MINI2

The BMW Group remained on course in the second quarter despite the adverse impact of on-going currency effects on the one hand and market launch and production start-up costs for new models on the other. The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand cars delivered to customers rose by 8.6% to a new record figure of 397,009 units (second quarter 2006: 365,547 units). Group revenues climbed by 11.3% to euro 14,683 million (second quarter 2006: euro 13,193 million).

Group earnings for the period from April to June were held down more than expected as a result of the on-going weakness of the US dollar and Japanese yen and higher raw material costs. In addition, launch costs for new models and substantial expenditure for the development of even more efficient and fuel-saving engines were incurred. “Thanks to the increased use of Efficient Dynamics technology, approximately 40% of BMW and MINI brand cars sold in Europe, will, from autumn onwards, emit a maximum of 140g CO2/km”, stated Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of BMW AG’s Board of Management in Munich on Wednesday. The profit before tax fell by 13.6% to euro 1,065 million (second quarter 2006: euro 1,232 million). The net profit was euro 753 million (second quarter 2006: euro 787 million/-4.3%) and earnings per share of common stock amounted to euro 1.15 (second quarter 2006: euro 1.20).

Revenues for the six-month period rose by 7.3% to euro 26,634 million (first half-year 2006: euro 24,811 million). The profit before tax amounted to euro 1,917 million (first half-year 2006: euro 2,528/-24.2%). It should be noted that the previous year’s figure includes a one-off book gain of euro 375 million from the partial settlement of the exchangeable bond on shares in the British aero engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce plc. Excluding this exceptional item, the profit before tax would have decreased by only 13.4%.

Impact of adverse currency effects in 2007 higher than expected

Although conditions remain difficult in some aspects, the BMW Group nevertheless expects to make good progress over the coming months. In particular, adverse currency effects are having a greater impact on earnings than previously forecast. However, based on the BMW Group’s current assessment, the negative impact will not exceed the previous year’s level.

Reithofer reaffirmed the company’s outlook for the current financial year: “We are still aiming to achieve a pre-tax profit that, adjusted for the one-off gain on the Rolls-Royce exchangeable bond, is above the record level posted for the previous year. The company is heading towards a sales volume growth rate in the high single-digit percentage range and a sales volume of over 1.4 million vehicles”, he added. All three brands are forecast to achieve new sales volume records.

Slight increase in workforce

The BMW Group had a worldwide workforce of 107,079 employees at the end of the second quarter 2007, 0.9% more than one year earlier (106,150 employees).

Further additions to model range

The BMW Group introduced two new models onto the markets in the period from April to June in the form of the BMW M5 Touring and the three-door version of the BMW 1 Series. The previously announced 1 Series Coupé will strengthen this model from autumn onwards. The fourth generation of the BMW M3 will commence sales in September. As for the MINI brand, the MINI One and the MINI Cooper D have been available on the market since April 2007. The MINI Clubman will be launched in autumn.

Position as the world’s leading premium manufacturer maintained

The BMW Group sold more cars on a quarterly and half-year basis than ever before, thus asserting its position as the world’s leading premium manufacturer. For the six-month period, the number of cars delivered increased by 4.6% to 730,285 units (first half-year 2006: 698,470 units); for the first time, therefore, more than 700,000 cars were sold during a six-month period.

The number of BMW brand cars sold in the six-month period went up by 4.2% to 622,415 units (first half-year 2006: 597,120 units). The sales volume for the period from April to June rose by 7.1% to 336,230 units (second quarter 2006: 313,823 units). The main impetus for this growth was driven again by the BMW 3 Series, the sales volume of which rose by 13.3% to 288,256 units (first half-year 2006: 254,338 units).

The MINI achieved a positive level of sales, with the second-quarter sales volume rising by 17.6% to 60,598 units (second quarter 2006: 51,544 units). This performance represents a new high level for a single quarter. The sales volume for the six-month period rose by 6.4% to 107,576 units (first half-year 2006: 101,063 units). The new MINI has been available on all major markets since March and the MINI brand continues to generate a very high-value product mix. Some 12.5% of buyers decided to purchase the MINI One, compared to 56.8% going for the MINI Cooper and 30.7% for the MINI Cooper S.

The sales volume of the Rolls-Royce brand was similar to the previous year, with 294 Phantoms handed over to customers during the six-month period (first half-year 2006: 287 units /+2.4%).

