BMW Group said Friday it is talking with China's biggest SUV maker about a possible partnership to produce electric versions of its MINI as automakers ramp up electric development under pressure from Beijing to meet sales quotas. Auto brands face pressure to meet quotas that require electric vehicles to make up at least 10 percent of sales starting next year. "This signals a further clear commitment to the electrified future of the MINI brand," BMW said in a statement. That sets a high baseline for electric sales and will make it harder to meet fleet average efficiency standards. ———BMW Group: www.bmwgroup.comGreat Wall Motors Co.: www.gwm-global.com

Source: ABC News February 23, 2018 11:03 UTC