Mini car hire enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the new electric MINI E is so good that customers currently trialling the model do not want to give it back.

The eco-friendly vehicle has been in testing across the globe for over half a year and was developed by BMW as a key means of reducing the car company's CO2 emissions by 25 per cent by 2020.

Originally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January the MINI E will be the latest model added to the iconic brand and will help BMW increase its share in the small premium car segment.

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said: "Some drivers have told me they would love to keep their MINI E. We will follow this trial next year with a customer test fleet based on the current study with the BMW Concept ActiveE which will be built at our Leipzig plant."

BMW is planning on releasing 17 new models during 2010, including the MINI countryman and the luxurious Rolls Royce Ghost.

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Posted by Jenny Denham