The new mini suv monte could be built in the usa at the spartanburg plant in north carolina ,where the x5 is built.
Production confirmed for late 2008 and could be on sale the following year.

 

Could you share with us where this information came from? Thanks

Donna

 

I read that somewhere, too, but don't remember where. I think it was sumply a writer's speculation, though.

 

It was taken from auto express (UK).
www autoexpress.co.uk

 

Nothing says "Jolly old England" like a British car designed by Germans and built in the US.

 

But it will come with a tea bag holder.

 

Just in case this is true, the Spartanburg plant is in south carolina and is actually located between Spartanburg and Greenville.

 

Say it isn't so...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...ini_monte.html

 

Yes, the plant is actually in Greer, SC, and currently makes the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, Z4 Roadster, M Roadster, Z4 Coupe and M Coupe and soon-to-be X6 and X3. It's a neat place, and since the X3, X5, and X6 will be built there, I could see the MINI SUV being built there.....I would love it, since I am only an hour and a half away....

 

It's true... that's where the plant is...

 

On the bright side, this will decrease the number of people whining about their cars not making it on the boat to the US and will let the Brits enjoy the anxiety of knowing their babies are on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic.

 

If it’s in autoexpress, it must be true!

 

Now that would be a nice garage, a R53 nicely modded as well as a MINI SUV.
Let the count down begin...

 

More like Nothing says SUV like made in the US.

 

If I get all the options, would it be a "Full Monte"?
(hey, someone had to say it)

I don't care what the SUV haters say, I like the concept. I'll take the "S" with a full FHM hood "bonnet stripe" package . Make sure it's reasonably tossable and can handle a decent snow, and I've got my "winter beater"... and get rid of the "playskool heater controls" (quote from Autoweek).

pic from the website:

 

Oh, no! I just got through naming mine Monty!

With the price of gas, a new SUV isn't exactly the best model to be introducing right now. And I can't say that the SUV offends my sense of purity either. I bought an R56, didn't I?

 

I'm not a a purist, but I love every Mini thus far. Mini is a different brand and I believe they will still be loved by me.

 

I'd like to see the headlights a bit more to the front and slightly rounder. They way they are pictured along with the "gaping mouth" grille makes it appear as though it's terrified of a mouse in the road! Not very MINI!

 

Here's another theory for build location....no more or less reliable than the first source.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...icle526614.ece

Taken from the Sun:

"BMW already build their X3 model at Graz, Austria, but its production is being moved to America next year.

That would leave a gap at Graz that could be filled by the Mini Sport Utility model, which is set to begin production in 2008 or 2009."

 

From what i am reading it doesnt really seem like an SUV (in terms of size). It seems more like a Mini that has been expanded in almost every dimension. I wouldn't be surprised if this ended up being smaller than a Honda CR-V or something.

 

Winding road has a piece on in. WWW.windingroad.com The All wheel drive option is interesting. They are calling it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)

"BMW Boss Norbert Reithofer let the world know that Mini is planning to produce a small SAV in the near future earlier this year. Now we have some spy shots, courtesy of Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image, of the upcoming tall Mini.
Spotted in the streets of Munich, this Monte mule is Clubman based, but it offers the option of all-wheel drive and it will be a five-door. Expect the production version to debut at the Paris Motor Show next year."

 

Well, personally I am thinking that it will be more like a Isuzu Vehicross (with better looks). While it may not stay in line with the original intent of the Mini brand, I think that the more successful models are branded MINI the more likely more niche vehicles such as a "Triumph" or all wheel drive R56 will be built. Plus, the more models the brand has the larger the dealerships will get and hopefully more will be built so I don't have to drive 4+ hours through 3 states to get to a dealer (granted I could drive 4.5+time shift and stay in state).

Izuzu Vehicross

 

Quite frankly I'm speechless. I can say this for sure though, MINI won't last past 2009. This answers how many generations the MINI will go through: 2

 

Interesting responses.

Aerojammin thinks it's a good thing and may usher in some new models and nabeshin thinks MINI has "Jumped the Shark"

I'm not ready to toss in the towel on MINI. If you are going to survive you have to be willing to try some new stuff, take some risks. I think MINI will be just fine

 

Sweet, it will turn out to be just as awesome as other expensive german SUV's that have been built in the US! I can't wait!