Reuters has reported that Magna International Inc. and BMW are in talks to build a MINI SUV to be called the MINI Colorado.
Magna is one of the most diversified automotive suppliers in the world and currently builds the X3 at its Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. BMW is planning to move the production of the X3 to its South Carolina plant in the U.S., leaving a huge empty gap in production for Magna. This move would be perfect if the MINI Colorado becomes a production vehicle. Rumors say the Steyr plant might become the home of the new SUV.
Reuters spoke with Tracy Fuerst, a spokeswoman for Magna, who wouldn't comment fully on the issue: The "reports of potential future BMW and Volkswagen assembly programs are speculative and, as a matter of policy, we will not comment on them."
David Tyerman, an analyst at Scotia Capital, says, "It would be positive news for Magna because, as is well known, they are facing the loss of pretty significant volumes. Their assembly facility in Graz, Austria, would be significantly under-utilized and obviously these new programs would help a lot in filling that production hole."
Motor Trend has hinted about a production MINI SUV in its "Future Vehicles" article a couple of months ago, calling it the MINI Moke. (as pictured):
When your whole brand centers on a single retro icon, success hinges upon stirring the pot with niche variations on the central theme. The latest Mini's slightly larger platform affords greater bandwidth for such riffing, including the possibility of all-wheel drive. Hence, the beloved Jeeplike Moke and even a micro pickup truck variant are now possible. The original doorless, canopy-topped Moke had its roots in military duty, but a new one would be aimed at crossover buyers in the U.S. and likely would be assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, around 2010.
Sources: Reuters , Motor Trend