Could Electric MINI’s Be Made in North America?

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Ten years ago, the idea of MINIs being built in North America would have sounded far-fetched. But in today’s global manufacturing landscape, it’s no longer out of the question. So how could MINI make it happen—and what model would lead the charge? We have some ideas.

What Model Would MINI Likely Build in North America?

The answer is simple: a crossover—one MINI knows will sell. And such a move would only make sense if it were backed by a BMW counterpart, enabling the production scale necessary for a positive return on investment. That points clearly to a future version of the Countryman, or perhaps even the upcoming Aceman.

Currently, MINI’s production footprint is concentrated in Europe and China. The next-generation electric J01 MINI Cooper and J05 Aceman are being built exclusively in China through MINI’s partnership with Great Wall Motor. As a result, neither model is being imported into the U.S. due to steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles which make the business case for U.S. sales economically unviable.

Originally, MINI had plans to bring production of the J01 and J05 to the Oxford plant in the UK by 2026. However, in February 2025, BMW officially paused its £600 million investment in Oxford for electric MINI production, citing “multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry” (MotoringFile). That decision effectively leaves North America without access to MINI’s new electric lineup for now.

Establishing production in North America could provide strategic advantages—especially as trade barriers tighten and tariffs become more punitive. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has repeatedly emphasized the value of the company’s robust U.S. presence, including the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, as a buffer against trade volatility. That message is especially relevant in 2025.

BMW’s Spartanburg facility—their largest globally—is currently being upgraded to support next-generation EV production. The plant produces over 1,500 vehicles a day, primarily for export, and is well positioned to build an EV like the Countryman, which is already based on a BMW platform.

Meanwhile, BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico is being retooled to become one of five global sites producing the company’s sixth-generation high-voltage batteries. This also makes it a strong candidate for MINI EV production, particularly for models like the Countryman and Aceman that align with North American tastes.

By localizing MINI production in North America, BMW could sidestep Chinese tariffs, reduce logistical complexity, and tailor vehicles more closely to regional preferences. While no official announcements have been made, the existing infrastructure and recent investments suggest MINI production in North America isn’t out of the question.

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