[DonaldD]

MINI is considering reducing the number of vehicles in its lineup. MINI is planning six or seven models for its third-generation range, which launched with the 2014 Hardtop, however its fourth generation of vehicles could be trimmed to just four or five vehicles.

BMW needs to be "sensitive about the number of variants and about size. It is better to go in a different direction to concentrate on doing less but better," Schwarzenbauer said.

Even moving from the second generation to third generation may see the loss of a model. Rumors suggest that the Coupe and Roadster may be replaced by a single stand-alone sports car. This loss of a model will be offset by the addition of the new five-door Hardtop.

For the fourth generation range, Schwarzenbauer is planning three "hero cars," and an additional one or two niche models.

"Each model must be a hero in its own market and have the trademark personality, style and go-kart handling," Schwarzenbauer said.

 

[tylerD]

I dont mind the models as long as they are targeted. I worry about BMW's insistence on slicing and dicing niches...

 

[italianjob]

Not a bad thing really

Sometimes having too much models just makes it confusing

COUGH BMW COUGH BMW

 

[MJCW]

plus having less models makes it easier for people to decide which one to buy and cuts down on initial production costs, less different platforms and cars to produce, less overhead costs

 

[italianjob]

a few good models beats having a ton of ok models. that is how i view it

BMW has so many models it just gets confusing when you are choosing.

 

[tylerD]

plus having less models makes it easier for people to decide which one to buy and cuts down on initial production costs, less different platforms and cars to produce, less overhead costs

see thats where thie era of mass manufactured vehicles begins to get silly. Because you would expect the way you outlined to be infinitely beneficial.

What these companies do is over produce and base multiple vehicles off the same components. While it increases total overhead it decreases individual unit production costs which they view as saving.

I'm not saying its right, I'm saying thats how they do the math.

 

[DonaldD]

I'm glad that Mini is going to be using an editing eye. BMW could use that and so could Mercedes-Benz. I understand that often more models mean more profits, but I like to think of Mini as a more niche brand. They shouldn't have to try to appeal to everyone with a different model for each type of person.

 

[tylerD]

well now this news comes out. Between BMW and MINI their planning to offer a 45 model strong range. FORTY FIVE.

30 rear drives
15 fronts

good god...

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/geneva-motor-show/bmw-plans-45-strong-model-range

 

[MJCW]

Thats a good divide of front and rear wheel drive vehicles. At least they're staying true to what they were originally about but expanding into the super low econobox segments to make some good coin