Summary 
On July 10, German automaker BMW and Chinese SUV manufacturer Great Wall Motors reached an agreement to work together to produce electric MINI vehicles, of Mini Cooper notoriety, in China. The two companies signed an intent to cooperate letter earlier in February, and solidified the details of the cooperation plan on July 9. The joint venture will be called Spotlight Automotive Ltd and will focus on researching, developing, and manufacturing electric vehicles. BMW is Great Wall’s first foreign manufacturing partner and it is the first time MINIs are being assembled outside of Europe. China is currently undergoing an ambitious electric vehicle initiative and have been funneling major investment into the industry. Other automakers including General Motors, Volkswagen, and Nissan Motors have also showed interest in similar ventures.
FAO Global Assessment
China is currently the world’s biggest market for electric cars. State owned corporations and private automakers are investing vast amounts of wealth into research and development for the industry. Electric cars are required to be at least 10% of sales for car brands in China. The continuing pressure from the government and the potential for growth in sales makes China a prime location for firms involved in the production of electric vehicles, up and down the supply chain.
Related Links
- AP News- BMW to make electric MINIs in China
- Xinhua Net- 长城宝马合资成立光束汽车 总投资额51亿元
- USA Today- BMW group and Great Wall Motors partner to make electric MINIs in China
- Cars Guide- BMW and Great Wall join forces for EVs
- Sina News- 长城宝马正式签约 “光束汽车”发力新能源征战全球
- Market Watch- BMW, Great Wall Motor ally on Minis in China
Analyst Bio
Weiting Li -International Policy Associate-
Weiting Li is an international policy intern at FAO Global, where she focuses on international trade, technology, and environmental policies. Weiting is currently a second year graduate student pursuing dual master’s degrees in public policy at Georgetown University and Business Administration at University of Geneva. Prior to Georgetown, she was the assistant for government relations and working groups at European Chamber of Commerce in China. She graduated from Gettysburg College with a major in Sociology and a minor in Business.
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