MINI Coupe, Roadster axed
British brand kills off slow-selling two-seater sports cars to improve profitabilityAfter revealing plans to cleave a number of models from its range, MINI has now confirmed that the Coupe and Roadster have been boned.
Although the Paceman has not been officially axed yet, it's odds on next for the chopping block, which would leave the iconic MINI brand with just five models – the three- and five-door hatches, Convertible, Countryman and Clubman variants.
As reported in late 2014, MINI boss and BMW Member of the Board, Peter Schwarzenbauer outlined plans to condense the MINI range in order to reduce complexity in showrooms and improve profitability.
"The two individual two-seater athletes MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster will finish their career together and as planned," reads the official press statement.
"In taking this step, the British premium car manufacturer continues the change of generation in its model program and in terms of vehicle production at the Oxford plant."
Despite the contraction of the range, there have been reports that MINI will add another model to the list, the smallest model in its (modern era) range. The new vehicle is rumoured to be in development as another of (MINI parent company) BMW's technical collaborations with Toyota, and is being made more financially viable by sharing platform technology with Toyota.
The vehicle development cooperation is expected to spawn the MINI Minor and Toyota Starlet.
The new MINI brand was relaunched in 2001 after BMW bought the rights to the name. The original BMC Mini hit the scene in the late 1950s and became an instant classic due to its tiny size and spirited character.
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