An exclusive contract to supply batteries for the new Mini range has been awarded by BMW to Varta. The automotive battery manufacturer has been working closely with the manufacturer's design team at Cowley time to develop a starter battery to meet the unusual installation and operational demands of such a small car.

Using calcium silver battery technology, sufficient space has been created under the bonnet for a 55 a/h battery powerful enough to provide reliable performance for the Mini's sophisticated electronic systems in spite of the high operating temperatures in the ultra compact engine bay.

Support for the project has been provided by Varta's UK-based OE engineering team. As well as the new Mini, Varta is also supplying starter batteries using calcium silver technology for the new Aston Martin Vanquish and the Jaguar X-Type.