Photo: theophilus chin
It seems that, just like in the Game of Thrones TV show, Peter Schwarzenbauer is running out of friends quickly. At least that’s what can be said after his recent statements at a conference, where the current CEO of MINI had a thing or two to say about the future of his company.
"But we haven't made a decision yet. It's an economically challenging project. I keep pushing for it because I think it would be extremely good for the brand,” said an almost desperate Schwarzenbauer that actually believes in the potential of this car.
The Superleggera Concept developed by MINI is a small roadster that has a design which can only be described as ‘enticing’, to say the least. A lot of critics and voices in the auto industry went as far as to call it beautiful which is a big deal these days, especially after the flack the new MINI Hardtop received.
However, the problem with the new Roadster is that, as good as it may look, there might not be a market for it out there, especially due to the premium finish it’s supposed to have. That’s because it will raise the price well above its competition and that’s where margins start to show their importance.
The only true rival would be the Mazda Miata but with it being rear-wheel drive and the MINI using the UKL platform and FWD inherently, there aren’t a lot of arguments for the Brit...
Hope is still alive though, for all of you out there who would like such a model as it seems like Schwartzenbauer is not about to give in. Winter is coming though (to keep the Game of Thrones analogy alive) and with it we might see even worse problems in the shape of a possible UK exit from the EU.
It has been a heated subject in the kingdom ever since the elections and it looks like David Cameron has a couple of thoughts on the matter. In case this happens, BMW will be in a bit of a tight spot, having nearly all of its MINI production located in England.
Taxes would grow by quite a hefty amount and we might see some really troubling economic times that would make the Superleggera-inspired roadster a non-issue by comparison.
The Superleggera Concept developed by MINI is a small roadster that has a design which can only be described as ‘enticing’, to say the least. A lot of critics and voices in the auto industry went as far as to call it beautiful which is a big deal these days, especially after the flack the new MINI Hardtop received.
However, the problem with the new Roadster is that, as good as it may look, there might not be a market for it out there, especially due to the premium finish it’s supposed to have. That’s because it will raise the price well above its competition and that’s where margins start to show their importance.
The only true rival would be the Mazda Miata but with it being rear-wheel drive and the MINI using the UKL platform and FWD inherently, there aren’t a lot of arguments for the Brit...
Hope is still alive though, for all of you out there who would like such a model as it seems like Schwartzenbauer is not about to give in. Winter is coming though (to keep the Game of Thrones analogy alive) and with it we might see even worse problems in the shape of a possible UK exit from the EU.
It has been a heated subject in the kingdom ever since the elections and it looks like David Cameron has a couple of thoughts on the matter. In case this happens, BMW will be in a bit of a tight spot, having nearly all of its MINI production located in England.
Taxes would grow by quite a hefty amount and we might see some really troubling economic times that would make the Superleggera-inspired roadster a non-issue by comparison.
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