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MINI USA to Temporarily Stop Selling Manual Transmissions
The sky is not falling but the rumors are true. MINI USA will temporarily stop offering manual transmissions and it’s happening sooner than you might think.
According to MINI USA, the company will cease importing manual transmission MINIs across the board beginning with July production due to emission certification. More specifically the delay is caused by calibration testing that is currently underway.
To get past the rumors and second-hand accounts at MINI dealers we wanted to go to the source. So MotoringFile sat down with head of MINI USA Communications Andrew Cutler get insight on this production delay and what it means and doesn’t mean for the brand in the US. Andrew walked us through the news and how it affects each of the models in terms of manual take rates (no surprise – the JCW hardtop will be hit hard). He went on to say that manuals continue to be a huge aspect of MINI’s value prop and will continue to be an option for the foreseeable future on most models.
How Long will the Manual Transmission Production Delay Last?
At this time it’s unclear. We’ve seen these type of delays in the past and they’ve lasted from 1-4 months. But that’s our estimation not MINI USA’s. In fact Andrew point blank told us “As much as we at MINI USA would like to have a definitive timeline, it would be too early to say.”
To ease the pain MINI USA will finally be bringing the long awaited DCT transmission to Cooper and Cooper S model starting with July production. Along with the revised 8 speed automatic on the new 301 hp JCW Clubman and Countryman there will be a lot to talk about in the coming months. Hopefully a long delay in manual imports won’t be one of them.
Beyond this temporary production delay, the other big news is that MINI USA is also eliminating the manual option from some models all-together.
Look for a full rundown what what models will have the option eliminated along with official manual takes rates across all models for 2019 in the coming days on MotoringFile.
<blockquote>MINI USA TO TEMPORARILY STOP SELLING MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS</blockquote>
<p>What?! … <i><em>furiously clicks to read article</em></i></p>
<blockquote>MINI USA will temporarily stop offering manual transmissions … the delay is caused by calibration testing that is currently underway.</blockquote>
<p>Oh, whew! That was scary.</p>
<blockquote>[<i>slipped in at the very end, hiding below a large picture</i>] … Beyond this temporary production delay, the big news is that MINI USA is also eliminating the manual option from some models all-together.</blockquote>
<p>?_?</p>
<p>Baaaahahhahahaha</p>
<p>All of my future fun cars may be old cars. Meanwhile my daily drivers of the future will be electric and have no transmission ( or just one gear in their transmission).</p>
<p>Bingo! My daily driver is a BMW i3 REx and weekend toy is a Porsche Boxster S 6-speed manual. No automatics!</p>
<p>Automatic Clubman and Countryman, even the JCW variants, are extremely sluggish off the line. Maybe they’re just not interested in selling them to hooners.</p>
<p>I just don’t get it Is MINI out of their mind??? I get it, manuals are not a volume option, but HAVING the option speaks to the brand DNA and core brand values. Years ago Porsche talked about eliminating MT altogether but today they still offer models with MT because they realized it is important to their core customer base and their dna. Has MINI noticed the recent VW marketing on the Jetta GLI turbo that specifically features a manual transmission being driven? There are two ads and the emphasis on both is the vehicle being driven with a manual and VW is providing product for driving enthusiasts. Will they sell a majority of MT equipped Jettas?? Of course not, but they are implying a value to their product by offering the option. I never understood why MINI wasnt doing this as most MINI owners are all about the driving experience. You could have easily swiped out the Jetta and inserted the MINI and had a perfect commercial that speaks to the MINI brand. I understand a delay if certifications are required, but a permanent removal on some models has me feeling betrayed. I have been hanging in there with the brand but if this is executed–you have driven me away. A loyal customer who loves the brand!!!!!</p>
<blockquote>Look for a full rundown what what models will have the option eliminated along with official manual takes rates across all models for 2019 tomorrow on MotoringFile.
</blockquote>
<p>so where’s the promised rundown of models?</p>
<p>Waiting for one last bit of information…</p>
<p>ah, thanks! Appreciate the response!</p>
<p>Some people here who think they are purists, like to think that they speak on behalf of all purists, whereas most purists today prefer the automatic gearbox.</p>
<p>Was the irony intentional?</p>
<p>What purist prefers an automatic?</p>