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MINI Clubman Will Be the First Model in the World Offered with a Built-In Car-Sharing Option

Earlier today we showed you the first pics and the official specs of the new MINI Clubman and while we were impressed with the way it looked (especially inside) we couldn’t help but be fixated on the size of it. Yes, the new Clubman is pretty big by comparison to every other MINI out there but it was all done on purpose.
2016 MINI Clubman 1 photo
Photo: MINI
MINI is looking to reposition itself and write a new page in its long history. The Clubman is now stepping in the compact premium segment and it’s not going to be an easy battle. In this regard, the MINI CEO wanted to make some things clear when the car was launched.

First of all, there will be a shift in focus regarding the long-term plans for the company. As we’ve been reporting for quite some time now, the MINI brand will, from now on, focus on five core models that should embody the values they hold dearest.

“The new MINI Clubman is the symbol of our refined brand philosophy: We will be concentrating in the future on five core models with strong characters. At the same time, we are opening up to new ideas and new business areas and developing the brand’s visual identity. We are expanding our offering in the premium com- pact class and delivering new services and features, which will make new customers avid MINI fans,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad and After Sales.

There it is, as clear as daylight, from the man himself. The question that arises is: which cars will those be? Well, we can take a wild guess, can’t we?

Superleggera or Rocketman?

The Roadster and Coupe versions are being pulled off the market along with the Paceman. They proved to be flops in terms of sales and will no longer be part of the production plans the brand has for the future.

That being said, we’re left with the Hardtop (hatch) in both 3-door and 5-door guises, the Convertible, the Countryman and Clubman. That’s four models (the hardtop in various body styles accounts for one) leaving room for one extra. Will that be the Superleggera-derived Roadster or a car based on the Rocketman concept that will take things back to its roots.

Judging by the fact that the Roadster was a flop and that Schwartzenbauer wants to go back to its roots, the Rocketman approach does seem to make more sense but we wouldn’t hold our breath.

In the meantime, the Clubman has become the first car in the world to be launched with a car-sharing option built in from 2016. According to MINI, a new optional equipment package will allow their customers to share their cars with others.

This will be possible thanks to DriveNow and only when the car won’t be in use. Of course, fleet customers can also use this feature, allowing them to drop costs even further. Initially, this option will be available in the US in 2016 and later on in select DriveNow cities.

In a further step, MINI will also enable a new form of vehicle lending (“peer-to-peer car sharing”) for a defined circle of family and friends. While the first option doesn’t really make sense for petrolheads such as us who wouldn’t share their car even with their close friends, the second alternative could prove to be a success as it allows you to share it with your family and then possibly share in the costs.
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