BMW/MINI Respond to a Weakening Economy
Yesterday BMW Chairman of the Board Dr. Norbert Reithofer gave a speech that outlined some of steps BMW AG will be taking to see itself through the current economic situation. It talks broadly about BMW and MINI but also gives a few specific examples of what the companies will be focusing on in the years ahead. For MINI fans the most notable is the mention of the “i” project and the MINI E. Also seen here is the importance of the R60 MINI Crossover in BMW”s overall financial health.
You can read the entire speech below.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Once again: I would like to welcome you to our telephone conference. The international financial crisis has gained further momentum in the third quarter and has now hit the real economy with full force.However, what is important:
The BMW Group is prepared to meet these challenges head on. The BMW Group remains a strong performing company with a solid foundation.
These qualities enable us to weather effectively such stormy conditions and continue to invest in our future.Despite the fact that this situation exceeds anything we have ever seen before, I would like to emphasize here: This is not the first challenging situation for our company. Just think of the oil crisis in 1973, the weak market during 1992 and 1993, or the Rover sale.
Times like these have made our company what it is today. After such challenging times, there is a period of renewed growth.
Today, however, we have a major advantage:
We have initiated specific actions early on. And these measures are set to pay off in the short and long term, making us a leaner, more efficient and more effective company.
Today, I would like to concentrate on the following:
1. Given the current situation, what are BMW Group’s targets?
2. What actions are we taking right now?
3. Which solutions do we offer in the field of individual mobility for the future
that will help us ensure our long-term success and growth?
First: What are our targets?
In light of the tense situation on the global auto markets, the business development for the year 2008 can not be forecast at present. But one thing is clear:
Group sales will not exceed last year’s record level.
Two of our three premium brands – MINI and Rolls-Royce – are growing. Accordingly, we will not be able to reach the planned return on sales of 4 percent for the Group and an EBIT of close to 4 percent in the automobile segment. We might have to increase risk provisions once more in the fourth quarter to prepare for a more long-term weakness in the market.
Fact is: We will achieve a positive Group result for the business year 2008. Nevertheless, at present we are not able to give you an exact figure.
Now let’s turn to our long-term targets:
Our goal to achieve a return on sales of 6 percent on Group level in 2010 remains unchanged. EBIT in the automobile segment is set to be at least 6 percent – obviously based on a market upturn.
We also confirm our long-term strategic targets for the year 2012 which have been determined by our strategy Number ONE. We are talking about a return on sales of 8 to 10 percent and a return on capital employed of over 26 percent in the automobile segment. Our efforts to enhance efficiency and effectiveness are starting to take hold. We have an extremely attractive product portfolio for the next few years — also with regard to new drive systems.
So where do we stand today, following the first nine months of the year?
As per September, we increased sales by 1.7 percent. In a declining market environment, we managed to sell more than 1.1 million cars worldwide – more than any of our competitors. This shows how popular our products are – thanks to their innovative technologies and high quality.
Despite the enormous additional burdens arising from the current economic situation and hesitant consumer spending, Group revenues stood at € 40.4 billion – matching last year’s high level. Adjusted for currency changes, Group revenues would have risen by 5.1 percent.
External factors had a significant negative impact on our pre-tax profit on Group level. In the first nine months of the year, we recorded a decline by 43.3 percent to € 1.52 billion year on year. Mr. Eichiner will tell you more about the business development in the third quarter later.
Now let’s turn to my second point: What actions are we taking right now?
We are cutting costs:
Between June and September, our research and development expenditure decreased 5.1 percent from last year—without jeopardizing our lead in innovation. We are today much more efficient. We also invested heavily in new technologies at an earlier stage.
We also achieved a considerable reduction in marketing and administrative costs – adjusted for the additional expenses for employee compensation payments. This applies both to the third quarter and the first nine months of this year.
