The latest edition of the Roundel has some interesting insight into the future of the MINI range while reporting on the introduction of the MINI Cabrio. Here's an excerpt from the article:

Where does MINI go now? The BMW board member in charge of marketing, Dr. Michael Ganal, indicated to American media that cabriolet soft-top MINIs are expected to make up a significant 20% of sales when production is fully ramped up. Will there be other variants from the MINI platform? “In the long run, yes… but we will not come with the next step in the brand soon,” says Ganal. “We won't have a classic MPV because it does not handle like a go-kart, which is what we like in MINI. We will not have a standard coupe because a classic coupe doesn't represent its functionality. We have to be very strategic with MINI… we don't just shoot for volume,” concluded the BMW Board's marketing man.

This is inline with the 2008+ time period that MotoringFile reported this past September: MINIs Longterm Product Development Exposed.

The no MPV statement by Dr. Ganal is great news for those who don't want to see the MINI turn into a tall wagon or some type of SUV, That seems to leave a long wheel base, 4-door version of the current shape as a probably choice for a longer wheelbase MINI.

The Roundel is the BMWCCA monthly magazine and is available to all members. This particular article is not online.