developing unique sounds for upcoming hybrid and plug-in vehicles. In an email correspondence with Automotive News (sub. req.), BMW spokesman Tobias Hahn confirmed that neither the Mini E prototype nor the ActiveE concept feature a pedestrian warning system, but he stated that the German automaker has:

Been looking into possible technical solutions for a while and would be able to add such a feature to our vehicles should this turn out to be a real problem. We are also cooperating with organizations for the visibly impaired in Germany.

Our guess is that several other countries across the globe will soon mandate a pedestrian warning system and BMW will be left with no choice but to incorporate sound into its future plug-in models.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

BMW mulls addition of pedestrian warning system for electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Mini Scooter E Concept can whisk us away any day

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MINI, On Two Wheels, Paris Motor Show

Mini Scooter E concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Squaring off, in a way, against the escooter that Smart unveiled yesterday at the Paris Motor Show, is Mini's entry in the fanciful all-electric scooter category, the Scooter E. There are more differences here than just where you put the "e," most specifically, how each scooter boils the essence of their four-wheeled cousins onto a platform smaller than half the size.

You can see the escooter in detail here, then compare it to the Scooter E, which manages to put a lot of what makes a Mini look like a Mini onto just two wheels. We think the bold yellow stripe around the leg opening, up to the headlight and around the seat is a nice touch. Considering that the Mini E and the Scooter E are both battery powered, perhaps the stripe is supposed to lightly mimic the yellow on that iconic car? We like what we see, and, apparently, Mini is paying close attention to what it hears in Paris to decide if the Scooter E gets put into production. Got an opinion?

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Paris 2010: Mini Scooter E Concept can whisk us away any day originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Scooter E concept bound for production if reaction in Paris is positive? [w/video]

Eric Loveday — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MINI, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Mini Scooter E concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Set to hit the stage in Paris in less than a week, Mini's Scooter E concept, a two-wheeled, battery-powered urban dream machine, may indeed reach the inside of showrooms in the near future. Judging by the pics alone, the Scooter E appears ready to roll, but as Autocar recently discovered, the vehicle's fate lies mainly in the reaction from the public. In speaking with Mini design chief, Gert Hildebrand, Autocar learned that the scooter's purpose is to, "bring young people to the Mini brand." Hildebrand explains that the Scooter E could be used to draw in a youthful crowd in hopes that these buyers will then progress through the Mini range.

Autocar turned to BMW Group design chief, Adrian van Hooydonk for future explanation. Hooydonk details the likelihood that a production version of Mini's concept scooter will emerge, stating:

We will find a way to build them should there be enough demand. Mini has no history of scooters but Britain does - London does - and initial reaction will also shape how we move the project forward. We need to have ideas going forward; Mini always needs to be small yet premium and these scooters showcase this. We need ideas for zero-emission future mobility; you can't go where you want to all the time even with a car.

Drawing from Hooydonk's comment, we'd conclude that Mini is on the fence on this one, but we'd bet that if Smart gives its battery-powered scooter the nod, Mini will probably follow suit. Hit the jump for some outstanding video of the Scooter E concept.

Gallery: MINI Scooter E concept

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Mini Scooter E concept bound for production if reaction in Paris is positive? [w/video]

Mini Scooter E concept bound for production if reaction in Paris is positive? [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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