Posted on Thursday 19 July 2007
BMW is in talks with Magna International over a deal to build an SUV/crossover version of the Mini that’s expected to be called the ‘Mini Colorado.’ Production of the new model will top 65,000 units and will be handled by Magna Steyr at its plant in Austria because BMW’s Mini plant in Oxford is nearing full capacity.
Magna currently builds X3 SUVs for BMW but with the next-gen model scheduled to be produced at BMW’s South Carolina facility Steyr’s Austrian plant is open to sourcing other work. The global parts supplier is also rumored to be in talks with Volkswagen to build a new roadster model at the same Steyr plant, reports the Globe and Mail.
The new car will be based on the long wheelbase Mini Clubman and will feature higher ground clearance and an AWD configuration. Late last year, Mini’s vice president of brand management Kay Segler revealed that there were plans to introduce five variants of the Mini by the end of the decade, and appears that Segler’s plans are right on track.
What the hell? They\’re just about to build the Clubman and now this? Is BMW trying to get rid of all the brand appeal they built with the Mini? Pathetic.
What’s strange is that this news about the Oxford plant nearing full capacity already contradicts other rumors of BMW expanding the MINI range because Oxford needs to be near full capacity to be profitable, as it, reportedly, currently isn’t.