In total, we improved our fixed-cost position compared with last year. In addition, we have set up specific activities to cut HR expenses. At present, we are negotiating with the employee representatives about voluntary fringe benefits exceeding general pay. Our goal is to establish stronger tie between employees’ pay and the company’s overall performance.
The following initial results have been achieved:
Due to the lower operating earnings, we will reduce the profit sharing bonus for the business year 2008 from the 2007 level. In the future, calculation of these voluntary benefits will be based more strongly on performance indicators. This will add a significant contribution to our earnings, and therefore, greater entrepreneurial spirit will continue to pay off for our associates. From 2009 onwards, a new calculation model will also be applied to the Christmas bonus.
Our current personnel reductions are proceeding as planned. Compared to the end of 2007, we have reduced BMW Group headcount by 3,689 employees. This figure includes 1,778 Cirquent staff. As previously announced, we sold 73 percent of our shares in the IT consulting firm Cirquent to Japan-based NTT Data.
The number of termination agreements concluded by the end of September stands at almost 2,700, thereof 2,200 in Germany. 2,400 of the 2,700 employees will have left the company by the end of the year. The previously announced personnel reduction of 3,100 permanent staff and 5,000 temporary employees will be reached by the end of the year. This sum does not include Cirquent staff.
Despite the difficult situation, we remain committed to our social responsibility principles.
As one of the world’s most admired companies, we will continue to offer highquality training to young people. In 2009, we will hire more than 1,100 apprentices, 1,080 of them in Germany. This is a clear investment in the future. It is also our commitment in providing skilled labor for the community.
We have also taken action in the production early on. Customers are buying fewer cars – and this is true for all market segments. It makes absolutely no sense to produce for stock only instead we are taking quick and effective actions in this area:
About 15,000 cars from the United States being reallocated to other markets with stronger profit margins.
As you know, we planned to reduce our production by 25,000 units. We find it necessary to cut at least 40,000 units more from our initial production plan for 2008. Our highly flexible production network with its flexible working time accounts gives us room to maneuver.
All these activities show that profitability is our top priority. Earnings are more important than a mere growth in numbers.
All our actions are based on careful consideration and foresight. It does not make sense to build up stocks which are bound to reduce our revenues later on. We also have a commitment to our dealerships and the well-being of the company.
But there is another aspect towards improving profitability: We are reviewing all product projects again.
And we thus have decided that there will not be a series model of the Concept CS.
A recent analysis has shown that:
First: Despite the great feedback this car has achieved so far, it does not match our ambitious profitability targets.
Second: Our three premium brands have a strong brand image all around the world. This has been proven, for instance, by the latest Brand index analysis. So for the time being, we can do without this “brand shaper†since we have many others in our portfolio.
Third and most important is that we want to focus our resources primarily on future projects and new technologies.
In other words: Currently, our top priorities are EfficientDynamics and project i.
Our financial services business has also responded to the changing business situation:
We have taken out additional provisions against residual value and credit risks in the first and second quarters of the year. And we have shifted our focus from leasing to financing.
But fact remains:
Customers will continue to demand leasing offers. We stand to benefit from EfficientDynamics in the medium term. For when these cars return, the residual values of these pre-owned cars will prove more stable than any of our competitors’ cars – thanks to our technological lead.
As you can see, we are taking action and at the same time, we are setting the
course for our future success.
This brings me to my third point: Which solutions for individual mobility do we offer to secure our future?
Our priorities are clear:
First: Our competitive advantage in the field of efficient premium vehicles continues to pay off:
In Germany, our sales volume rose by 0.6 percent for BMW and 7.8 percent for MINI, compared with the third quarter of 2007.
In France, we posted an increase of 5 percent for BMW and 12 percent for MINI – despite or maybe because of increasingly strict carbon regulations.
In China, we also grew during the third quarter – by 35 percent for BMW and 24 percent for MINI.
