The Future of the MINI Convertible

[DimON]

The current MINI convertible was introduced in early 2009 just after the Clubman. Immediately it was a sales success quickly surpassing the R52 1st generation convertible in both favorable reviews and sales. However as it customary with cars that have limited functionality (ie toys for many people) sales have dropped off dramatically as the years have passed by. In fact for 2011, the R57 MINI convertible is down over 25% as compared to 2010.

To make matters worse for the R57 MINI will be bringing to market the new Roadster. A sleeker and sportier looking iteration of the convertible, the R59 Roadster is destined to steal even more sales away from the R57. So case closed right? MINI will just end R57 production surely? Read on to find out.

It may surprise more than a few but MINI intends to continue producing the convertible for another three years. MINI’s plan all along has been to produce the R57 convertible until late 2014 when the switch-over to the F57 next generation MINI convertible will take place. That would give the R57 a standard (in BMW terms) six year life-cycle typically needed to make the car profitable.

So for those that have been asking MF, yes that means MINI will have two open-top cars on the market for at least a year and a half as production cycles overlap.

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