Ken Gratton•31 Oct 2014
NEWS
Too many MINIs
Development costs spiralling out of control or a brand unravelling? MINI is slimming down its product portfolioMINI is reported to be planning a major rationalisation of its product range in coming years. But vehicles already slated for production on the UKL modular platform look safe.
To date, that includes the three-door hatch and the new five-door model. Already established from spy pics, there will be a Clubman replacement in the new F55/56 generation – but that model has undergone some 'mainstreaming' to gain greater market acceptance, as seen in a concept car at Geneva earlier this year.
Similarly, we know that there will be a MINI Cabrio as well – and it is expected to look very much like the artist's rendering pictured here.
But back in January BMW board member for MINI and Rolls-Royce, Peter Schwarzenbauer, declared at the Detroit motor show that he would like to see the range reduced from the seven models expected to be rolled out on the UKL platform in the current generation to no more than five in the following (fourth) generation due around 2020.
Since January other BMW execs have been hosing down media expectations of niche MINI models expanding the range. The reasons for clamping down on a model proliferation at MINI are variously given as cost-cutting measures and a back-to-basics brand management strategy.
The rumours of a smaller product range in MINI's future appear to be at odds with MINI's success under the BMW umbrella, having built three million vehicles since 2001.
Locally, MINI sources tell motoring.com.au that no decision has been made yet as to which models will survive and which will be axed. Our insiders feel the MINI Cabrio is a halo model that will continue, but there is no confirmation of that so far.
Paceman, we think your time is about up...
Picture courtesy of Automedia
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Written byKen Gratton
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