(June 9, 2010) EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  — James McDowell, vice-president of Mini, on Tuesday all but confirmed to an expansion of the Mini line-up during a meeting before the Motor Press Guild (MPG) here.

During a Q&A about the upcoming Countryman model — a slightly larger Mini with four-doors and all-wheel-drive — McDowell thought within six to 12 months following that introduction a coupe and a roadster based on recent show cars shown at Frankfurt could very well become a reality. The Countryman is expected to make its U.S. debut next February.

McDowell also revealed that those who hold a current lease of a Mini E all-electric demonstration car will have the option of renewing their leases for an additional year. Vehicles that are returned will be homologated for use in Europe and other parts of the world for further testing and to gauge interest for the EV.

—- Ted Biederman