Second: We have a highly attractive model portfolio that continues to set trends while meeting our customers’ ever-increasing demands:
On September 20, we launched the revised BMW 3 Series Sedan and the 3 Series Touring.
The BMW X6 has been available for half a year now. This car is exceeding all expectations. Demand is high, particularly in the US, in Italy, Germany and the Middle East. It underlines BMW’s ability to create a new segment successfully.
The new BMW 7 Series is due out in Europe this month. Initial feedback at the international media presentation in Dresden was more than positive – outstanding.
And let me add a third point: We are offering new technologies and drive concepts:
In 2009, two BMW hybrid models will reach series maturity – the BMW 7 Series and the X6.
At the Paris Motor Show, we presented the BMW Concept X1 and the MINI Crossover Concept – two cars that demonstrate how we will expand our model portfolio in the future.
And at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November, we are going to present the electric MINI with a reach of 240 kilometers and a charging time of only two to two and a half hours. The initial 500 MINI Es will be delivered to the US market. However, we are currently evaluating whether to launch the MINI E in Europe as well. Another important step is our so-called Mega City Car that will be offered with two different drive systems – an all-electric powertrain and a highly efficient combustion engine.
Ladies and Gentlemen –
We cannot foresee the full extent of the international financial crisis and its duration yet. However, all of us need to remain calm and not constantly fuel people’s fears even further. There is also a lot of debate about what governments should do to improve the situation.
As we see it, the top priority should be taking a few crucial decisions – and doing so quickly:
Number one: To define realistic carbon requirements for Europe with a timeframe that can be synchronized with product lifecycles.
Number two, and this applies to Germany in particular: To determine reliable conditions for a carbon-based motor tax. This move could calm down the market and strengthen customer confidence.
And number three: To strengthen instruments that promote research and the development of innovations on the national and European levels. To this end, it will be crucial to avoid distorting competition and to focus on technologies for sustainable individual mobility. Strategy Number ONE is our compass to the year 2020.
We remain confident that:
We will achieve a positive Group result in 2008 despite the challenging market conditions.
We are making progress in all areas concerning our Strategy. And we have improved our performance on an operational level.
We remain committed to our long term targets for 2010 and 2012. We have proved time and again that we are a strong company. In the current situation, we have shown once more that we have the right measures in place and that we are acting resolutely.
In the long term, this will clearly benefit the BMW Group.
Basically the message says:
The R60 MINI is the equivalent of what the Cayenne SUV was to Porsche. Totally removed from heritage, sense of being and duly controversial. But it will bring in the $$$ that the brand and the BMW group needs in order to survive the midst of the worst financial crisis the world has seen.
The R60 is not a real MINI. It is a BMW small ute wearing a wrapper that resembles the likeness of a MINI and wears the badges of same.
The Porsche Cayenne, while successful from a financial stand point, continues to this very day, to be an insult to a once proud marque of uncompromised German sports cars.
SUVs have no place in Porsche showrooms, much less in MINI showrooms.
You are welcome to agree to disagree.
Everybody that wants BMW to go out of business, follow C4!
Hey “Lav” how so? Why does the world need another SAV… SUV or whatever you want to call them? It’s an idea that has no relevance to MINI or Porsche live who needs a 4 door porsche?
So let’s here what you have to say beyond just being snarky.
Lavardera, let me give you a piece of advice…. Stop taking extreme positions and more importantly stop drinking from the BMW supplied Koolaid.
Let me submit this you… How come the MINI brand has been able to sustain yearly sales increases in despite of an economy in turmoil and lack of SUV like offerings in their product portfolio?? Oh an the Clubman doesn’t count. The Clubby is a LWB MINI, not an SUV and has been on sale for just 9 months with limited production.
The R60, like the Cayenne will be nothing but a profit center for MINI dealerships. But the car itself has no DNA or connection whatsoever to what a MINI should be.
And by the way, BMW has scrapped production plans to bring a Porsche Panamera like competitor in the coming years. Should this be a warning sign to Porsche to re-think the Panamera strategy?
