(Yicai Global) Oct. 16 -- Bayerische Motoren Werke AG [ETR:BMW[, better known as BMW, is still evaluating a possible future cooperation with Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor Co. [SHA:601633] related to its Mini car brand, sources at the German auto giant said.

The two companies are still in talks on a potential partnership, Great Wall Motor said in a press briefing on Oct. 13.

The two parties signed a confidentiality agreement on a feasibility review for the cooperation in April 2016, and then signed a cooperation feasibility assessment agreement on Mini brand cars in February this year.

BMW is planning its global layout for Mini and aims to enhance its development in China with support from local partners, the company previously said in a statement. Mini cars remain a relatively niche brand in China with around 35,000 annual sales, ranking behind the UK, US and Germany.

The European firm's existing cooperation with Hong Kong-based Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. [HKG:1114] remains a key operation for the company in China, said a source familiar with the firm.