Automobile segment affected by adverse exchange rate factors

The number of cars sold by the Automobile segment accelerated in the second quarter. Segment earnings were again adversely affected by the exchange rate effects and higher raw material prices referred to above. Further factors were production start-up and market launch costs for new models as well as the higher level of depreciation and research and development costs. Segment revenues for the period from April to June increased by 10.2% to euro 14,257 million (second quarter 2006: euro 12,943 million). The profit before tax fell by 15.4% to euro 801 million (second quarter 2006: euro 947 million).

Motorcycle segment earnings unchanged

The sales volume of the Motorcycle segment for the period from April to June fell by 2.3% to 36,201 units (second quarter 2006: 37,052 units), mainly due to pre-seasonal buying at the beginning of the year caused in particular by the mild winter. On a six-month basis, the number of motorcycles sold rose by 5.6% to a new record of 59,230 units (first half-year 2006: 56,103 units). Second-quarter revenues fell by 5.5% to euro 396 million (second quarter 2006: euro 419 million), whilst the segment profit before tax, at euro 56 million, was unchanged compared to the second quarter last year.

Financial services business remains on growth course

The Financial Services segment continued to perform well in the second quarter 2007. The profit before tax rose by 5.0% to euro 189 million (second quarter 2006: euro 180 million). The business volume of the segment in balance sheet terms went up by 17.8% to reach euro 48,811 million at 30 June 2007. The number of lease and financing contracts in place with dealers and retail customers at the end of the six-month period increased by 14.0% to 2,485,450 contracts. The proportion of new cars of the BMW Group leased or financed by the Financial Services segment during the first half of the year was 44.0%; this was 1.9 percentage points above the proportion recorded for the corresponding period in 2006.

These two presentations conclude our collection of MINI Clubman videos Today.

The first is the MINI Clubman Cooper S driving in town, the second is a shorter clip of the Clubman Cooper S out in the wilds again.

Although nowhere near the resolution of the photographs we have previously presented, somehow video does bring things to life, so we hope Today’s clips have been entertaining as well as informative for you all!

Three more MINI Clubman videos for your viewing pleasure.  This time we have some more technical presentations showing the more practical aspects of the new MINI Clubman.

First up we have the engine bay.  Which is pretty much like any other MINI engine bay.

Next, we have a video tour of the interior, which focuses (not surprisingly) on the rear load area.

And last of this triplet of MINI Clubman videos is a short film of the exterior lighting arrangement at night (well, it wouldn’t work so well in the daytime would it).

This is our penultimate video presentation of the MINI Clubman in this short series.  Later we will show footage of the MINI Clubman driving in town and a further short clip of it sprinting around the countryside.

This, our second feature video of the new MINI Clubman, shows the MINI Clubman Cooper S driving in the countryside.

The usual range of on board and drive by shots are included in this short feature which weighs in just under three minutes in total.

As an added bonus, this third (shorter) video of our batch reveals the interior of the MINI Clubman Cooper S while on it’s jaunt among the twisties.

We have some video footage of the new MINI Clubman to share with visitors to MINI2.

In total we have  eight short films for your viewing pleasure featuring The Other MINI.

This first video is a virtual tour of the MINI Clubman Cooper S, including opening of the club door and the gas struts in action when opening the rear doors (very cool effect).

Anyway, see for yourself:

The new MINI Clubman will go on sale in the UK on Saturday 10 November 2007. Based on a concept first shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the new car is a modern interpretation of its famous Mini predecessors taking into account all the demands and technologies of the 21st century.

Available from launch in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S, the new model offers flexible use of space, easier access through innovative door concepts, more space for rear passengers and high levels of safety and customisation options, all without compromising the MINI’s revered driving dynamics.

The new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, which enjoyed widespread success in the 1960s. Combining enhanced functionality and versatility, the new MINI Clubman nevertheless stays true to the MINI design language with the retention of short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear.

The new MINI Clubman is 24cm longer than the Hatch, signifying 8cm more legroom for rear passengers and the opportunity for MINI to enter the market with five seats. Boot capacity has increased to 260 litres with the seats in place and up to 930 litres with the rear seats down. Access to this extra space has been made easier via the split rear doors and innovative Clubdoor on the right-hand side.