C4 speaks truth. “BMW needs to dilute the MINI brand so they can make a lot of money and thus be able to build cars that better demonstrate the MINI brand” is – literally – a circular argument.
Pandering to the misguided pleas of largely North American-based customers is what has brought the world the much less desirable R56 and now brings the R60.
In sunnier news, it is good to see that smaller and more innovative cars are being discussed for the MINI brand (i.e., i project).
My position is not extreme by any means. I don’t think BMW is making flawless decisions, nor do I drink any kool-aid as you put it. The R60 and the 1 series SUV may be like the Porsche SUV in that it will be profitable and sustain progress for BMW on other fronts. But its not the size of the Porsche model and as I’ve said elsewhere it will probably feed into the desire to downsize vehicles just as Mini sales has.
So I’m not taking anything hook line and sinker here. I just think that BMW knows a hell of a lot more about what its doing than C4. Some Mini customers may not like it, but most don’t care. And again if that really rubs you the wrong way please by all means sell your R53 and begone already. Values are good and I won’t miss you.
If BMW wants to maintain sustainability they should cut the garbage out of their current / future lineup (R60, X1,X6 etc., do we honestly need 3 different variants of the 5 series?) instead of wasting money on launching/promoting new vehicles that add no value to the BMW or MINI brand.
C4 pretty well states my view as well. I still however believe that BMW/Mini somewhat turning their back on a lot of Mini heritage with the R60. Long term I do wonder if this very muddy mixed brand image that is likely to come about will do anything positive to the Mini brand. I think this could come back to bite Mini. Notice that even in the release above Mini considers its brand image very important.
The R60 has already caused more than a little rift in the Mini community and I bet the automotive reporters that will report on the R60 are bound to notice.
Still hoping that Mini does something for the i project to somewhat redeem the brand.
BMW is there to make $$$ – they could care less if what they put on the road divides the “old school” MINIacks and the new buyers. If the car sells, they’ll build it. Don’t like it? Don’t buy it.
Yes Mk1 and thats why BMW USA is selling less cars especially the policy of not importing 4 cyl models.
Ever since the Bangle design theory was adopted BMW has lost some customers. Initially MINI R50 was a Rover and Stephenson design but now the BMW influence has changed direction, for better or worse depending on your own interpretation. However, I read that MINI sales are up in USA but that could be because of the fuel pricing crisis. There’s an old saying – “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”.
I don’t see the R60 deviating from the Mini any more than the Moke did from the original Mini. This line of thinking is just lame. Come on – fess up, you all are doing nothing but escalating personal bias to some kind of corporate crisis.
Canceling the big sleek 4 door touring sedan was a good idea in today’s climate. Developing this i car, and the electric mini, and a compact size suv are probably going to be good and profitable ideas.
Here is the thing. Contrary to what is expressed here none of this stuff does anything to hurt the status of Mini as a brand. You are lucky if 1% of buyers takes this to heart like you do, its probably less, something liek 1/10 of 1%. So why do you torture yourself over this. Just ignore it and move on.
If you want to insist that this is actually going to harm Mini’s and BMW’s status you are living in your own private Idaho. Oh,hold it, that’s right – you are posting it here in a public forum, right, no wonder I’m snarking you like you sound like a fool.
That’s one helluva a hard argument to make GregW considering the BMW sales trends over the last 8 years. There are many nuanced ways to look at it but you certainly can’t say BMW is “selling less cars”.
ahh the “other” Greg……
all I know is when this R60 come to pass it will be in sufferable hearing/reading about it.
But I’ve got bigger fish to fry these days……
What my ownership of 2 MINIs has to do with this conversation?
Lavardera, why so intolerant?
