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The next new MINI might have been demonstrated recently by coachbuilder “Castagna” in Italy. This could be the way of the future for the MINI, taking it into serious Off-road adventures. It will probably be based on the recently already announced 5-door wagon yet to be named the “Traveller”.
The SUV/Crossover MINI will be targeted at the very successful USA market that can not seem to get enough of this great car. With over 40,000 cars sold last year alone, the future will for sure include the current SUV rage in the states. The true MINI enthusiasts will surely know that the heritage of it’s name-sake, the BMC Mini developed it’s real history in the world rally stage. That stage today means that 4 wheel drive (although never used in the vintage Mini) is a must have if the real history is to continue. Not only would it become a fantastic causal off-road vehicle but would be sure to develop into a world class rally car.
One BMW Group insider was reported to say: "We have many concepts which may or may not become realities, but there is a strong brand and sales-generating logic behind a MINI 4x4 crossover, particularly as the USA could soon overtake the UK as a market."Executives at MINI expect the one millionth BMW-built MINI to come off the line at Oxford early in 2007, while a new cabriolet version of the car is planned within two years.
By 2009, the Oxford plant in the UK will likely be producing at it’s capacity of 240,000 MINIs per year. Thus BMW could be tempted to build the SUV 4X4 at its factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, particularly if a pick-up variant was added to the line-up.
Article Date: Nov 23, 2006
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI
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