Mini is the latest car manufacturer to backtrack on its promise of becoming a fully electric brand by 2030, citing instability in the automotive industry caused by tariffs, and uneven EV adoption These sentiments were shared by Mike Peyton, Mini USA’s vice-president, in an interview with Motoring File. He confirmed the timelines have been shifted, and “there is no longer an official end date for ICE [internal combustion engine] production”.

The launch of the electric Cooper and Aceman in North America is now on hold. These cars are built exclusively in China at the Great Wall Motor factory and could be subject to high import tariffs of 60% to 80%, should president-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threats. There are now plans to build the cars in Oxford, in the UK, from 2026.