The argument that says the R60 has no herritage/lineage can be used infact FOR the inclusion of the SAV. With exception of the Targa Newfoundland has MINI been included in WRC? DAKAR? NO…why? because they can’t compete with a FWD car. Despite the fact the R60 has 4 doors, its racing history can be re-born in a vehicle that can (and will) dominate in races that made the classic SO feared and respected.
Lav… you’re something. Maybe a cutback on those Starbuck double espresso would be good. Ah the protection of the internet, gotta love it… LOL/Peace
Sideways I would like to see the R60 doing the WRC though the car, it would be fun to watch a bloated Mini get embarrassed by the Citroen C4, Ford Focus RS, Subaru Impreza. All of which are more powerful than the R56 let alone a 3000lbs luxury suv. Add to that the likely non existent budget that Mini really has for racing. The prime advantage the original had was very light weight and small size, neither of which are strong parts of the R60.
BM/MINI have designed this car to overcome the biggest gravel parking lots at the soccer field not Dakar.
The guy who can’t get his head around a Mini suv is seeing me as intolerant?? Huh?
Why is it that if a car is a money maker, but it somehow differs from the manufacturers original design, then a purist feels that it’s crap. By reading some of these posts you would think that Porsche and BMW/MINI should have given up after they introduced their first car. A company needs to grow or die. You can’t get a puppy and expect it to stay a puppy forever. There has to be growth. Being able to handle growth, and control the direction is what seperates successful companies from less fortunite ones. I was a VW fan for quite a while. I never liked the new Beetle, but I’m sure that car made it a lot easier for VW to move forward due to its sales. Who cares if a car you don’t like (or doesn’t have the correct DNA) helps a company make money? The 911 is, and always will be one of a kind. There are those that try to be a 911, but only Porsche makes one. (I understand that there are cars that are very comprable to a 911 for less money, but they are not a 911)
McDonalds makes one heck of a Chicken sandwich, but they’re known for their Big Mac. I suppose the chicken sandwich and the Big Mac don’t share any DNA. (Ask the boys in the accounting department if they care)
Mark I do hear where you coming from. My issue though is that pretty much since the new Mini came out BMW/Mini really have done a great job of keeping the cars pedigree laid out in plain site for everybody. Just remember the process that brought us the new Mini wasn’t a new design as much as a evolutionary update of the original car. Since that time Mini kept on trumpeting the accomplishments of the classic to relate to the new car.
Lets just hope that all the rage tomorrow isn’t school buses or maybe Mini should make one that smaller then the rest and plaster a three foot wide Mini label on it. Which by Dr. Kay’s view is acceptable, just remember Mini isn’t a size.
Lavedera think the point was your intolerance on view other than you own, debate between interested owners is never a bad thing. Argue all you want with views but directing hate at people generally reeks. imo
Ahhh, the old R60 argument rears it’s ugly head again! I don’t care what your opinion of it is, it’s reception will be written in stone and no amount of bickering will change it.
Hard-core enthusiasts and elitists will openly scoff at it and largely ignore it’s owners at meets.
The press will have a split reaction wholly dependent on the execution of it’s design vs it’s departure from the brand.
Most of us will generally welcome it with open arms since its a MINI! and great way to get more people to come to our meets.
90% of the R60’s owners will never read forums, worry about how they’re received at meets, or even be bothered by the various mixed magazine articles because they only use it as basic transportation and ultimately don’t care what you think.
It’s coming. It’s a MINI. Deal with it.
Gabe in answer to your post: Quote from article: “About 15,000 cars from the United States being reallocated to other markets with stronger profit margins. As you know, we planned to reduce our production by 25,000 units. We find it necessary to cut at least 40,000 units more from our initial production plan for 2008.”
Is this not selling less cars?
OK some markets are up, but I am told UK, Australia, Japan markets are down as well.
Sideways – if you think the 4WD R60 is going to win World Rally Championships and Paris Dakar events, then you better take a look at what vehicles are competing already in these events. Mitsubishi Evo, Subaru, Ford Focus, Citroen, etc.
