By Max Bernhard 
 

BMW AG (BMW.XE) has signed a letter of intent with China's Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. (2333.HK) and said that it is in advanced discussions on a possible joint venture to produce electric Mini-brand vehicles with the Chinese car maker.

The Munich-based company said the next steps are to agree on the details of the potential joint venture and on a cooperation agreement.

"In addition to production of the first battery electric MINI at the main plant in Oxford starting in 2019, this signals a further clear commitment to the electrified future of the MINI brand," BMW said.

The German company said it is planning to expand its existing BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. (1114.HK).

Write to Max Bernhard at Max.Bernhard@dowjones.com; @mxbernhard

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 23, 2018 05:17 ET (10:17 GMT)