With every new generation of MINI, the lineup has grown and grown. In the first-generation, there was three models. Now, the lineup consists of seven models. However, a BMW board member wants to see MINI cut back the number of models it has.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW board member for Mini and Rolls-Royce tells Autocar that he would like to see brand to pare down the lineup as he believes the rapid expansion is hurting the brand. He said BMW had 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”.

What would Schwarzenbauer's MINI lineup look like? It would comprise of what Schwarzenbauer calls his ‘hero cars' which include a three-door hatch, a convertible, and a SUV.

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

By reducing the amount of models in MINI's lineup, Schwarzenbauer says this will allow Mini’s research and development to concentrate more on improving design and quality.

Source: Autocar

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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.....and quality...

WOW, they all look the same except for the 4 door long version is clearly identifiably different from the rest.

Clear distinct versions would help along with quality. Coworker bought his and has had it in the shop as much as he has had it home. Way to many problems for a small auto.

yes, and the same for BMW

It's really just 1 model with 7 body styles. I realize that's the way the marketeers like to put it, but it's not like, say; a porsche 911 and a cayenne.

Kudos to him for wanting to protect the brand. While he's at it, he might want to think about what to do next with the sheetmetal. Do they keep rehashing the same 40-ish year-old look, or do they update it to try and keep it relevant?