MINI is the latest manufacturer that will have a new, an all-electric offering for South African customers in the shape of the MINI Cooper SE with first deliveries scheduled for October.
The price might raise a few eyebrows. At R642 000 for the S trim level and R722 000 for the L trim level, MINI says it will be the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in the country and that it is not the most expensive MINI available locally.
The only other offerings available locally are the BMW i3-series from the same stable which also includes a model with a “range extender” small petrol engine for back-up. BMW also have plug-in hybrids in the X5 and 7 Series ranges. Other full EVs are the Jaguar I-Pace and the Porsche Taycan with Toyota and Lexus offering a range of full hybrids.
MINI launched the new model with a number of demonstration models available for customers across the country. The model has a 200 km range on a full charge. Charging time ranges from as little as 30 minutes during regular commutes to a couple of hours, depending on the model and usage.
On the question if BMW considers increasing its electric charging points around South Africa maybe in conjunction with other manufacturers, a company spokesperson says they cannot speak on behalf of other manufacturers.
BMW said to Dealerfloor they would however welcome every competitor that can help to speed up the adoption of electromobility and draw attention to its benefits. In South Africa, BMW currently has around 60 ChargeNow charging sites, with a total of 104 chargers (six of the sites are shared with Nissan as part of the companies' original Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2015).
There are five DC fast chargers at BMW i dealerships nationwide, and these ChargeNow stations can be accessed using a ChargeNow card at no cost to owners and drivers. The BMW Group’s pure electric models in South Africa – BMW i3 and, now, the Mini Cooper SE – are intended for use primarily in cities and suburbs, says the company in a statement.
The BMW Group delivered more than 140 000 electrified (pure electric and plug-in hybrids) vehicles to customers in 2018. A total of 145 815 electrified BMW and Mini vehicles were sold worldwide in 2019 – an increase of 2,2% over the previous year. By the end of 2021, they aim to have a total of more than one million electrified vehicles on the roads and expects electrified vehicles to account for between 15-25% of global sales before 2025, the company said in a statement.
In a demonstration of a purpose-driven partnership, GAC Motor South Africa has joined forces with the Real Madrid Foundation South Africa as its official mobility partner – a collaboration dedicated to creating real opportunities for young people through the transformative power of football and education.
Maserati addressed recent developments in the South African market regarding unauthorised parties claiming to be official Maserati dealers and service centres. These claims are both false and misleading to customers, and we consider this to be a matter of serious concern.
Following the recent international awareness month of driving while distracted (DWD), positive news from the City of Cape Town has been shared. The City revealed that between July 2022 and June 2024, impoundments of cellphones reduced by 16%. Cellphone-related offences also dropped by 11.5%.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
GWM South Africa has officially launched the new HAVAL H6 SUV locally, a sleeker, more powerful and more intelligent vehicle than ever, the new H6 brings fresh energy to South Africa’s competitive SUV landscape.
GWM South Africa has introduced the latest evolution of its acclaimed H6 GT coupé-style SUV: the new HAVAL H6 GT Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). With adrenaline-charged acceleration, dramatic design updates and exceptional range, the newcomer blends the thrill of high performance with the practicality of hybrid efficiency, says GWM.
JAC Motors has introduced the new T9 Hunter 4x4 Special Edition following its recent 24-hour Endurance Challenge, where it broke a 15-year-old record for commercial vehicles set by a rival bakkie brand.
