Modified Mini Could Be Newest Cargo Van
BMW-owned Mini is looking to expand into the growing commercial segment in Europe and possibly the U.S. This new Mini concept, called the Clubvan, will be shown next month at the Geneva International Motor Show, where BMW is looking to gauge interest from consumers and potential businesses.
Like the production Mini Cooper Clubman, the Clubvan has a third rear-hinged door on the passenger side and barn-door-style cargo doors. Instead of seating five, however, the concept seats two in front, with a flat load floor in back for cargo. The passenger and cargo areas are divided by a fixed aluminum and stainless-steel panel, and the rear window is tinted to conceal the cargo. To keep items from sliding around, Mini added six recessed anchors with elastic straps in the cargo area. A 12-volt outlet was also added for power tools or act as a charging station.
In a statement, the automaker said it’s aiming at "premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van."
Mini didn't mention production plans for the Clubvan, but this seems like a no-brainer. This isn't the first time the brand tried to attract commercial-van shoppers.: The Clubvan concept echoes Mini's Morris Mini van from the '60s (seen below).
We're usually interested in anything that can do work like a pickup (and we put cargo vans in that category), but this might be stretching the segment a little too thin, at least for the U.S. market. Still, if fuel prices continue to climb, we could see a market for 5,000 or 10,000 of these these vehicles for select small businesses.
No pricing information has been announced, but if they follow normal Mini pricing, this type of package won't be inexpensive.
Comments
I like the old one better myself.
Back to the swinging 60's in a "Brick" There were even Pickup versions.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/5434930416_c88fff56c3.jpg
I don't see this selling well.
These could be sweet for medium size, high visibility fleets. Might be a good next-generation geek-squad mobile (if they survive). Or perhaps a nice ride for your friendly Glenlivet rep. Or a mobile Guniess dispenser. Since its so close to the clubman, there's really not much reason NOT to o this, especially if you can get a local up-fit partner to complete the vehicles near your plant.
Only companies that think they will be noticed by having an odd/ugly car will use these as rolling billboards..they use Smart cars,Kia Souls ect...I avoid doing business with them when they use crap like these !
These are completely useless as a commercial type vehicle,just stuck up people doing an office coffee run,all its good for !
But they didn't even take the rear seats out?
I see them folded under there.
Anyone can take a Mini Clubman and fold down the rear seat and put in the wire cage and cargo protector tray. Lots of people do that in all sorts of hatchbacks and wagons. They could put dark tint or printed graphics film over the rear windows.
Then they'll at least have something with some resale value.
Can't you just lay down the seats in the clubman? I like mini's aggressive atitude though. More American auto co's might take note. Course we do have the HHR panel and look how well it sells.
This would be a good parcel delivery vehicle.
No it wouldn't. There is no room.
@Rick - I'm not talking about pallets, I'm talking about parcels. My buddy used to own a motorcycle shop. I always thought it was funny to see a box van show up and the back was almost empty.
The local parts companies all run little econobox 4 door cars. This would be much more useful for those kinds of delivery runs.
Still not enough room. Wouldn't be a good option, it would be an option if you had to have a mini cooper. There are better options.
There is more cargo space in a 2013 Ford Escape.
The Clubman's roomiest configuration is with the rear seats down, which opens up 32.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity vs 34.3 in Escape.
Is the Escape a great cargo van now too?
http://www.ford.com/suvs/escape/2013/specifications/capacities/
@Dave,
Exactly.
I agree with rick.
It could be a good delivery vehicle, especially since minis handle really well and fun to drive.
Those parts trucks that run back and forth to auto shop... you know the ones, the ford rangers that sometimes wear blue ball caps... They never have that much in them.
Of course a base model ranger is like $10k and a base model Mini Club*M*an is almost double that. So a fleet buyer would be shelling out more money for them and also probably a great deal more to insure them.
I meant Lou.
I agree with Lou.
With $5 a gallon gas looming in our future by Spring and ever increasing fuel cost this would be good for small deliveries or even repair services. I had a repairman show up in a PT Cruiser to repair my dryer and he installed a new heating element that he had in the PT Cruiser with other parts. If a appiance repair service is using PT Cruisers and SSRs then why not a Mini Cooper? This is not going to replace full size vans or trucks but with companies keeping track of every dollar they spend they could use this for smaller jobs. Some of you need to think outside the box and realize that not everything requires a large truck or van.
Why update when you could do this:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/rinspeed-unveils-smart-fortwo-dockgo/
Not practical and I bet the price will be more for one of these than a Ram C/V or Transit.5-10,000 maybe the first year then it will drop way off,small niche market.
BMW Mini uses a Chrysler engine block for these cars, something people dont know.
Yum. Now bring back the Mini pickup.
My S is a like a poor-man's Porsche, at 1/3 the price. Ain't no truck, but trucks are for WORK and usually get lousy mpg. The Mini delivers up to 40 mpg hwy if you drive like a sane person. I just forget that part...
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