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation MINI, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emission management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point Indicator are standard on all variants and helps the MINI Cooper D Clubman to achieve a low emissions figure of 109 g/km C02.

The Clubman is the next body style in the MINI range to join the successful Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold over one million models since 2001. All three derivatives will be built at Plant Oxford, where £100 million has been invested in the past two years to increase production up to 240,000 by 2008. This is more than double the planned production capacity prior to the first car coming off the line in spring 2001.

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Plant Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant Swindon. This ‘MINI production triangle’ employs approximately 6,800 production associates in the UK.

On-the-road-prices:

MINI Cooper £14,235

MINI Cooper D £15,400

MINI Cooper S £17,210

Exterior

Many important details have made it into the production version of the ‘Shooting Brake’ concept first shown at Frankfurt almost two years ago. Historically, ‘Shooting Brake’ models are so-called due to a combination of premium two-door styling, with added interior flexibility for owners leading active lifestyles. The three versions of the MINI Clubman are identical to the MINI hatch design and body structure up to the B-pillar, retaining the familiar hexagonal radiator grille and large, round headlights.

Some of the design highlights…

• The two piece split-door is a modern interpretation of an authentic detail found on the MINI’s classic forerunners. Hinging at the outside, the rear doors open up to the left and right offering convenient access to the rear. To ensure clear visibility at all times the two doors come with separate windscreen wipers.
• Access to the rear is facilitated by an additional door. The Clubdoor is hinged at the back on the right-hand side of the car and opens against the direction of travel. For safety reasons, this door can only be opened when the front door is open. The Clubdoor does not require an outside door handle and therefore blends smoothly into the body of the Clubman.
• The MINI Clubman is the same width as the Hatch model and approximately two centimetres higher.
• The rear light clusters on the MINI Clubman are a new design for this model. Sweeping slightly to the inside at the top, the design replicates the exterior lines of the car as seen from the rear.
• The MINI Clubman’s compact proportions and low-slung look creates the same dynamic impression as all other models in the MINI family.
• The individual model variants are designated at the rear by their names Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S, while the name Clubman is highlighted on the right-hand door sill strip.
• There are 12 body colours to choose from, creating 36 combinations of exterior paintwork. Hot Chocolate is new and reserved exclusively for the MINI Clubman.
• The C-pillars and rear bumper of the MINI Clubman are painted either Silver or Black. The roof can be ordered in Silver, Black or Body Colour.

Interior

The interior design of the new MINI Clubman replicates the design changes introduced on the 2nd generation MINI hatch model. Therefore, the opportunities to personalise it are just as varied as the Hatch with four interior colours and a wide range of trim options including Brushed Alloy and glistening Piano Black Paint.

The generous luggage compartment is 260 litres, 100 litres more than the Hatch, and offers easy loading options thanks to the split-rear doors. Folding down the rear seats provides 930 litres (250 litres extra compared to the Hatch), and a completely flat luggage compartment floor is available as an option. The benefits are greater practicality and flexibility for a larger variety of transport requirements.

The MINI Clubman is entering the market with five seats as standard. It is also possible to choose two seats at the rear as a no-cost option. The passengers in the rear enjoy 8cm more legroom than the MINI Hatch.

Engines

The three modern, high-performance engines were developed specifically for the 2nd generation MINI and guarantee sporting driving pleasure combined with remarkable efficiency:

MINI Cooper S Clubman

Powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger complete with intercooler. Response time when accelerating is virtually instantaneous due to separating the channels of two cylinders each into exhaust manifold and turbocharger. This reduces the exhaust back pressure and plays a major role in ensuring that the charging effect of the turbocharger kicks in at just 1600rpm. Maximum output is 175hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm.

Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1600-5000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)

Top speed mph: 139

Acceleration 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds

Fuel consumption combined mpg: 44.8

CO2 emissions EU g/km: 150

MINI Cooper Clubman

The 1.6 litre four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine features fully variable valve management based on BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. This improves the engine’s response and refinement, as well as the all-round efficiency of the power unit. Maximum output is 120hp at 6000 rpm.

Maximum torque: 160Nm at 4250 rpm

Top speed mph: 125

Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds

Fuel consumption combined mpg: 51.4

CO2 emissions EU g/km: 132

MINI Cooper D Clubman

Four-cylinder turbo diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable turbine geometry ensures optimum smoothness, efficiency and response even at low speeds. A diesel particulate filter almost eliminates diesel exhaust emissions and helps to make the MINI diesel engine one of the most environmentally friendly cars available. It develops maximum output of 110hp at 4000 rpm.

