Founded in 1969 in Britain, Mini is currently owned by BMW. Originally a line of cars manufactured by the British Motor Corporation, Mini is best known for its iconic Mini Cooper, featured in the third installment of the Austin Powers movie trilogy.

The first automobile produced with the Mini name was when it was still under the British Motor Corporation in 1959. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the vehicle was called the Morris Mini-Minor. The two-door car had a front-wheel drive layout, which gave more space inside the car for passengers and storage. The Morris Mini-Minor had a 4-cylinder 37 horsepower engine and initially sold for $1,340 (the equivalent of $12,477 in current value). Today, Mini makes several variations of its classic design, including the Hardtop 2 Door, Hardtop 4 Door, Countryman, Clubman, Convertible, and Mini John Cooper Works. Mazda's highest selling year in recent years was in 2012 when it sold 71,103 in the US alone.

Mini recently announced that it will release an entire lineup of all-electric vehicles starting in 2023. This lineup will include the Mini 3-Door, an EV crossover model, and a new Mini Countryman. The company's current battery electric line includes the Mini E and Cooper SE. Still, the company says its future line will focus on sticking with the feel of the Mini brand as opposed to specific technological advancements.