R55 BMW Will Outsource MINI SUV Construction
#1
10-08-2007, 01:46 PM
BMW Will Outsource MINI SUV Construction
Not Clubman news, but didn't know where else to put this:
Magna Steyr set to build Mini SAV
Luca Ciferri
Automotive News Europe
October 8, 2007 -- 12:45 CET
TURIN – Magna Steyr is set to build an off-road version of the iconic Mini, industry sources told Automotive News Europe.
Magna Steyr's contract to build the BMW X3 SUV at its Graz plant expires in 2010. Then the contract-manufacturing plant would switch to making the new Mini Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), sources said. About 80,000 units of the crossover are expected to be produced annually.
The Mini SAV, code-named Colorado, will be a five-door crossover slightly longer than 4,000mm. The Mini SAV will be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The platform is expected to combine the existing Mini engine bay and front suspension with a new central and rear platform that will redesigned to house a transmission shaft for the all-wheel-drive version.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a conference call with analysts last month that production of the Mini SAV would be outsourced. But he did not name a production site or manufacturer. Magna Steyr declined to comment.
The Austria-based company builds cars and trucks on contract for BMW, Mercedes, Saab and other customers.
Magna Steyr has produced X3 vehicles since the model’s 2003 introduction. BMW announced in May that the second generation X3 will be built in-house at its US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it builds the X5 and X6. The second-generation X3 is scheduled for introduction in 2010.
Originally Posted by Automotive News
Magna Steyr set to build Mini SAV
Luca Ciferri
Automotive News Europe
October 8, 2007 -- 12:45 CET
TURIN – Magna Steyr is set to build an off-road version of the iconic Mini, industry sources told Automotive News Europe. Magna Steyr's contract to build the BMW X3 SUV at its Graz plant expires in 2010. Then the contract-manufacturing plant would switch to making the new Mini Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), sources said. About 80,000 units of the crossover are expected to be produced annually.
The Mini SAV, code-named Colorado, will be a five-door crossover slightly longer than 4,000mm. The Mini SAV will be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The platform is expected to combine the existing Mini engine bay and front suspension with a new central and rear platform that will redesigned to house a transmission shaft for the all-wheel-drive version.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a conference call with analysts last month that production of the Mini SAV would be outsourced. But he did not name a production site or manufacturer. Magna Steyr declined to comment.
The Austria-based company builds cars and trucks on contract for BMW, Mercedes, Saab and other customers.
Magna Steyr has produced X3 vehicles since the model’s 2003 introduction. BMW announced in May that the second generation X3 will be built in-house at its US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it builds the X5 and X6. The second-generation X3 is scheduled for introduction in 2010.
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