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Further news on the future of the Mini Brand from BMW insider SCOTT at the 1addicts forum at Bimmerpost.com
(Don't think JJ72's going to like it....)
(Don't think JJ72's going to like it....)
SCOTT from Bimmerpost.comThe MINI Traveller .
If there is one phrase to describe the brief for the MINI Traveller then it is named the "swiss-army-knife MINI variant". It's internal name is "Spacebox" because it is all about increasing practicality and flexibility of a MINI for the MINI customer who has to move to another brand because they have a family that has grown or simply they need more space.
In order to show how the MINI brand can be accomodated with a concept that is less van in appearance - The MINI Traveller will be shown as a Concept car in the not-so-distant future to showcase how innovation is achieved not only from the outside but also from the inside.
The theme for the Traveller is very much "Access all areas" and uses the typical MINI solutions to passenger access such as rear-hinged doors and barn doors which could be configured Clubman style or in a 60/40 opening allowing smaller bags to be stored via a smaller door and vice versa.
BMW believe that MINI with it's innovative approach to access furthers and distinguishes it's identity from its forthcoming BMW siblings.
The overall look of the Traveller is very much MINI. The dimensions are compact and the front overhang is kept short. In essence the MINI Traveller is very much like a larger Clubman. It's internal term "Spacebox" is derived from the spacious interior and also the expanse of glass which gives the MINI Traveller an abundance of light including a larger panoramic roof which allows the interior to look larger than it is. The appearance of the MINI Traveller is very much MINI III - raked headlights and larger grille determines the facial features , whilst at the rear they are experimenting with high level taillamps in the C-pillars.
The MINI interior though expands on practicality with additional storage points increasing flexibility but in a unique MINI way. So you will have reverse-hinged storage compartments in some parts of the car.
The MINI/UKL Family
MINI III
MINI Cabrio III
MINI Clubman
MINI Traveller
MINI Countryman (current and future)
MINI Paceman Sport Activity Coupe
MINI Coupe (current)
MINI Roadster (current)
MINI Sports Car Project *
MINI Rocketman
* ( If the MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster are successful , replacements could see the Coupe merge into a stand alone project not using a Current (or future) MINI but use a bespoke body with possible Roadster)
The new strategy for UKL/MINI is derived from a new modular platform which like the larger matrix of the (BMW) F20 and F30 can be stretched and shrunk via modular applications, providing which model will sit on top. The new strategy and the sharing of both (BMW) N20 and N37 engine families will allow BMW to increase it's profitability in the long run for this segment , something which could not be achieved with MINI alone. With combined MINI/BMW UKL sales BMW are expecting production and sales output to surpass both the 1er and 3er by 2020.
Sustainable Powertrains have not been forgotten either with the new platform. Aswell as the option of all-wheel-drive which could be spread throughout other MINI's including the MINI III hatch.
Customers downsizing and new and existing customers who want more flexibility and space are the key. BMW has tested the Compactive Sport Tourer within a clinic of clients who own MPV's.
And customers were very interested in the BMW and gave it top-marks because of it's unique style and flexibility over the range of cars brought in to oversee from mainstream volume manufacturers.
This segment is also expected to grow by 45% per year and BMW are projecting that both the Compactive Sport Tourer and MINI Traveller will be taking the bulk of this percentage.
