China-made electric MINIs to be exported from 2024

BMW Group said on Friday that it will start to export China-made electric MINIs from 2024.

Production of the next-generation electric MINIs will first begin in China, which will also be the brand's major export base worldwide, said the German premium carmaker in a statement.

China-made electric models include a brand new three-door MINI Cooper and a brand new compact crossover MINI Aceman.

Preparations for production are ongoing at Spotlight Automotive, BMW's joint venture with Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor, in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province.

Jochen Goller, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said he expects the unique heritage of the MINI brand and China's advantages in electrification to make the brand popular in the world.

China is the world's largest NEV market and exporter. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said NEV exports totaled 636,000 units from January to July, up 150 percent year-on-year.

China already replaced Japan as the No 1 vehicle exporter in the first half, shipping 2.34 million vehicles overseas, up around 77 percent year-on-year, said the General Administration of Customs.