Maximum torque: 240Nm at 1750-2000 rpm (260Nm with Overboost)

Top speed mph: 120

Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Fuel consumption combined mpg: 68.9

CO2 emissions EU g/km: 109

As with all MINI Hatch models, the MINI Clubman range will benefit from the improvements introduced in production from August 2007 to bring further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Technologies include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop function and a Gearshift Point Indicator.

Brake Energy Regeneration

This technology ensures that the output from the engine is converted primarily into drive power, with electricity being generated for the on-board network only when the engine is on overrun or during application of the brakes. To achieve this effect, the alter­nator is automatically disengaged from the engine while under power. Accordingly, the power the alternator would consume in the conventional mode now remains fully available for even faster and more dynamic acceleration.

An adequate supply of electrical energy to the on-board system is nevertheless ensured at all times, since the alternator is activated again as soon as the MINI returns to overrun or the driver applies the brakes.

Auto Start-Stop

The new Auto Start-Stop function on all manual gearbox versions of the MINI Clubman serves to effectively reduce fuel consumption and emissions while the car is standing still. Whenever the car comes to a stop, Auto Start-Stop automatically switches off the engine as soon as the driver shifts to neutral and takes his foot off the clutch pedal. To re-start the engine, the driver presses down on the clutch pedal again, and the engine re-starts automatically and immediately.

Auto Start-Stop serves to optimise fuel efficiency in city traffic. The consumption of energy and the generation of exhaust emissions is reduced to zero in a very simple and straightforward process every time the car comes to a stop.

Gearshift Point Indicator

The driver of a manual gearbox MINI Clubman is able to focus on the most efficient style of motoring because the ideal ‘economy’ gear is shown by a numeric symbol in the cockpit display beneath the rev counter. The electronic engine ‘brain’ analyses engine speed, driving conditions and the position of the accelerator pedal to calculate the most efficient style of motoring and suggests the respective gear to the driver.

Transmission

The MINI Clubman comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, six-speed automatic transmission is available for all three variants. A feature of the auto’ box enables the driver to select gears by means of paddles on the steering wheel.

Suspension

Despite its longer wheelbase and the body overhang extended to the rear, the Clubman retains the “bulldog” stance so typical of the MINI. The car’s agile driving characteristics offer the legendary go-kart feeling inseparably associated with the MINI brand.

In a configuration tailored specifically for the MINI Clubman, the chassis and suspension guarantee superior handling, safety and sporting dynamics. The front axle is based on the McPherson spring strut principle and features an anti-roll bar to reduce body sway to an absolute minimum. The central-arm rear axle is unique in this segment, sophisticated kinematics ensuring optimum wheel-to-road contact. Aluminium longitudinal arms help to reduce the car’s overall weight.

As with the Hatch, the suspension on the MINI Cooper S is set-up to be firmer and more dynamic than the other models. Although, an optional Sports Suspension set-up is available to the other models.

The MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper D Clubman come as standard on 15-inch alloy rims, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman features 16-inch wheels with runflat tyres, allowing the driver to continue driving even after a complete loss of tyre pressure.

Steering

Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) gives direct feedback to the driver and contributes to the pin-point accuracy of the MINI Clubman. Speed-related power assistance guarantees low steering forces when parking and precise responses at high speeds on the motorway. A further advantage of EPAS is that it weighs far less than a conventional steering system and is geared towards saving energy: the electric motor is only activated when power assistance is required by the driver.

Safety

The MINI Clubman features a wide range of safety features. Six airbags are standard con­sisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front pas­senger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) offer optimum protection from head injuries for the rear passengers.

Active safety is ensured in critical situations by ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution and CBC Cornering Brake Control as standard on all models. In addition, DSC Dynamic Stability Control is also standard (with on-off control by the driver) together with ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction. Included within DSC is Hill Assist. This feature holds a manual MINI on the brake for a few seconds when setting off on a gradient to prevent it from rolling back.

The new generation of the MINI is the world’s only compact premium car to combine fascinating design with incomparably agile driving characteristics, quality and safety of the highest level, a wide range of customisation options, and truly outstanding efficiency. The new MINI Clubman offers further evidence of this leadership.

Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, said:

MINI dealers are very excited and confident about the imminent arrival of the Clubman and the expansion of the MINI range. Dealers have invested close to £40 million in the last two years in expanding or moving premises, enabling them to present the huge choice of models, options and accessories to customers in the showroom. Demand continues to grow year by year with 2007 sales up nearly 14 per cent, including three record months from March. Residual values remain amongst the best in the industry and the arrival of Clubman will further add to MINI’s growth over the coming years.

The official pricing for the UK MINI Clubman have been revealed by a few leading motoring websites, along with photographs, despite a supposed embargo for Sunday publication.

We can confirm that the Clubman in the UK will launch in November with a price premium of £1210.00 over the hatch.  The car will come in MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Diesel and MINI Cooper S specification.

Prices are £14,235 for the Cooper, £15,400 for the Cooper D and £17,210 for the MINI Cooper S. 

So there you have it, despite the fact we’re still sitting on the full press release for Sunday (unless and until someone else publishes them ahead of the embargo) we now have 21 official photographs (in high resolution), some specifications and details, and UK launch prices!

AutoCar have broken the embargo (no surprises really) and published many images of the new MINI Clubman.

***UPDATE***

Thanks to MINI we now have the high-res versions of all the images that have already been published online, so we’re sharing those with you. Please be aware the large images are VERY big indeed and may take a few seconds each to appear once you click on the thumbnails.

Edmunds.com have leaked a few official photographs of the MINI Clubman prior to the lifting of the official press embargo on Sunday.

Not wanting to be left out we’ve decided to republish the photos Edmunds have decided to reveal. The photos show the front, rear, and open boot space of the new MINI Clubman model. We will be able to announce official details and show more photos on Sunday, unless, as has been the case with previous MINI embargoes, the World and his Wife decide to reveal all ahead of time.

Images have been replaced with larger ones found presented on another motoring news site.

Another image found on another news website.

Warning: Some of the worst “spy” photos you’ve ever seen are in the following report!

Anyway, on the 5th July 2007 we drove to the coast in our MINI Cooper S to celebrate our Son’s 4th Birthday. We drive through Oxford on the way and our boy wanted to see the factory where all the “MINI cars” are built. He is also a fan of low-loaders (what four year old isn’t?!) so we took a short diversion to BMW Plant Oxford to show him the factory, and the huge car park(s) full of shiny new MINIs out the back, awaiting delivery to customers all over the World.

As we drove down a slip lane next to the factory, what should appear alongside us on the other side of the fence but a Lightning Blue and Silver MINI Clubman in Cooper S trim! We had the camera, so we grabbed a few (terrible) photographs. It was a strange sensation driving alongside the Clubman, slightly above it and at the same speed. Eventually our traffic queue ground to a halt and off they went…

Later, at the rear of the Oxford plant, we are eventually advised “no photos please” by some Oxford employees as we get out of the car to take a look at all the “MINI Cars”. We took our Son out of the car and showed him all the MINIs. To cap off the short excursion, as we were there a low-loader MINIs in all sorts of colours and trim came out of the gates. Perhaps worryingly we actually seemed more impressed than him at the time.

While gazing through the fence we saw a total of four MINI Clubman, all Cooper S models, and all either Lightning Blue and Dark Silver with contrasting Silver roof and wing mirror caps.

We’ve had our reservations about the Clubman, but seeing it close up (were were literally a few feet away at closest) we have to admit to being won over by the finished product. The one-sided “Club Door” is odd, but the fitment on these cars was tight and neatly aligned, so it didn’t look a mess as some spy photos have suggested it could.

In fact, the car looked very “tidy” and we’re taking a “glass half full” approach to the Clubman from now on. It looks cracking, the balance with the longer wheel base and new roof line and rear seem to suit the larger plastic trim and higher waste of the second generation MINI very well indeed. It has been suggested previously that the design of the second generation MINI had the Clubman in mind from the start (which, of course, it would do), but the design looks very balanced, and somehow appears very small and low, especially “in motion”.

So there you have it, and here’s some of the worst Clubman “spy” shots you’re ever likely to see.

Keep tuned to MINI2 this weekend for much more on the MINI Clubman, and take a browse of our MINI Clubman news archive and our MINI Clubman forum to keep you busy until then!