BMW might spin off Mini making

BEIJING - BMW AG is working on a deal to outsource the manufacturing of Mini cars in China to Great Wall Motor Co, the country's biggest SUV maker, according to people with knowledge of the plan.

The two companies are discussing the possible export of Mini brand cars from China to other markets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private.

A spokesman for Great Wall declined to comment, saying the company will issue a formal statement later. Representatives at BMW's China unit were not commenting at press time. The German carmaker now has a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holding, with the contract to expire by 2028.