<blockquote>I don’t see the R60 deviating from the Mini any more than the Moke did from the original Mini.</blockquote>
Please don’t compare the R60 to the Moke. My Moke is about the same length as a Mini and is actually lighter. The R60 is bigger and heavier than the R56. The Moke is closer to the go-kart spirit than even probably the Mini. The R60 drifts too far from this spirit.
Yes the cars currently running in the WRC are very powerful models however i’m sure that if an R60 was stripped out & tuned for rallying it could be a decent performer.. however it won’t be a patch on the old Austin Mini rally cars of the 60’s + i’m sure they’ll probably be a JCW version of this too… & as someone mentioned earlier the Moke was a similar vehicle in the Mini range years ago (although not as big, but then one could argue that the standard Mini is twice as big as the original too!) btw is project “i” actually anything to do with the Mini side of things? If this project is to build a small city car maybe it stands for “i” as in project “isetta” maybe? We’ve already seen a few concept sketches etc… Anywho most of the article goes on about profit for the brand & lets be honest this is obviously the goal & i think with the R60, the Mini E & project “i”(setta) they’ll probably meet the goals they want which ultimatly will lead to even better Mini models in the future as well as more owners to join our clubs & surely thats a good thing!!
Your original argument seemed to say BMW Group sales have been down since the latest generation of cars launched 7-8 years ago while very much the opposite is true. Obviously limiting sales in the US due to currency concerns is a totally different issue.
JonPD – there is not an ounce of hate for other posters or intolerance for other ideas in anything I’ve posted here. If you are seeing it that way you are jumping to wild conclusions. Inviting people to sell their car and leave the community if they are unhappy with the brand is not because I “hate” them – its just advice for removing something they don’t like from their lives. And I won’t miss the complaining – it adds little value to MF for me.
BMW does not have a mid priced brand the way that VW does, and the American manf’s do, and even the way that the Japanese do. I think the way they are handling the models in their brands is pretty intelligent given that. If the R60 was not a Mini, and was under a different brand would’nt you agree? So all this is really about is personal opinions that it should not be branded a Mini. Its a weak argument on any level.
Lavardera, you keep making the wrong assumptions about me. I guess my initial dislike for the R56 way back in 2007 is something that has forever put me down in you “Black sheep” list.
Lavardera, explain to me why do I have to sell my MINIs if I am not a cheerleader for the R60? I consider myself a pretty enthusiastic and passionate fan of the brand, but that doesn’t mean that I have to take all their spoon fed “Press packs” at face value. Guess what… I can’t think for myself and I have the freedom to give credit when credit is due and to call the shots when things don’t make much sense.
Here is the problem with MINI. The product has been so inmensely successful that they actually believe that anything they do is brilliant and dare up not to be questioned. That kind of arrogance is extremely detrimental not only to MINI but any thriving car manufacturer. If you start believing your own kool-aid as “Gospel”, I am sorry to say but you will sooner or later be in trouble.
MINI needs to listen from the customer base. I strongly believe they still do. The R60 is simply an answer to a question no one is asking, period. If market segments want a 4 door MINI, then add an extra door on the driver’s side of the Clubman and call it a day. A Jacked up SUVish looking veyhicle with very limited (Or none at all) off roading capability is poseur at best.
Instead, concentrate in improving your current product portfolio and address the issues that prevail in the current generation cars (Dashboard design, torque steer, etc).
There is a huge different between an “Enthusiast” and a “Fanboi”. Because I consider myself a MINI enthusiast, I want the company to keep suceeding and bring out the absolutely best products without further aliniating customers and losing the DNA connection to what a MINI is all about.
I am so sorry to say that gluing in MINI emblems on a pig, does not make it a MINI. The R60 is a car that is as big as a Ford Escape or VW Tiguan. That is not a MINI, that is something else, perhaps a rebadged BMW X1.
