Dave Tuckett, product and planning manager at MINI UK, said it estimates around 700 will have sold by the end of the year, and the carmaker is planning similar numbers for 2014. Limited use of bespoke parts in production means it can be flexible on volume if demand requires.
But MINI isn’t hoping to sell large volumes, instead targeting small business owners such as plumbers, delivery drivers and florists, and not discounting heavily. Orders to date have mainly been single units, ranging up to four or five orders in some cases.
Production of the all-new MINI begins this week, and it seems likely that the existing range of body styles will eventually be replaced with models based on its modular platform and engines.
With 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 92g/km for the all-new Cooper D hatch, a result of BMW Group’s new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine, the next generation Clubvan could emit less than 100g/km.
