BMW Group and Fiat Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. As part of the deal, BMW will support Fiat in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market, or to put it simple, MINI U.S. dealers would have the chance to also sell Alfa Romeos. If all goes well, the final deal is expected to be signed off by the end of the year.

The BMW Group isn’t fooling around with its Electric MINI project that will see up to 500 drivers in the U.S. states of Southern California, New York City and New Jersey getting the chance to obtain the plug-in MINI E for a year through leasing. Right after the release of the first pics and details of the MINI E (click here to read our article), the British firm launched a dedicated site were those interested can sign up for more info on the application process. We signed-up and received an e-mail saying that MINI will keep us updated.