With increasing oil prices, and changes to the way in which cars are taxed to use the roads, it's no surprise that manufacturers are increasingly looking towards alternatives to fuel their cars. MINI included. The BMW Group has announced that 'several hundred' MINIs are being prepared for tests by the BMW Group to determine whether electric power will be the way to go. The cars, built in the Oxford plant, will be modified accordingly in Munich and fitted out for trials. Said Dr Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of prize MINI Martyn Pearson, Brembo HPK's UK Sales Manager visited Lohen's Eccleshall premises to confirm the selection and go some way to explaining the reasons for choosing Lohen: "We have worked closely with Lohen over the last couple of years and are impressed with their knowledge and setup. We feel it's necessary to tie in with people at the top of their game because we know they will offer the type of quality and customer service inherent in everything Brembo puts its name to. We've recognised Lohen's passion and interest in MINIs and are pleased to be associated with their work."Management of BMW AG: "Our task here is to combine the ultimate driving experience with an efficient electrified drive with practically no emissions." The tests on alternative drives in a MINI body will be used over the next 12-18 months to refine the technology. Details about the drive concept will be published towards the end of the year.