Mini still mulling Superleggera roadster production

BIRMINGHAM, England -- Mini is nevertheless analyzing whether it can produce a small business case for its Superleggera Eyesight roadster, a senior BMW executive stated.
"The curiosity was great when we revealed this concept-car. I believe also the technological component is incredibly fascinating because we're focusing on electrification for Mini," Peter Schwarzenbauer, head of the Mini, Rolls Royce and BMW Bike brands, advised the yearly Automotive News Europe Congress in Birmingham on Wednesday. "But we have not made a choice however. It is an economically difficult job. I keep pushing for it because I believe it will be exceedingly beneficial to the business name."
The Superleggera Eyesight, that has been unveiled by Mini last yr, emphasizes possible new layout signals for the trade name like a extended hood, long-wheelbase and short overhangs. Business sources said a generation variant could cost about 35,000 euros.
Mini's international sales through April were up 28-percent to 101,079, improved by the starts of the newest three door hatchback and a five-door Mini.
Mini is reducing its portfolio of eight versions under Schwarzenbauer, a former Porsche and Audi sales exec, to concentrate on some of different products.
Little volume versions such the Mini Roadster and Coupe along with the Paceman SUV-styled coupe, which collectively accounted for over 8% of the brand's revenue a year ago, probably is not going to be replaced by the end of the lifecycles.
Brexit anxieties
Inquired regarding the effect of the United Kingdom stopping the Eu, dubbed a Brexit, Schwarzenbauer informed the summit: "It will be terrible for both sides, detrimental to Europe and bad for the United Kingdom."
But BMW would continue to perform in britain in case of a Brexit, he explained.
Mini's manufacturing plant in Oxford, central England, constructed almost 180,000 autos last year. RollsRoyce made 4,500 vehicles at its plant in Goodwood, southern England. BMW has a UK motor factory.
British Prime-Minister David Cameron has vowed to hold a referendum by 2017 on whether the UK should remain in the European Union.

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09.06.2015
ID:2258

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