For years we’ve been reporting that MINI’s line-up will expanding. And it has going from one model to seven models in as many years. But recent comments by MINIUSA head Jim McDowel and several BMW Board members have underlined the fact that changes are foot. We’ve reported on quite a few: MINI 3/5dr hatch – [...] (visit MotoringFile for the full article) More...
I've said it before and I'll say it again. They can do whatever they want with all the models, but leave the Cooper alone. Pick the next engine and hope it is a good one for YEARS to come and just leave a good thing alone. The Classic became a classic because it was left pretty much alone for years. Just a few tweaks here and there over the years. They had a good thing and knew it, so why change it up.. They need to sell enough of a "version" of Cooper to keep the parts vendors interested in it to keep making parts for it inorder to keep the cars around.. If they keep redoing the car every 5-6 years and no parts interchange it's not going to work in my mind.. Sure they'll sell some cars but there not enough cars sold to keep many aftermarket parts vendors around..
Really? Other vehicles go through the same cycle but the aftermarket always chases them. Civic, Mustang, WRX, 350/370 Z, come to the top of my mind. The aftermarket will follow the $$$. Mini owners as a whole don't do performance mods like other vehicles. So not a lot of development there and it's a few specific tuners that have most of the in depth experience and market. Now, if you look at cosmetic (mirror caps, accessories, etc) or cosmetic performance (lowering springs, body kits, etc) there is a HUGE aftermarket for Mini. That is where the $$$ is. The gal that wants the Hello Kitty head rest covers and pink mirror caps for her MINI or the guy that wants the black rims and lowering springs for the look he's after.
More giant MINIs will most likely be on the way. Hold on to the MINIs you love, because things are a changing.
I bet there are more civics and mustangs sold then MINIs which is why there is such a big aftermarket for them.. If you sale ALOT of cars yes the aftermarket will follow. but if you don't and you keep changing the car to where parts don't interchange well!!!! Plus MINI doesn't make it easy on the aftermarket world like some of the other brands do. They need to cater to the aftermarket which in turn will sale more cars, which in turn will bring in more repair work, which is where the money is at for the dealer.. Just for sh*&s and giggles, last year Ford world wide sold over 1 million Focus alone.. Given the choice which would you make parts for the Cooper or the Focus??? One thing that does help MINI is all their vehicles run the same couple of engines..
im not crazy about the plethora of models, and I will always think of a Mini as a hatchback. However, I know the name of the game is to sell cars and BMW seems to be doing a fair job of it. If introducing new models is what it takes to keep it profitable and worth carrying then I will grin and bear it. It could be worse.
Without BMW, this great car would likely have not been resurrected. I agree there may be too many models to choose from for most of us. And indeed, appealing to a wider variety of consumers is what drives the motivation for "new models." BMW doesn't always get it right but their success is undeniable. I will stay clear of the new MINIs which I see an impractical. If thousands of others do the same, the lesser desirable models will be culled out over time. Long live the R53!