Regardless of the direction BMW wants to aim the MINI brand for years to come, I still love my cars and look forward to keep purchasing them, as long as, they don’t become just another car company trying too hard to being all things to all people.
Lav I think the development should have been left for the X1, the R60 and X1 are going to have a price point that is likely to be as close as the one between the JCW Mini and the 135i. More than a few people that might have been in line for a JCW have looked at this and decided that even a slight build of the JCw could get them in the area of the 135 and have gone this direction. Between the fact that the R60/X1 will share components to help the economy of scale for each, I feel that this direct competition with both these cars is going to be tough. Also add into that the fact that the R60/X1 will also directly compete against the large number of small crossovers that are already out there.
I cannot imagine that the gains from this car are really going to be worth the mixed reviews that the car is going to likely cause in the media. It takes little thought to know that something this contentious in the Mini community is likely to be in the Media as well, I wonder how many reviews will be written with 50% of the review talking about why there is a Mini SUV rather than the car. Just my opionon.
Well stated Jon. This car is going to be slaughtered in the automotive press. Just look at the Clubman…. Generally, the car has reviewed well. But many in the press have also come to question it in the first place.
C4 Nobody is saying you have to sell your Mini, but if the R60 spoils the brand for you then its one solution to your woes.
I think Mini and BMW listen to the customer base. I think they are also well aware of extreme opinions in this regard while the opinion holders seem to have little self awareness in this regard.
Jon, I think the R60 and X1 will compete somewhat, but I don’t think that many people cross shop these brands. And again as I said before other small SUV’s don’t offer the upscale option list that is typical of Mini and BMW. The customer downsizing from their X5 is not going to look at a Hyundi Santa Fe or Suzuki whatever.
Again I think your arguments are just tainted by your preferences. I don’t prefer any SUV, but I think I can look at this objectively. I don’t think either of you – Jon or C4 – are doing that. Your arguments don’t stand up. I think you want it to fail because it would validate your feelings.
and I’m not hating you guys or lashing out. Snarks are only meant in humor.
Quite on the contrary Lav, the last thing I want or expect is for the R60 to fail. I however do fully expect that “what a Mini is” is going to be a point of discussion with people for a long time. During tough business days taking your hard earned brand image and rolling the dice on creating something new is quite the risk in my view. The brand image sells as many Minis at much as anything else I would bet at the end of the day. This however could be BMW/Mini moving to modify the brand since more than a few in the press are reporting less on the iconic nature of the car rather than just reviewing it as a standard car.
No worries btw about any commentary Lav, I don’t personally hold any grudge against anybody, we are at the base all Mini fans.
I am a sucker for good nurtured debate. Personal attacks be dammned.
One thing many are forgetting, is that while the R60 is bigger than the coupe and clubman, it will be smaller than what many of it’s future buyers have now. They WILL be buying a Mini in thier minds…. I guess it’s about persepctive.
Anyway, have at the flame wars. I did see that the role of Mini is much more prominant than in the past, that the e-Minis earned a mention, and that the i initiative is getting emphisis. This is all good news. The re-allocation from the US really has to do more about how the US economy is getting hammered and that key word “profitability”…. The fact that they make more money per sale in other markets cannot be ignored.
Anyway, step away from the nets for a few days for some hard work, and it’s amazing what one misses! (Or doesn’t miss, take your pick! 😉 )
Matt
My personal issue with the R60 has never been the size as much as it is that I just don’t believe every builder needs a SUV. Plain and simple.
I am eagerly looking forward to a e-Mini review and still curse you lucky devils that get a chance at this car, I would personally lease one in a heartbeat!
What interests me the very most these days would have to be the i initiative. Hopefully we will see something cool come out of this for both BMW and Mini. I personally believe this is the future once the economy starts rebounding (hopefully sooner than later).
What do you suppose they argue about over on the Camry boards?
About the R60! Doesn’t everyone? 😉
Matt
lol Matt
hahaha