BMW’s MINI may not replace the Coupe, Paceman or Roadster when their day comes, opting to focus on three “pillar” models that allow the brand to be “more relevant to more people,” according to MINI head of product management Oliver Friedmann.
Automotive News Europe reports Friedmann’s first priority for MINI “is to roll out a portfolio that has strong pillars,” with each pillar being clear in what it means to the overall brand. With the original hatchback and Countryman identified as the first two pillars, a potential third pillar could come in the form of a compact model based upon the Clubman concept shown in Geneva.
As for the Coupe, Paceman and Roadster, Friedmann says the trio aren’t a priority to the brand at this time, with the possibility all three may end up in the crusher of history in the near future.
Good, These seem like the most pointless models.
The real problem is the lack of a third row seat and room for 7 people and their dogs. The new Mini XL should take care of that, which will be criticized for being hard to park… But seriously, what’s with the 3-cylinder engine in the new larger than ever Mini? Besides the Subaru Justy, the Geo Metro (base model) and a Seadoo. No one is excited by the off kilter vibrations of such a power plant. All for $25k. What a deal.
I agree with the pointless models…and note that the photo appears to have been taken in the big allmodelsofbmwarehere showroom, adjoining the BMW museum…which is where these models will end up.
A ‘MINI Roadster’ should have been something Austin-Healey inspired and on the Z4 platform, win-win.
So no Mini Cooper Brougham Paceman Coupe de Lounge?
The Coupe, Paceman and Roadster were released at the end of the model cycle so that Mini would have something new to show. Their replacements won’t show-up until the new platform is near its end-of-life.
True.
+1
“more relevant to more people” translated means “cars that people will buy”
That’s right. How can offering LESS be MORE relevant to more buyers? That being said, I’m really still overly annoyed with MINI and I want them to go away.
Why are you annoyed at them Corey?
I have a whole list!
-Too many useless models
-Annoying pick-mix styling, not cohesive
-Too expensive
-Not really reliable
-Interiors are a mess
-Too many “special editions”
I would tend to agree, but I’m the guy who always thinks the more the merrier, so….
If they were cheaper though and the interior nicer, it’d help a lot.
I think I’ve seen one convertible here and two Clubmen. Pacemen and the regular one are easier to see, but it’s a very niche brand here.
The 500 is much cheaper here, but do to the strength of the brand and is one of the few cars nowadays that you could go a dealer and not find it. The mini on the other hand, when I pass by the dealer is overflowing with inventory.
Maybe you’re right though, the excess in models editions makes sales harder.
I see lots of the regular style -older- version Mini, but not many brand new ones. I see a few AWD Paceman’s here and there.
What’s the one that’s a convertible, looks like it’s wearing a hat? Only seen one of those ever, just the other day.
Yeah, never thought it looked better, in any way, than the regular model.
Less is more? I’d call it…Mini Mies.
Mix equal parts stainless steel and aggression.
Agreed, BC. Just means they aren’t selling.
COuld it be that BMW has tired of Mini and is now trying to find uses for their near future FWD cars?
I love Minis, especially the original Issigonis ones.
But the Mini brand salvaged from Rover is a “one trick pony”.
Maybe BMW is worried that bringing some of the cheaper models to the US, like the Mini One and Mini D would cheapen the brand.
I welcome the passing of the backwards baseball cap roof line. It can’t come too soon. The Paceman also strikes me a a pretty stupid device too.
The MINI Coupe/Roadster would have been an interesting vehicle if they swapped the front and the back for something like a mini MR2.
As is, it look like a pointless styling exercise without the necessary style to warrant the extra model. This is BMW, though, with its million niche models.
I wonder what other variant models we can expect from them in the coming years. Paceman convertible? Clubman ute?