BIRMINGHAM, England -- Mini is still examining whether it can make a business case for its Superleggera Vision roadster, a senior BMW executive said.
“The interest was tremendous when we showed this concept car. I think also the technological part is extremely interesting because we are working on electrification for Mini,” Peter Schwarzenbauer, head of the Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorcycle brands, told the Automotive News Europe Congress here Wednesday. “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.”
The Superleggera Vision, which was unveiled by Mini last year, highlights potential new design cues for the brand such as a stretched hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. Company sources said a production version could cost about 35,000 euros.
Mini's global sales through April were up 28 percent to 101,079, boosted by the launches of the latest three-door hatchback and a five-door Mini.
Mini is trimming its portfolio of eight models under Schwarzenbauer, a former Porsche and Audi sales exec, to focus on a handful of distinct products.
Small volume models such the Mini Roadster and Coupe as well as the Paceman SUV-styled coupe, which together accounted for just over 8 percent of the brand’s sales last year, likely will not be replaced at the end of their lifecycles.
Brexit fears
Asked about the impact of the UK quitting the European Union, dubbed a Brexit, Schwarzenbauer told the conference: "It would be bad for both sides, bad for Europe and bad for the UK."
But BMW would continue to work in the UK in the event of a Brexit, he said.
Mini’s factory in Oxford, central England, built nearly 180,000 cars last year. Rolls-Royce produced 4,500 cars at its plant in Goodwood, southern England. BMW has a UK engine factory.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum by 2017 on whether the UK should stay in the EU.
